Manitoba's Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) and Minnesota's Chopper College have partnered to create a commercial-scale, eco-friendly, high performance motorcycle--powered by biofuels and enhanced with bio-composite parts developed by the CIC.
The completed EcoCycle™ will be showcased in the Manitoba Booth on the trade show floor at this year's BIO International Convention (June 27 - 30, 2011 in Washington, D.C.).
The EcoCycle™ project is another example of how Manitoba is at the forefront of international innovation and expertise in the biomaterials and larger agricultural biotechnology industry. What's more, the partnership between the CIC and Chopper College only serves to reinforce how R&D collaboration in our region is helping to establish the North American Midwest as a global hub for innovation.
The EcoCycle™ project also highlights Manitoba's commitment to developing a world-class biomaterials industry. Support for the project was provided through the Province's Science and Technology International Collaboration Fund (STIC) Fund-a program aimed at supporting Manitoba research and business stakeholders' participation in international R&D projects.
Innovative aspects of the EcoCycle™ bike include a gas tank and fender made from hybrid glass/bio-composite materials. The hemp biocomposites were grown locally in Manitoba and represent the world's first use of bio-composite materials for the gas tank components of an eco-friendly, E-85 vehicle. Additionally:
o The infusion friendly,bio-composites are created through traditional manufacturing techniques with only slightly modified processing--delivering superior fibre-to-resin ratios for integrity and toughness; and
o The tank and fender are lightweight and corrosion resistant, with adaptable styling features only composite materials can deliver.