New Footpaths from Old Tyres

Research in the USA has led to the development of a footpath surfacing material, made from scrap tyres. The new surface is said to be both cheap to produce and provides a “joint-friendly surface” for pedestrians and joggers.

There are 290 million scrap tyres generated annually in the USA, said Dr. Robert Amme, professor of physics and materials science, and manager of the Environmental Materials Laboratory at the University of Denver. “The new process consumes rubber from 6,000-7,000 tyres per mile of trail” he went on.

Extensive lab studies and field testing has been carried out by Amme, graduate student Haifeng Ni and William Meggison. The surface – a mixture of asphalt, ground-up tyre rubber and a chemical modifier – gives a soft yet resilient surface, suitable for pedestrians and bike riders. The University of Denver has filed for a patent. “We want to call the material SofTrails” Amme added.

In a description which could almost apply to a tyre, the new material is described as “providing good traction in the wet, comfortable and resistant to wear, cracking and water.”