Motorcycle helmets are designed to provide protection for your head in the event of an accident or collision. They typically consist of a hard outer shell and an inner liner that absorbs impact. The materials used in motorcycle helmet construction should be strong, lightweight, and capable of absorbing and dissipating energy. Here are some commonly used materials:
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a durable and lightweight thermoplastic material commonly used for the outer shell of motorcycle helmets. It offers good impact resistance and is cost-effective.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass composite materials are widely used in helmet construction. Layers of fiberglass fabric are combined with a resin matrix to create a strong and lightweight shell. Fiberglass helmets provide excellent impact absorption and are often used in high-end helmets.
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is a lightweight and exceptionally strong material that offers excellent impact resistance. Helmets made from carbon fiber are typically more expensive but provide superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to other materials.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): EPS foam is commonly used as the inner liner of motorcycle helmets. It is designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the force transmitted to the head during a collision.
Multi-density foam: Some helmets incorporate multiple layers of foam with different densities to optimize impact absorption. The outer layer may be softer to handle low-speed impacts, while the inner layer is denser to handle higher-energy impacts.
It's important to note that helmet safety standards, such as DOT (Department of Transportation) or ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), set specific requirements for helmet performance and construction. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, ensure it meets the relevant safety standards to ensure proper protection for your head.