i'm a soon-to-be Ga. Tech graduate with some experience with aerospace
grade composites, which some bikes (like the BMCs) are certainly
comparable to, while others are not. also, i'd like to note that Easton
and BMC have been pushing this technology for at least three years.
carbon nanotubes are exciting because lab-grade materials have produced
unprecedented yield strengths. however, actual production of the
material for manufacturing purposes has proven difficult (anyone
remember the space elevator?). thus, carbon fibers are still utilized
as load-carrying members in the composite. my understanding of the
easton material is that the nanotubes disrupt crack propagation in the
matrix, improving the material's toughness. since none of the nanotubes
are aligned in one particular direction and all are significantly
shorter than the reinforcing fibers, it is unlikely that they improve
the strength of the material significantly. also, it is typical (in
almost all materials) that improved toughness means lower strength and
stiffness values. so, it is possible that the easton material is the
same strength or even weaker than other carbon fiber composites. the
BMC frames *are* a little heavier than some other high-end full carbon
frames...
as far as fatigue goes, composites in general are typically superior
metals. fatigue of the carbon material is not an issue; it is one of
its strengths. however, many carbon frames have joints and other bonds
(e.g. bottom bracket shells). these are the areas of concern for
fatigue. however, the bonds at these key locations are a function of
the manufacturing process. in other words, fatigue of carbon bicycles
is a result of how they're put together, not the material itself. the
material concerns with carbon fiber (esp. as compared to metals) are
impact strength -- since the tubes are weak through the thickness -- and
other failure modes, like delamination, absorption of moisture, UV
degredation, etc. i don't know how companies address these issues, but
the carbon bikes seem to have become much more reliable in these
respects. BMC appears to have addressed the crash-worthiness of their
bikes in improving toughness of the composite used, although i doubt
most buyers are going to see it this way. i think it's mostly a
marketing ploy to get people to buy their high-end carbon bike over
another company's.
frank
bicycle_disciple said:Hi,
http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2008/03/carbon-nano-tube-bicycle-technology.html
Experts in the materials science field are welcome to discuss the
advantages of this material. Btw, if you aren't interested in opening
the link, thats fine but keep unnecessary comments to yourself.
Ron
http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com