New packaging for BASF's MasterFiber? MAC Matrix product engineered to improve dispersion of fibers in concrete

Concrete producers also benefit from condensed package size

CLEVELAND, OH, May 28, 2014 — BASF today announced new packaging for its Master Builders Solutions brand MasterFiber MAC Matrix macrosynthetic fiber that allows for enhanced performance in concrete. The sophisticated packaging condenses the fibers in an aligned format, improving their dispersion in the concrete mixture compared to traditional loose fiber packaging.

The improved dispersion resulting from the aligned fibers reduces balling, positively impacting placement, screeding and finishing operations during concrete production and placement. Additionally, the alignment of the fibers prevents individual fibers from curling and becoming tangled prior to use, enhancing finishing properties.

“When fibers are packaged loosely in bags, they can get matted together like a nest, creating production challenges for concrete producers and contractors,” said Tony Schlagbaum, Group Product Manager, Admixture Systems. “With this new innovation, the MasterFiber MAC Matrix fibers are lined up like toothpicks to promote even dispersion in the concrete mixture.” 

Other benefits of the new packaging include ease-of-use through the ability to add unopened bags directly into the concrete mixer. Also, the condensed package size resulting from the aligned fibers provides freight and distribution efficiencies and reduced storage requirements for concrete producers. Specifically, the new package size allows for more than double the fiber volume in the same footprint as the traditional packaging.

“Feedback on the benefits of this unique new packaging has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Juan Alfonso Garcia, Vice President, Admixture Systems, for BASF in North America. “We are very pleased that this investment in packaging will result in great improvements for concrete producers and contractors using fiber in their projects.”

Typical synthetic fibers are utilized to help improve the properties of concrete. Some of these benefits include reduction of plastic shrinkage cracking, reduction of crack-width, increased ductility, and increased toughness. MasterFiber MAC Matrix is primarily used as a secondary reinforcement in slab-on-ground applications, precast elements, and composite metal decks.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.master-builders-solutions.basf.us.

About the Construction Chemicals division

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division offers advanced chemicals solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures: Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for underground construction, waterproofing systems, sealants, concrete repair & protection systems, performance grouts, performance flooring systems, tile fixing systems, expansion control systems and wood protection solutions.

The Construction Chemicals division’s 5,700 employees form a global community of construction experts. To solve our customers’ specific construction challenges from conception through to completion of a project, we combine our know-how across areas of expertise and regions and draw on the experience gained in countless construction projects worldwide. We leverage global BASF technologies, as well as our in-depth knowledge of local building needs, to develop innovations that help make our customers more successful and drive sustainable construction.

The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of about €2.1 billion in 2013.

BASF - The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has nearly 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.3 billion in 2013. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us .

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com .