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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Self‐Assembly Strategy for Double Network Elastomer Nanocomposites with Ultralow Energy Consumption and Ultrahigh Wear Resistance
ClearSurface and Reducing End Modification of Nanocellulose to Tailor Miscibility and Mechanical Performance of Reinforced Elastomer Sustainable Composites
This paper is not primarily about microplastics. It describes the development of nanocellulose-reinforced rubber composites as sustainable alternatives to address plastic pollution, including ocean plastic. While the motivation relates to reducing plastic waste, the study itself focuses on polymer materials science and composite engineering rather than microplastic contamination or human health exposure.
A review of rubber tyre derived micro- and nanoplastics: fate, impact and risks
This systematic review examines microplastics generated from rubber tire wear, which are a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. Tire particles spread through air, stormwater, and wastewater to contaminate both land and water. This is an important human health concern because tire-derived microplastics contain toxic chemicals and are found in the air people breathe and the water they drink.
Sustainable, Bio‐Degradable Static Antiozonant for Elastomers: Balancing Ozone Protection in Natural Rubber With Reduced Microplastic Persistence
This study tested whether biodegradable waxes could replace conventional waxes used to protect rubber tires from ozone degradation, and found that biodegradable alternatives performed comparably while reducing the fraction of persistent microplastics shed as tire-road wear particles. Since tire wear is estimated to account for roughly 62% of all global microplastic generation, switching to biodegradable antiozonants could meaningfully reduce long-lived plastic pollution.
Evaluation of Microplastic Generation from Novel Composite Graphene Nanoplatelets-Rubber Tires
Researchers evaluated microplastic generation from novel composite rubber tires incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), motivated by growing concerns about tire-wear particles from heavier electric vehicles. The study assessed how GNP addition affects tire wear rates and the quantity and characteristics of microplastics released compared to conventional rubber formulations.
Dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of rubber release from tires into the environment
A dynamic material flow analysis model estimated the annual and cumulative release of rubber from vehicle tires into the environment via road wear, finding that tire rubber represents a substantial fraction of total microplastic pollution in terrestrial and aquatic systems. The study helps quantify this important but often overlooked microplastic source.
Impact of Particle Size on Properties of 100% Recycled End-of-Life Tire Rubber Sheets from Calendering
Researchers investigated additive-free cold calendering of end-of-life tire rubber powders across three particle size fractions, finding that the finest fraction (<0.5 mm) achieved the highest crosslink density and superior mechanical properties, demonstrating a competitive recycling approach with reduced energy consumption relevant to addressing tire rubber microplastic concerns.
Novel method for the characterization and quantification of rubber particles in air samples and human blood
This study developed a novel method to characterize and quantify tire and road wear rubber particles in environmental samples, identifying natural and synthetic rubber polymers including vulcanized styrene-butadiene rubber as the dominant components. The method advances monitoring capabilities for one of the largest sources of microplastic emissions globally.
Mechanism of microplastic and nanoplastic emission from tire wear
Scientists showed that normal tire wear produces two distinct populations of plastic particles: smaller airborne nanoplastics that stay suspended in the air, and larger microplastics that settle to the ground. Nanoplastic emissions increase dramatically with vehicle speed and weight, and electric charge keeps the smallest particles floating in the air where they can be inhaled. This research identifies tire wear as a major and previously underappreciated source of breathable nanoplastic pollution.
Novel method for the characterization and quantification of rubber particles in air samples and human blood
Researchers developed a novel method to characterize and quantify rubber particles from tire and road wear in air samples, targeting natural rubber and styrene butadiene rubber. The method addresses a key gap in monitoring one of the largest sources of environmental microplastics.
On the Formation and Characterization of Nanoplastics During Surface Wear Processes
Researchers characterized nanoplastic particle generation during surface wear processes, finding that mechanical abrasion of bulk plastic materials produces a broad size distribution of particles including sub-100 nm fragments, with surface wear rate depending on polymer hardness and contact conditions.
Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
This review covers recent advances in creating elastomers (flexible rubber-like materials) from renewable biological sources instead of petroleum, including natural rubber, plant oils, and bio-based polyurethanes. Current elastomers are mostly non-recyclable thermosets that take centuries to decompose, contributing to microplastic formation as they slowly fragment. Developing bio-based, recyclable alternatives could help reduce the long-term generation of microplastic pollution from rubber and flexible plastic products.
Tire wear particles in different water environments: occurrence, behavior, and biological effects—a review and perspectives
This review examines tire wear particles, a major but often overlooked source of microplastics in water environments. Tire particles release toxic chemicals as they break down in water and can harm aquatic organisms, but most research has focused only on the chemical leachate rather than the particles themselves. Since tire wear contributes a large share of total microplastic pollution, understanding its full impact on water ecosystems and the food chain is important for human health.
Microplastics from tyre and road wear A literature review
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.
Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles
This review examines tire microplastics, one of the most abundant types of microplastics in the environment, which come from tire wear on roads, recycled tire rubber, and tire repair dust. These particles carry a complex mix of chemicals including heavy metals and organic pollutants that can harm aquatic and soil organisms. Since tire microplastics end up in waterways and soil near roads, they represent a significant but often overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
A comparative analysis of the chemical composition and biofilm formation on tire wear particles from six different tire types
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.
Nanostructured lignin carriers for efficient flame retardant delivery in natural rubber composites
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes using bio-based lignin nanocontainers to deliver a flame retardant in natural rubber composites, improving fire resistance and mechanical properties; it does not address microplastic pollution, environmental contamination, or health effects.
What is known and unknown concerning microplastics from tyre wear?
This review synthesizes current knowledge on tyre wear particles (TWPs) as a major source of road-traffic microplastics, covering how particle generation, transport pathways, and environmental fate depend on tyre composition, road characteristics, and weather. A key finding is that while TWPs can be identified in environmental samples, quantifying them precisely remains difficult and expensive—a gap that must be closed to accurately assess human and ecological exposure.
Unveiling the mechanism secret of abrasion emissions of particulate matter and microplastics
Researchers investigated the physical and chemical mechanisms driving particulate matter and microplastic emissions from tire abrasion and other organic material wear, a major but poorly understood source of airborne and marine microplastics. The study identified key abrasion mechanisms and material properties that govern emission rates, providing a foundation for reducing non-exhaust traffic-related microplastic pollution.
Current practices and the way forward in waste rubber utilization for infrastructural and geoenvironmental engineering applications
This review examines current practices for utilizing waste rubber from tires and other sources in infrastructure and geoenvironmental engineering applications, covering both technical performance and sustainability considerations. The high resistance of vulcanized rubber to degradation makes developing novel bulk utilization strategies urgent for reducing waste rubber accumulation.
Priorities to inform research on tire particles and their chemical leachates: A collective perspective.
An international interdisciplinary network of researchers identified priority research areas for understanding the ecological impacts of tire particles and their chemical leachates — a rapidly growing area of concern given that tire wear particles are one of the largest sources of microplastics in urban runoff. The priorities span toxicology, exposure assessment, and regulatory relevance.
Methods for laboratory-generation and physico-chemical characterisation of tyre wear particles
Researchers developed a lab method to generate tire wear particles using a friction machine and then identified a suite of chemical compounds that could serve as reliable markers for detecting these particles in environmental samples. Tire wear is one of the largest single sources of microplastic pollution globally, yet quantifying it in the environment has been hampered by the lack of agreed marker compounds. This work lays groundwork for standardized monitoring of tire particle pollution in soils and waterways.
Biodegradable Elastomers: Where Is the Solution?
Despite its title referencing biodegradable elastomers, this paper reviews the development of sustainable rubber-like polymer materials as alternatives to conventional synthetic rubbers — not microplastic pollution. It examines the chemistry of bio-based and degradable elastomers and is not specifically relevant to microplastics or human health, though reducing persistent synthetic rubber in consumer products could have long-term environmental benefits.
Tire Abrasion as a Major Source of Microplastics in the Environment
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.
Natural Rubber Latex-Modified Concrete with PET and Crumb Rubber Aggregate Replacements for Sustainable Rigid Pavements
This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it investigates the mechanical and durability properties of concrete modified with natural rubber latex and waste PET and crumb rubber aggregates as construction materials.