When considering tire construction, which specific internal characteristic of a tire has the most direct impact on energy loss due to hysteresis, thus increasing rolling resistance?

The specific internal characteristic of a tire that has the most direct impact on energy loss due to hysteresis, thereby increasing rolling resistance, is the flexibility and damping properties of the tire's rubber compounds and reinforcement materials. Hysteresis is the phenomenon where a material does not return all the energy it absorbs when it is deformed. In a tire, as the tire rolls, different parts of its structure are constantly being compressed and released. When rubber deforms, some of the energy put into deforming it is lost as heat rather than being returned ....