MICROFIBER® 12mm

Product Description

MICROFIBER® is a high-performance, monofilament, polypropylene fibre developed as a crack controlling additive for cementitious materials. It is used to inhibit the formation of small cracks which can occur through plastic shrinkage, premature drying and early thermal changes, in order to provide utilisation of the intrinsic properties of the hardened cementitious material.

MICROFIBER is based on selected raw materials and manufactured under controlled conditions to give a consistent product. Specially designed for crack control in cementitious materials covering areas such as ready mix concrete, precast concrete, screeds, conventional shotcrete, rendering mortars, etc

Principle uses of such fibre concrete include: concrete slabs, pavements, driveways, imprinted concrete, curbs, pipes, grouts, shotcrete and sprayed concrete, overlays, patch repair, microsilica concrete, thin section walling, sea defence and marine applications, water retaining structures, marine concrete, heavy industrial floors, etc.

The product is also suitable for use in tunneling and passive fire protection.

Advantages

• Inhibits intrinsic cracking in concrete, improved plastic shrinkage crack control
• Disperses uniformly throughout the mix
• Improves finishing characteristics
• Improves concrete durability
• Increases impact and abrasion resistance
• Rust and corrosion proof
• Improved explosive spalling and passive fire resistance
• Impervious to alkali attack
• Decreases construction time and labour
• Reduced risk of subsequent damage

Addition Rates

The performance of MICROFIBER is best assessed after preliminary trial mixtures both in the laboratory and on site, using the actual mix constituents under consideration to determine the effect on concrete properties. As a guide to trials, a dosage level of 0.6–0.9 kg MICROFIBER per m3 is recommended.

For advice and assistance with trials we recommend that you consult GCP Applied Technologies.

Typical Properties

Method of Use

MICROFIBER® is supplied ready for use, in concrete dispersible bags, which contain measured quantities for addition to the concrete mix either at the batching plant or on site. Fibres should be added to the cementitious matrix and mixed for 5 minutes to ensure full dispersion. Under special circumstances it may be necessary to adjust the mode of addition and mixing cycle to suit specific applications.

The addition of MICROFIBER may produce a slight reduction in workability while increasing the cohesiveness of the mix. Serious overdosing of Microfiber will generally produce a reduction in workability and an increase in the cohesiveness of the mix.