As transport decarbonizes, researchers turn their attention to an overlooked source of pollution

While electric vehicles are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, every vehicle on the road, whether powered by petrol, diesel or electricity, releases microscopic particles as its tyres wear against the road surface. These particles can enter the air, waterways and wider environment, prompting growing concern about their long-term impact on ecosystems and human health. 

At Queen Mary University of London, Professor James Busfield and his team are investigating how tyre wear particles form, how they change once released and how future tyre designs could help reduce their environmental impact. 

The team's research combines fundamental materials science with close collaboration with tyre manufacturers to understand the mechanisms behind tyre wear, grip and energy loss. By uncovering how these processes occur, the researchers are helping industry improve tyre performance while addressing emerging sustainability challenges. 

Alongside studies into tyre wear, the team is also exploring new approaches to tyre recycling, with the aim of recovering valuable materials and supporting a more circular future for the rubber industry. 

Professor Busfield said: 

"As we move towards a more sustainable transport system, we need to consider the entire environmental impact of mobility. That means understanding not only vehicle emissions, but also the materials we use, how they wear and what happens to them at the end of their life." 

The research highlights how advances in materials science could help create tyres that are safer, more durable and more sustainable, while reducing the environmental footprint of road transport. 

As the transport sector works towards a net-zero future, understanding and mitigating tyre wear will be an important part of ensuring that cleaner mobility delivers benefits across the whole environment, not just at the tailpipe. 

Find out more about Professor Busfield and his work: 
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/research/featured-research/improving-tyre-development-by-rethinking-how-they-wear/ 

ENDS