A Variety of Particles Including Tire Wear Particles Produced on the Road

In this study, different types and shapes of various particles produced on the asphalt pavement road were analyzed. Road dust at a bus stop was collected and was separated as per their sizes by using a sieve shaker. Tire-road wear particles (TRWPs), asphalt pavement wear particles (APWPs), mineral particles, plant-related particles, glass beads, glass particles, road paint wear particles, plastic particles, and fibers were observed herein. The types and shapes of the particles varied depending on their sizes. TRWPs larger than 500 μm were not observed. TRWPs with a size of 212-500 μm were rarely present, but many TRWPs with a size smaller than 212 μm were observed. APWPs were observed for whole-particle sizes of below 1,000 μm. A variety of particles on the road would lead to lower friction between the tires and the road, thereby increasing the braking distance of vehicles. Most of the particles include mineral particles, glass particles, and APWPs with rough surfaces. Therefore, the abrasion of the tire tread would accelerate owing to friction with the tough particles.