Universidad Carlos III de Madrid develops modular, sustainable tire prototype

Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have developed a prototype for a modular, sustainable tire through the ECOTIRE project. The design features a removable tread that can be replaced while retaining the main tire casing, which accounts for over 80% of the tire's total weight.

Unlike traditional tires that use chemical bonding, the ECOTIRE prototype utilizes interlocking mechanical shapes to secure the tread to the casing. This approach aims to reduce rubber waste and the environmental impact of discarding intact casings. In laboratory trials using a one-third scale model, the tread remained attached at intended inflation pressures.

Additionally, the research team tested silicone rubber as a tread material, finding it exhibited approximately ten times less deterioration and greater stability than conventional rubber. The project also envisions integrating sensors into the tire to create a smart component capable of providing real-time data for autonomous vehicles and infrastructure.