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Do you provide materials to support TRWP research?

Using a Tire Industry Project (TIP) methodology, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) produces cryogenically milled tire tread (CMTT) and provides samples to researchers to advance scientific study on tire and road wear particles (TRWP).

CMTT is the product of a standardized and reproduceable laboratory process developed by TIP, that grinds (or mills) tire tread to simulate the tire particles that are generated by the friction between tires and road surfaces. CMTT is comprised of tiny pieces of the vulcanized rubber compound found in tire tread, but does not contain elements arising from pavement or any interactions with pavement.

Researchers can request samples via the USTMA website. Complementing the USTMA initiative, TIP has committed to make representative CMTT available for other regions by the end of 2022.

Related Questions

  1. What are tire and road wear particles (TRWP)?
  2. What has TIP-sponsored research revealed about any potential environmental impacts of TRWP?
  3. Where can TRWP be found?
  4. Are tires the main source of ocean microplastics?
  5. Are tire emissions 1,000 times worse than exhaust emissions? 
  6. Are TRWP a threat to my health?
  7. Are there chemicals from tires in lettuce? 
  8. What is TIP’s approach to scientific research? 
  9. How does TIP ensure the validity of the research that it sponsors?
  10. What is TIP’s TRWP-research mandate, and does this mandate evolve?
  11. What is the final goal of TIP’s TRWP research?
  12. Why is TRWP a multi-stakeholder issue (and what are the implications of that)?
  13. What can tire consumers and drivers do to help limit the generation of TRWP?
  14. TIP’s scientific research helps develop understanding of TRWP, but what about action on the ground, such as mitigation?
  15. What is 6PPD-quinone?
  16. What is TIP doing about 6PPD-quinone?
  17. The example of 6PPD-quinone raises a question. What is the potential for replacement of materials and chemicals in tire manufacturing?
  18. Are TRWP a form of microplastic?
  19. Are TRWP a source of marine microplastic pollution?
  20. When and why did TIP begin supporting research into TRWP and their potential health and environmental impact?
  21. How much TRWP is generated?
  22. What do TRWP look like, how big are they, can I see them with the naked eye?