[Spridgets] would you drive on wood tires?

[corvallis at peoplepc.com]

Tires made from trees -- better, cheaper, more fuel efficient


CORVALLIS, Ore. - Automobile owners around the world may some day soon be
driving on tires that are partly made out of trees - which could cost less,
perform better and save on fuel and energy.

Wood science researchers at Oregon State University have made some
surprising findings about the potential of microcrystalline cellulose - a
product that can be made easily from almost any type of plant fibers - to
partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in the manufacture of
rubber tires.

A new study suggests that this approach might decrease the energy required
to produce the tire, reduce costs, and better resist heat buildup. Early
tests indicate that such products would have comparable traction on cold or
wet pavement, be just as strong, and provide even higher fuel efficiency
than traditional tires in hot weather.

>From http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/osu-tmf072109.php