Khon Kaen University has unveiled the world’s first “silk bicycle”. The invention is seen as proof that silk has applications beyond the textile industry.
A silk resin frame costs THB 15,000 - 20,000 (about US $450 to US $600) compared with THB 40,000-100,000 (US $1,200 to US $3,000) for a carbon fibre frame.
"Silk resin frames can handle five times the load and eight times the tensile force over carbon fibre frames,” said Assistant Professor Phanomkorn Khwakhong, adding that the silk frames are “about 30 times more flexible than an aluminum frame.” Moreover, the silk bicycle is much lighter than its aluminum ‘brother’, he said.
The Khon Kaen University engineering faculty patented the process and is looking for commercial partnerships and interested investors. The invention is expected to open new economic horizons for local silk manufacturers.