Instances of carbon fibre composite bike wheels shattering without warning, while rare, are not unknown, and such accidents can be extremely dangerous – if not potentially lethal – with velodrome cyclists, for example, reaching speeds of up to 80kph.

“Carbon fibre is strong, stiff, lightweight and easy to mould, but it can also splinter when it breaks,” explained Tim Kidd, new business development manager for DSM Dyneema at the recent JEC World in Paris. “This is something that can be avoided by marrying it with Dyneema, which increases impact energy absorption by up to 100% while removing the risk of splintering. Dyneema Carbon hybrid composites are also lighter, less brittle and more vibration dampening than pure carbon composites.”

Read the full article on our Inside Composites website