How can you help the enviorment solve the 1.0 billion $ tire problem anually
CYSF · 2025 Silver Medal
Overview
This project focuses on the environmental impact of tire disposal and explores a sustainable solution through the process of rethreading tire treads. Expanding the life of the tire by three to five times.
Hypothesis
Implementing retreading tires or using similar technology, it will reduce the yearly tire waste by 80%. We will attempt to retread a tire in a faster and in more efficient manner.
Research
Over 1.5 billion tires are discarded each year.
- Tyre tread wear is the main reason for disposal.
- Retreading tires can extend their life 3 to 5 times.
- Retreading is up to 80% more efficient than replacing with new ones.
- Benefits include reducing waste and conserving resources.
- Environmental impacts:
- Contributes 2% to global warming.
- High energy consumption.
- Creation of toxic waste and diseases.
Specific Topic: Retreading Tires - Five Main Steps:
1. Inspection
2. Buffing
3. Repairing
4. Excursion
5.Treadingit with new ones. This will help reduce waste and save resources.
Variables
• Independent Variable: Rethread vs New
• Dependent Variables: The durability of the substitute, its speed, and environmental impact.
• Controlled Variables :Drill, Surface, Rubber, Time.
Procedure
1. Inspect the worn tire to ensure that no objects are stuck to it.
2. Use your cordless rotary tool to buff the tire until it is flat. Then, clean any excess tread with a sanding sponge and an air duster.
3. Apply tire glue generously over the entire surface of the tire.
4. After applying the glue, place your fresh rubber (21.3 cm) onto the tire and apply pressure to secure it.
5. Finally, use your cordless rotary tool to create new tire tracks.
Observations
Thickness of the tire: | Before | After (5 min)
Brand New Tire | 7 mm | 6 mm
Reathreaded Tire | 9 mm | 8 mm
Analysis
Thickness of the tire: | Before | After (5 min)
Brand New Tire | 7 mm | 6 mm
Reathreaded Tire | 9 mm | 8 mm
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the performance of the rethreaded tire is comparable to the original tire's overall functionality.
However, there is a notable decrease in grip performance. If widespread adoption of tire rethreading practices were to occur, it could have significant implications for environmental sustainability and resource usage in the tire manufacturing industry.
Awards (1)
Competition history
- CYSF 2025
Resources
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Source: Calgary Youth Science Fair