JEC World 2019 preview: Michelman

Michelman (Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.) is introducing its family of Unyte surface modifiers formulated specifically for manufacturers of technical textiles and prepreg fabrics. Designed to help technical textiles and prepreg fabrics achieve advanced form and function in both woven and nonwoven materials, this brand of water-based emulsions act as binders for carbon, glass, aramid, basalt, UHMWPE, natural, and other polymeric fibers. Michelman is introducing its Unyte products in Booth C34 in Hall 5 at JEC World 2019. 

According to Michelman, the performance and production of technical textiles are enhanced through six distinct pillars of functionality: binding, adhesion, processability, heat resistance, print receptivity, and anti-blocking. 

Unyte Bind is said to improve fiber-to-fiber adhesion. This improved binding of fibers creates a better structure for applications such as laid or woven scrim and prepregs. 

Unyte Grip promotes the adhesion between fibers and polymeric matrices, helping to improve mechanical properties. Increased fiber-to-matrix adhesion is beneficial to prepreg fabric for composites and multilayer systems, such as roofing underlayment, that combine woven and nonwoven materials. 

Unyte Glide is for manufacturers of prepreg fabric and multilayer systems combining woven and nonwoven materials, who can use these grades to increase lubricity and slip and facilitate tow spreading of fibers in technical textile production. They are also used as over-sizing to improve release, drape and fabric processability. 

Unyte Heat operates at elevated temperatures without degradation and can withstand more thermal recycling operations. It is said to provide heat resistance during primary and secondary processing, as well as in the end-use product, making it an ideal solution on braided three-dimensional structures where thermal insulation is required.

Unyte Print boosts ink adhesion for improved print receptivity and minimal color bleed, said to be suited for fabrics that are over-printed for decoration and branding, or with identification codes where legibility is essential.

Unyte Slip is designed to prododuce anti-block properties for fabrics, nonwovens and prepregs which need to be stacked or rolled. It’s designed to prevent finished goods from sticking together and to improve interlayer release and stack-ability.