FibreCoat develops zinc-based fiber coating to reinforce concrete, extend structural lifespans
Zinc, at a lower cost than titanium, has the potential to extend the life of vital infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs across civil and maritime sectors.
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Source | FibreCoat GmbH
FibreCoat GmbH (Aachen, Germany) has developed a novel zinc-based coating for its reinforcement fibers that the company says will transform civil and maritime construction. The coating is designed to provide optimal protection against corrosion in concrete and other highly alkaline environments where aluminum rapidly degrades.
The company, founded in Germany in 2020 but developing its materials since 2014, is known for inventing a novel technology to coat metals and plastics onto fibers, thus combining the properties of the fibers and the coating material during the fiber-spinning process.
The zinc-based coating’s chemical stability in alkaline environments makes it well suited to construction applications. Dispersing zinc-coated fibers within concrete supports cathodic corrosion protection — a process that prevents embedded steel from rusting. In marine and coastal structures, this could, subject to testing, extend the operational lifespan of assets by 20-30 years.
Unlike titanium fibers, which have traditionally provided similar reinforcement at a high cost, zinc offers comparable performance at a fraction of the price. This makes it a highly economical option for large-scale renovation and new-build projects, from multistory car parks to docks, ports and bridges, where strength and longevity are paramount.
While aluminum remains indispensable in aerospace and electrical engineering, zinc’s advantages in structural and alkaline environments make it optimal for civil use, FibreCoat emphasizes. The coating also offers a heavier, more robust finish with less reflectivity, ideal for projects prioritizing durability over conductivity.
FibreCoat’s range of products offer strength, conductivity, shielding and recyclability.
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