Stellantis Claims Eggshells Could Improve Tire Efficiency and Performance in Rainy Conditions.

      Stellantis

      Navigating with caution often leads to tension and conflict, but could the concept of driving on eggshells offer a refreshing alternative? This is the premise of a recent patent filed by Stellantis, which aims to repurpose eggshells from composting into tire production.

      The core idea of the patent is straightforward: extract calcium oxide (CaO) from discarded eggshells to substitute carbon black and silica in tire formulations. Stellantis submitted its application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office in mid-2023, although the office only published it last month. The notice from January 23 was discovered by CarMoses.

      But what’s the incentive? There are several factors. Eggshells are a readily available natural material. Stellantis notes that hen eggs consist of over 90% calcium carbonate, from which calcium oxide can be harvested. Utilizing eggshells reduces landfill waste, and replacing chemically derived materials with bio-waste decreases environmental and health risks.

      Additionally, as pointed out by CarMoses, calcium oxide has the potential to enhance a tire’s rolling resistance and improve grip in wet conditions. Stellantis claims its CaO-infused tire formulation could increase fuel efficiency by roughly 3% and decrease rolling resistance by 20% compared to a conventional tire using carbon black.

      Stellantis is not looking to eliminate tires—what would vehicles do without them? However, to humans and all life forms that require oxygen, tires are often viewed as a necessary inconvenience. Natural rubber is creamy white and sourced from trees, which play a vital role in air purification and providing shade. In contrast, tires are made from both natural and synthetic materials, with artificial components that can be harmful.

      For instance, the black color of tires comes from carbon black, which serves important functions such as chemical stabilization, sun protection, and heat dispersion. Yet, carbon black is derived from soot, which is not something you'd want in your food.

      Research indicates that tire degradation contributes more pollution than vehicle exhaust, and studies show that most microplastics found in oceans and waterways consist of tire particles—things that don’t break down. Consequently, we are inadvertently inhaling, consuming, and drinking remnants of old tires, which is unappealing.

      However, I’m not inclined toward that kind of experience. I have no interest in indulging in rubber as my next meal. Is this concept far-fetched? Stellantis provides some detail on the extraction process, noting that eggshells must be exposed to temperatures of at least 900°C. This process transforms the eggs into dust (calcium oxide), which is then milled. Beyond this, specifics on how the CaO will be incorporated into the tire compound, manufacturing processes, such as costs and time, or whether these eggshell tires would still appear black, have not been shared.

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