BASF Creates New Standard in Cementitious Waterproofing
- One component elastic and flexible lightweight membrane
- For waterproofing and concrete protection
- Accelerates On-Site processes
- Contribution to LEED® credits
Ludwigshafen, Germany, October 31, 2012 – BASF has developed a highly flexible one component membrane for waterproofing and concrete protection for the European market. Masterseal® 6100 FX is a lightweight, rapid-curing cementitious membrane used for internal and external applications as a waterproof lining for water retaining structures, to protect concrete surfaces from carbonation and chloride attacks. Its composition makes Masterseal 6100 FX the right membrane for areas constantly submerged in water and basements. It protects concrete surfaces from chlorides and carbonization.
Based on its formulation and the use of powdery polymers, a pack of 15 kg of Masterseal 610 FX is substituting a 25 kg pack of comparable two-component products, which do usually also require roundabout 10 liters of liquid polymers. Thus, the need on storage space as well as the amount of waste package material will be reduced (up to 50 %), and the costs for transportation will sink.
The new product enables less downtime due to its fast hardening. Because of its concentrated and light formula with higher yield in the same time, the sealant is packed in smaller bags with less weight and helps to reduce stock, transport costs and waste up to
50 percent. The one component mixture is not frost sensitive, reduces mixing errors, and offers high performance and easy handling at the same time. Masterseal 6100 FX is a product for selected European markets. It is available in white and grey.
The multi-purpose waterproofing membrane enfolds its qualities by only two millimeters of thickness. It withstands up to five bar water pressure and keeps its high elasticity properties even at minus ten degrees Celsius (14° Fahrenheit) and in immersion.
Masterseal 6100 FX is also able to resist negative pressure – suitable as interior waterproofing for subgrade structures, basements for example. Because of its lightweight formulation, only 1.7 kilograms of Masterseal 6100 FX is needed per square meter at a two millimeters layer. In addition, the membrane offers up to 50 percent higher yield than ordinary waterproofing slurries. This makes the new product highly economically efficient, as less material is needed per square meter.
The tolerance of low temperatures prolongs the activities at the site and thus accelerates its completion. Masterseal 6100 FX is highly durable so will not embrittle or shrink and crack due to low temperature. An important improvement in regard of security, quality, and costs, as reworking will become needless.
“In developing Masterseal 6100 FX we coped with the most frequent daily work challenges – like low temperatures, moisture, time pressure,” says Holm-Gerd Diedrichs, Regional Business Segment Manager of BASF Construction Chemicals. “We could reduce the downtime between layers and provide earlier serviceability. Between two layers, resting time is only two hours. And structures are now in service after only three days.” This pays for the usually time-critical construction plans, as well as the faster application by spray or brush.
“Compared with other waterproofing membranes on a two-layer-base, an applicator could save up to one complete working day”, says Elisabeth Casas, Product Manager for Masterseal 6100 FX at BASF Construction Chemicals. Which means for an owner: less downtime at the construction site, the following works can begin sooner, and for the applicator: the next job can be started earlier.
Contributing to LEED building standards
BASF contributes to sustainability as one key factor in research and development of products and solutions. Masterseal 6100 FX is designed and developed in alignment with LEED® criteria (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council) and contributes to the following LEED credits: up to two points due to use of recycled content, up to two points for the use of regional material and up to one point for low-emitting material. “In addition, Masterseal is free of ammonia odour and can easily be applied in closed environments and during regular working time”, says Elisabeth Casas.
Masterseal 6100 FX is based on a special powdery polymer and a special adhesive agent.
About the Construction Chemicals division
BASF’s Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its product portfolio comprises admixture systems, cement additives, solutions for underground construction, repair systems and performance grouts, expansion control systems, waterproofing solutions and sealants, flooring systems, tile fixing systems, wall systems and solutions for wood protection. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 60 countries and achieved sales of about €2.2 billion with approximately 7,000 employees in 2011.
About BASF
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, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
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