A heated topic of discussion on bicycle forms is inflation of composite tyres by use of small carbon dioxide CO2 cylinders. A road bike tyre is typically inflated to 100-120 psi. It is often noted that a tire thus inflated will be flat within a day or two. Those who haven't experienced this will deny the possibility. The common explanation is the solubility of CO2 gas in butyl rubber.

Comments?

I read with interest your comments on N2 gas in composite tyres, my first thought is that when the air inflated tire loses pressure, you will just reinflate with more air. After some time the gas in the tire is mostly nitrogen (your very own gaseous diffusion plant).

Re: CO2 inflation Composite Analytica 10/04/2007 (0)