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Analysis of tire wear airstrip particles (TWAP)
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Researchers analyzed tire wear airstrip particles collected during airport runway cleaning operations, characterizing the composition and properties of these microplastic-rich materials and exploring their potential for recycling and value recovery. The study identified airports as an overlooked but concentrated collection point for tire wear particles, where the structured cleaning process creates an opportunity to capture and repurpose rubber microplastics rather than allowing them to disperse into the environment.
Abstract Tire wear is a main contributor to microplastics. As we cannot fully avoid tire wear, otherwise we could not brake and stop, new solutions are needed to address this problem. Not only on roads tire wear is released to the environment, even more can be found at airports. The advantage there is that the Tire Wear Airstrip Particles are gathered while cleaning the pavement. This collection is an opportunity to recycle and add new value to it. Whereas rubber powder is a common way to recycle and reuse end-of-life-tires as raw material in rubber compounds, the question is if TWAP is reusable in the same or similar way. In this study TWAP and rubber powder from truck tire treads are analyzed and compared with regard to their morphology, particle size distribution and composition. The particle size distribution of TWAP is broader than rubber powder containing also much smaller particles. The mineral content of TWAP is about 60%. These minerals can be residues of the pavement, brake wear but also rubber ingredients. In comparison to rubber powder, the impurities of TWAP are expected to have an impact with regard to potential applications and should be better separated.
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Analysis of Tire Wear Airstrip Particles (TWAP)
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Researchers analyzed tire wear particles collected from airport runways to determine whether they could be reused as secondary raw materials in a circular economy rather than incinerated. The particles were compared to ambient rubber powder and evaluated for reuse potential.
Microplastics from tyre and road wear A literature review
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This literature review examines microplastics generated from tire and road wear, identifying road traffic as a significant but often overlooked source of plastic pollution in urban runoff and waterways. The authors assess what is known about tire particle composition, environmental fate, and potential ecological effects.
Tire Abrasion as a Major Source of Microplastics in the Environment
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This study analyzed tire wear particles as a major source of microplastics in the environment, estimating that tire abrasion contributes a substantial fraction of total microplastic emissions globally and highlighting road runoff as a key delivery pathway to waterways.
Investigation of physical and chemical properties of particulate matter caused by vehicle tire wear
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Researchers characterized the physical and chemical properties of submicron tire wear particles generated from vehicle use on roadways. Using advanced analytical techniques, they identified the elemental composition and morphological structure of these particles, finding notable concentrations of metals and heavy metals. The study highlights that tire wear particles are a significant source of microplastic and chemical pollution with potential implications for human health and the environment.
A comparative analysis of the chemical composition and biofilm formation on tire wear particles from six different tire types
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Researchers analyzed the chemical composition and biofilm communities forming on tire-wear particles compared to other microplastic types, finding that tire wear particles support distinct microbial assemblages. The unique surface chemistry of tire wear particles may promote the attachment of pathogens and toxin-producing microorganisms.
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