Tire Research Underway

Dr. Howard Colvin and recent graduate Philip Thomley are hard at work in the science labs of the Akin Building this summer. They have received funding from a large outside company to research the improvement of tire performance. Some of the testing will be done at Florida College, while the corporate sponsor will do more at their facility.

The research primarily involves the chemistry of polymeric materials. “A lot of the chemistry hasn’t been done before,” Thomley said. They are testing natural products such as citrus derivatives to mix with the rubber in tires. The research represents an attempt to get away from dependence on oil; currently over 70 percent of a tire is derived from petroleum.

Work began in June, and the bulk of the research will be finished by the end of July.

“It’s going pretty well,” Thomley said. “Several promising avenues have opened up.”

The sponsor has already sent a note expressing that they are pleased with they’ve seen so far.

This is the first time scientific research has been funded at FC. In addition to what such a prestigious sponsorship means for the future of the school, this project has also brought in new laboratory equipment worth several thousands of dollars.

Dr. Colvin hopes that this will encourage inspiring scientists to come to FC, where exciting research is being both conducted and recognized.