Covestro provides the ideal material solution for AirFom’s innovative airless tire system
Rubber innertubes are a standard feature in bike tires due to their light weight and riding comfort. However, these innertubes require regular upkeep to maintain air pressure and they are prone to puncturing. The goal of this collaboration was to create a puncture-free tire that offers an improves level of riding comfort.
Bike tires with rubber innertubes are the norm in bike manufacturing. Despite their light weight and comfort, these innertubes require frequent maintenance and they are prone to puncturing. AirFom is pursuing its goal of replacing rubber innertubes with airless tire inserts that offer the same level of performance while providing improved comfort – all without the need for maintenance or puncture risk. As a partner to AirFom, Covestro selected and delivered a raw material that lives up to their specifications.
“The AirFom concept is to allow cyclists who use bikes every day to never have to worry about the threat of flat tires, pressure maintenance or vandalism. The use of Covestro TPU materials is key to realizing this concept. With Covestro’s high-tech TPU materials, we can make an airless system that is affordable, fast rolling, lightweight, highly durable and more recyclable.”
What makes Desmopan® resin the ideal choice for AirFom airless tire inserts?
- Light weight Easily expanded with a closed-cell foam structure and low-density material
- Resilient Ensuring high damping grades for bike tires and more riding comfort
- Durable High flexibility across a wide range of temperatures, and a low compression set
- Recycable No cross-linked particle structure, making it easy to recycle
