Basalt fiber textile receives Techtextil Innovation Award 2017

Germany-located Peterseim Strickwaren used basalt fiber to produce protective basalt knitted fabric, which was presented in the ‘new application’ category at Techtextil Innovation Award 2017. This fabric can be used to protect maritime systems, such as buoys, bridges foundations, wind turbines and other water-located structures from environmental influences.

Peterseim Strickwaren has broad know-how in advanced knitting techniques and can process a diverse range of difficult materials, including thermoplastic fibres.. To develop a new insulation coating, the researchers used antibacterial, antimicrobial and strength characteristics of basalt fiber. They stress that the most difficult thing was to weave the basalt yarn into a specially woven construction. The use of this protection for the maritime systems suffering from corrosive environment can reduce maintenance costs  by up to 40%.

Techtextil Innovation Award is held as part of Techtextil’s annual exhibition of technical textiles and nonwovens. The winners are awarded in four categories: “New application”, “New technology”, “New product”, “New material”.

This year Techtextil attendees saw basalt-based solutions and technologies presented not only by the winner of Techtextil Innovation Award. GKD showcased basalt fiber reinforced hybrid fabrics and mesh in Frankfurt am Main. Olbo & Mehler demonstrated fire retardant basalt fabric, which won Inova Textil Award two years ago.