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From elastomer microstructure to thermomechanically damaged nanocomposites: an insight into the parameters influencing the biodegradability of rubbers by natural microbial consortia
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Researchers examined how the complex rubber microstructure of tire and road wear particles—including carbon black, silica, and polymer cross-links—governs resistance to biodegradation by natural microbial consortia, finding that thermomechanical damage during road use alters particle morphology but that TRWP remain largely persistent beyond two years in environmental conditions.
Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) have raised questions about their environmental fate, and there is a particular lack of knowledge regarding their biodegradability. Recent studies suggest their persistence beyond 2 years in soil or water. Conversely, several microbial strains have been show...
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Assessing the Biodegradability of Tire Tread Particles and Influencing Factors
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Researchers tested the biodegradability of tire tread particles under natural and UV-weathered conditions, finding that biodegradation was limited and that UV weathering affected the process. Tire wear particles persist in the environment and contribute to microplastic, chemical, and particulate matter pollution.
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.
Aging of tire and road wear particles in terrestrial and freshwater environments - A review on processes, testing, analysis and impact.
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This review examines how tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) change after being released into the environment, covering processes like oxidation, UV degradation, and biodegradation. Researchers found that while some tire-aging knowledge applies to TRWPs, quantitative understanding of environmental aging remains largely lacking. The review outlines key knowledge gaps and next steps for future TRWP aging studies.
Degradation rates and ageing effects of UV on tyre and road wear particles
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Researchers studied how UV light degrades tire and road wear particles, which are considered the largest source of microplastics in the environment. They found that UV exposure caused significant surface cracking and chemical changes in the rubber particles, accelerating their breakdown into smaller fragments. The study provides important data on how quickly these particles degrade outdoors, which helps predict their long-term environmental fate and accumulation.
Deciphering the aging-driven transformation of tire wear particles: Reshaping adsorption, leaching dynamics, and biointerfacial impacts
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Researchers reviewed how environmental aging — via photooxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation — transforms tire wear particles by increasing surface area and polarity, promoting additive leaching and the formation of reactive free radicals, collectively amplifying ecological toxicity beyond what fresh particles alone would cause.
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