| Fibruco additional technical information |
Q: What is Fibruco fibre made of?
Fibruco fibre is prepared by stereoscopic polymerization from isostatic polypropylene. The fibre is extruded from the polypropylene melt, cooled, coated and continuously lengthened. The fibre is then cut to the desired length. This produces fibres with a circular cross-section that can be controlled within a range from 18-30µm having a staple length of 6, 12, 22 and 38mm. 18 µm fibre is about 1/3rd the thickness of a human hair.
Q: How many fibres are there per kg?
This ranges from about 500 million
for 12mm long 18µm fibre to 155 million for 12mm long 30µm fibre. A single kg of 18µm fibre has a total length of about 4,400 km! This produces a large nominal surface area ranging from about 350m2/kg to 150m2/kg for 30µm fibre.
Q: Are the fibres coated?
The fibres are coated with
a wetting agent that means they disperse very readily in water.
Q: Is a filling agent used?
CaCO3
is added to the polymer melt creating a masterbatch. During extrusion this is homogenously distributed throughout the volume of melted material and creates disruptions on the surface of the smooth fibrils' surface. The result is an increase in nominal surface area and a much better anchorage in the concrete matrix.
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Process & Environmental Controls
ISO 9001:2000, ISO14001. Independent Certification by Det Norske Veritas |
Process controls are applied every 24 hours during the production process. These cover:
- fibre diameter
- surface finish quality
- mechanical properties (to EN ISO standards)
Each batch is recorded with the following:
- product name
- nominal staple length
- batch serial number
- batch net weight
- packaging number
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| Measurable benefits |
The whole life cost of concrete, mortar and plaster products is reduced due to extended lifetimes, aesthetically superior surface finish and safety properties. This is of particular benefit to projects involving tunnel linings, sea defences, heavily used floorings and public spaces where increased weathering resistance, wear and impact resistance together with elimination of explosive spalling are objectives.
The primary property of the fibres is to prevent shrinkage cracking. This produces a final surface that is smooth, compact, free of cracks and aesthetically superior. Bleed water control inhibits migation of cement and sand fines to the surface.
Durability is improved for all cementitious screeds and toppings because tensile and compressive strength is increased by between 6% and 15% and the impact resistance can increase by 200% to 250%. The result is improved abrasion, impact and spalling resistance.
The absence of fine surface cracks reduces water penetration and thereby improves frost resistance, especially on exposed corners.
Fire resistance is greatly improved because at about 1600C the fibres melt producing microcavities and vapour pathways that significantly reduce the risk of explosive spalling. This is a particular benefit that may be applied to building surfaces in public places where there is a risk from terrorist activity.
The benefit of fibres in concrete tunnel linings is now also self-evident following a number of destructive tunnel fires in Europe.
The fibre is transparent and can easily assimilate the colour shades of concrete, mortar or plasters. It is therefore not visible at the surface.
Fibres can be dried below 3% for a small additional charge, making them suitable for adding to dry bagged cement and concrete.
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Typical applications
Czech Agrément Certification |
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