A group of postgraduate students from Imperial College London have fashioned a unique anti-pollution device capable of absorbing nearly 60% of airborne tyre particles from old tyres. The prototype, which attaches to the side of a tyre and has a removable storage unit, can easily catch tiny particles that fly off a tyre when it suddenly brakes or turns sharply; these particles can then be recycled to create more tyres or soundproofing material. The group, who call themselves the Tyre Collective, have even used particles gathered by the prototype to print ink on business cards they made.
One of the four founders of the project, engineering student Hanson Cheng, believes their device benefits both the public and auto manufacturers – the former can enjoy cleaner air while the latter can be more environmentally-friendly.
Recently, the dangers of air pollution have become more widely understood in London, but the dangers of airborne tyre particles are less so – a 2018 report by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs states that pollution from tyres, brakes and road surface wear makes up more than half of road emissions. The fine particles that result are deceivingly breathable and can lead to lung problems; the particles can also enter the water system and become part of microplastics in the oceans.
Tyre Collective co-founder Deepak Mallya added that tyres are now considered “a very stealthy source of emissions.” The students hope to use their device in practice and are currently working with car companies and local transport authorities.