BASF’s Elastollan stars in bicycle tube

Abstract

BASF and the bicycle-tube maker Schwalbe say new tire tubes made entirely of BASF’s Elastollan-brand thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can reduce the risk—and danger—of a sudden flat tire. The TPU version has higher puncture resistance than traditional butyl rubber tubes. It is also 40% lighter, as well as recyclable and easy to assemble, the firms say.