EXACT BUILDING
SOLUTIONS
Strong Fiber® originated from EXACT’s Thermoplastic department. It is a special Microfiber made of virgin Polypropylene, stretched and fibrillated, and is used to reinforce concrete, mortars and gunite products.
Strong Fiber® is water repellent, highly resistant to abrasion, has high tenacity and is insensitive to humidity. It is resistant to alkaline agents, chemicals, molds and microorganisms. Mixed in cement or lime based mixes, Strong Fiber® creates a three-dimensional micro-reinforcement, increasing the durability, elasticity and providing an overall enhancement of the product.
HOW IT WORKS
Fibrillated polypropylene comes in small bundles, like many small straw sheaves.
When mixed in concrete, it opens forming a three-dimensional and capillary like grid that fills all gaps and spaces in the compound. Thanks to the small dimensions, the distribution is random but uniform and the fibrillation of the material prevents the fibers from agglomerating or knotting in a single point, a possible occurrence when using non-crosslinked fiber additives. With the uniform addition of Strong Fiber, concretes acquire new mechanical, physical and aesthetic characteristics.
ADVANTAGES
UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION
Strong Fiber’s fibrillated structure and contained dimensions ensure ease of distribution when added to any concrete mixture. It can be added by hand, with conveyor belts or special dispensers. The homogeneity of distribution ensures a multi-purpose and capillary reinforcement
NO SEPARATION/SEGREGATION OF THE AGGREGATE
Strong Fiber’s® uniform distribution and homogeneity in the mixture prevents the dangerous phenomenon of “aggregate segregation” with consequent surfacing of aqueous matrix in surfaces (bleeding), causing an overall weakening of the concrete.
REDUCTION OF CRACKS DUE TO PLASTIC SHRINKAGE
Strong Fiber® reduces cracks due to the plastic and hygrometric shrinkage of the concrete during the delicate drying phase of the compound. The polypropylene fibers intercept the shrinkage cracks in their microscopic phase, stopping their propagation and development.
MORE ELASTICITY
Concrete with the Strong Fiber® addative, acquires greater resistance to bending, vibration and traction. This is due to the kinetic absorption power of the propylene fibers which can continue to shrink, pull and/or stretch even after the concrete has dried and set.
SPALLING EFFECT REDUCED
In the event of a fire, the increase in internal concrete pressure due to overheating of the water that cannot evaporate, can result in the phenomenon of “spalling”, the violent explosion of concrete. The presence of polypropylene fibers delays and reduces this dangerous phenomenon, because, once the melting temperature is reached, they dissolve creating a structure of capillary channels that discharge steam and interstitial heat, thus avoiding the violent explosion of the concrete.
REISTANCE TO ABRASIONS AND IMPACTS
The plastic characteristics of Strong Fiber® microfibers, increases the durability of concrete mixtures, increasing its toughness index resulting in a product that is more resistant to blows and superficial abrasions.
CORROSION RESISTANT
Polypropylene fibers are resistant to acids, alkaline agents, molds and microorganisms. Concrete with Strong FIber® addative is more resistant to corrosion and has greater resistance to environmental and chemical aggressions.
RESISTANCE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS AND UV RAYS
The reduced permeability, crack potential, and the chemical-physical characteristics of the stabilized fibers of Strong Fiber®, make concretes and such, more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays and high summer ambient temperatures. This results in the elimination of premature aging and an overall better aesthetic appearance over time.
AVAILABLE LENGTHS
Strong Fiber® is produced in various sizes, depending on the aggregates used.
Standard lengths: 3mm / 6mm / 10mm / 12mm / 19mm / 25mm / 30mm / 38mm / 57mm / 76mm.
For specific needs, fibers are available with lengths starting from 3mm up to 100mm. To obtain maximum dispersibility in mixtures and in short mix time, Strong Fiber® fibers are previously ventilated.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE N
Specific Gravity | 0.91 g/cm3 |
Tensile Strength | 0.55 ± Kn/mm2 |
Elastic Modulus (Yongs) | 3.6 Kn/mm2 |
Percentage Ultimate Elongation | ~ 15% |
Absorption | zero |
Melting Point | 170°C ±1 |
Ignition Point | 590°C |
Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient (20°C) | 75x0,0000001 cm/cm x °C |
Fiber Length | 3 : 100 mm |
Denier | 20 : 100 |
APPLICATIONS
INDUSTRIAL FLOORS
HOME FLOORING
COSTRUCTION IN SEISMIC ZONES
OUTDOOR PAVING
CONSTRUCTION IN MARINE ENVIROMENTS
TURBOSOL / GUNITI
PREFABRICATED OBJECTS
RESTORATION PLASTERS AND MORTARS