#Research & Development

2026-07-09

Tire wear, particle analysis, test bench development, material development

TERIS reaches milestone: Fraunhofer consortium develops new standards for tire analysis

In the “TERIS” project, the Fraunhofer institutes ICT, IGD, and IWM—led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF—have reached a decisive milestone. For the first time, the teams aim to generate, analyse, and predict tire wear in the laboratory in a standardized and practical manner. As part of this milestone, results are now available on reference abrasion, particle analysis, tribological models, AI-based surface analysis, a test bench concept, and methods for accelerated aging and VOC detection. The tire industry, testing services, and environmental agencies will in future benefit from reliable, rapid laboratory procedures for emissions assessment.

The project “Technology Platform for Tire Abrasion and the Identification of Its Emissions in Road Traffic (TERIS)” is making significant strides in tire and rubber-compound development. With the first milestone achieved and the project reviewed, the first important step has been successfully completed. This was also confirmed by the advisory board, composed of industry experts, which typically oversees such projects.

New standards for laboratory analysis and prediction of tire wear

The combination of different collection and measurement methods enables precise analysis of both suspended and settling particle fractions. In parallel, tribological models were developed that shed light—both experimentally and theoretically—on the relationship between load parameters, material properties, surface structure, and particle formation. This enables real-world abrasion processes to be specifically replicated in the laboratory.

A test chamber specialized in accelerated aging enables preconditioning of samples in a targeted and reproducible manner under environmental stress, thereby also investigating the influence on abrasion behaviour.

A major advancement is the development of an optical detection system that uses artificial intelligence to precisely identify and classify surface structures. The approach has already been validated using substitute materials and will be applied to real rubber samples in the next phase.

The consortium has also designed a test bench concept that combines the generation of rubber abrasion under multiaxial loading, targeted particle detection, and the integration of optical sensors in a laboratory setup.

A combination of weathering and chemical analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by tire abrasion enables assessment of the environmental impact of particles.

The results provide the basis for an accelerated, practical, and well-founded evaluation of new rubber compounds in the laboratory. Tire manufacturers, testing services, and environmental agencies are thus provided with tools that enable them to specifically reduce emissions, evaluate new products more quickly, and meet the requirements of the Euro 7 standard.

Detailed information on the interim results:

Researchers at Fraunhofer LBF have developed the basic concept for an abrasion machine that generates and collects realistic tire abrasion on rubber samples. Various test benches were analyzed, and requirements derived from real-world driving data were adapted to laboratory conditions. The machine design allows for the adjustment of a wide range of parameters to influence tire abrasion. Particle collection and detection are handled by other APs. To analyze the degradation behavior of tire abrasion under environmental stress, a methodology for weathering the abrasion is being developed. This will enable the collection and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under UV exposure. The measurement methodology is being further optimized to enable the identification and quantification of VOCs. Both work packages lay the groundwork for evaluation and standardization.

High-performance elastomers and plasma polymer coatings to replace fluoropolymers in technical applications: new Fraunhofer project

Users of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are under pressure due to regulatory proposals from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This also affects the use of fluoroelastomers, whose economic significance is enormous. Fraunhofer experts initiated the "HATE-Fluor" project at the beginning of February. Together, they want to develop high-performance elastomer compounds to replace fluoropolymers in certain technical applications.

Bio-based polyesters for challenging long-term applications

Current bio-based plastics are often only suitable for short-lived applications, such as packaging, because they have inadequate long-term properties. The new project “Bio-based polyesters for challenging long-term applications” from the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF aims to improve the long-term properties of bioplastics through targeted additivation in order to enable their use in technical applications. To do this, the researchers are looking for companies along the value chain that would also like to substitute petro-based plastics with bio-based solutions in long-lasting products.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Geotextiles made from recycled materials: GREEN leads the way into the industry

For the industry, recycled materials are creating new opportunities in geotextile production. In the GREEN project, the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE demonstrates that recycled polypro-pylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyeth-ylene (HDPE) can be processed into nonwovens, fibers, and membranes that meet industrial requirements. This creates opportunities for use in existing production lines and new value chains in the geotextile market.

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.