PLASTERS & RENDERS
Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs on surfaces where the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of bleed. Such a situation is the cause of stresses in the cementitious material, which lead to hairline cracks, often penetrating the full depth of the material. When renders and plasters are applied to a backing material, on occasions there may be problems with the cementitious material’s bonding. This lack of adhesion can lead to hollowness, which in turn causes cracks and any impact will bring about delamination of the material.
At the same time, the migration of calcium hydroxide, a by-product of cement hydration causes efflorescence or lime bloom. Calcium carbonate crystals formed on the surface between the calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide leave unsightly staining on the finished product.
Many plaster and rendering contractors now realise the advantages of using Adfil polypropylene fibres designed for this application. They provide three-dimensional secondary reinforcement and allow high standard projects to be finished more economically.
- Improved abrasion resistance
- Improved impact resistance
- Enhanced resistance to freezing and thawing
- Higher resistance to plastic shrinkage cracks
- Increased bonding
- Reduced delamination
- Reduced efflorescence and lime bloom
- Decreased permeability
- Shorter construction time
Click here to learn more about high-performance Adfil construction fibres for sustainable concrete reinforcement.
