Manufacturing and characterization of sports bike parts

Abstract

The goal of this research project is to explore a cheaper alternative manufacturing method namely, bladder resin transfer moulding (BRTM) to manufacture a composite bicycle frame. This process has previously been proven capable of manufacturing hollow composite sports parts and has prospects of being automated, which makes it easier for manufacturers to scale production for composite parts. Fibre-reinforced composites although gaining market share in structural applications have been limited by their lack of toughness. Fibre hybridisation is a promising strategy to tailor the composite material properties. By combining two or 3 more fibre types, composites can have a better balance in mechanical properties compared to conventional non-hybrid composites.