News (Sponsor type)

Michelman's Hydrosize® fibre sizing technology plays a critical role in enhancing the performance and processability of FibreCoat's fibre for composite manufacturing. FibreCoat's patented aluminium-coating process partially or fully coats basalt fibres, combining the material's mechanical properties with aluminium conductivity. By integrating Michelman's Hydrosize® fibre sizing, the aluminium-coated fibres achieve key performance attributes necessary for reliable composite applications. Michelman's sizing helps form stable fibre bundles, reducing fuzz and maintaining fibre integrity during processing and supports weavability, making continuous fibres more spreadable. Additionally, the sizing ensures compatibility with the resin systems and balances compatibility between the aluminium and basalt surfaces on the fibre.

"We are pleased to support FibreCoat as they bring this technology to market," said Steve Bassetti, Michelman's Director of Global Marketing, Fibres and Composites. "Their aluminium-coated basalt fibre addresses the needs of applications that require conductive and lightweight materials for EMI shielding and thermal management. Our collaboration demonstrates Michelman's role in advancing fibre technologies with innovative companies like FibreCoat."

The relationship between Michelman and FibreCoat began over a decade ago at the Institute for Textile Technology, which is part of RWTH Aachen University, where FibreCoat's founders identified Michelman's fibre sizing expertise as essential to their fibre's performance. Throughout development, Michelman provided support as FibreCoat refined the fibre's formulation to achieve optimal results.

"Michelman has been a trusted partner for many years, providing technical support as we moved from research to commercialisation. Their willingness to assist us through trial and error allowed us to refine our fibre technology. Hydrosize® fibre sizing ultimately helped us address key challenges, including maintaining a PFAS-free solution, ensuring smooth unwinding to prevent fibres from sticking together on the bobbin, and minimising fuzz during processing."

—Alexander Luking, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at FibreCoat

Zeineb Romdhane, Lab Coordinator at FibreCoat, noted "Achieving the right balance in the sizing application was crucial—too little sizing would lead to fibre separation, while too much could cause excessive adhesion. Michelman's expertise enabled us to overcome these obstacles and deliver a consistently high-quality fibre for advanced composite applications."

Michelman's Hydrosize solutions will be on display at JEC World 2025, where they will exhibit in booth 5E135. Sizing experts will be on hand to discuss applications based on basalt, glass, carbon and natural fibres, including both chopped and continuous formats. FibreCoat will also be exhibiting at JEC World. The company's innovative AluCoat solutions will be on display in booth 5F65.

Photos: Michelman