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Tire and Road Wear Particle Risks, Formation, and the Need for Off-Road Analysis: A Literature Review

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting  2600050.(doi:10.13031/aim.202600050)
Authors:   Tovia G Owens, R. P. Kingsly Ambrose, Robert M. Stwalley, III
Keywords:   tire road wear particles, off-road tire wear, off-road vehicle tribology

Abstract. Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) form from interactions between rubber tires, brake pad materials, and road substrate in passenger and utility vehicles. TRWPs have been found in waterways, soil samples, and even spider webs. They span a range of particle sizes and chemical compositions, some significantly modified from their original formulations. As an emerging contaminant of international concern, research regarding TRWPs has explored their classification, generation, and environmental health consequences. They have been found to have deleterious effects on soil microbial communities and aquatic organisms, beyond being a significant contributor to microplastic environmental contamination. However, all existing studies focus on solid pavement surfaces like concrete and asphalt, neglecting gravel and dirt roads. The road simulators used for analytical TRWP generation are outfitted for solid substrates and are also limited to light duty vehicle (LDV) tires. The impacts of TRWPs in rural areas without paved roads are therefore less understood, and there is a significant knowledge gap relating to TRWP generation on gravel and dirt roads. Knowledge is also lacking for tractor, truck, and airplane tires. The long-term goals of this project are to develop a theoretical basis for tire interactions with loose substrates and translate that into the design and testing of a road simulator which can accurately model these behaviors. Further research with this device will aid in understanding and controlling TRWP generation, transport, and impact. In the interest of achieving these goals, this literature review summarizes the state of TRWP research today with a particular focus on topics relevant to TRWP generation in the off-road environment.

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