Curing compound from BASF protects concrete against drying cracks during hot summer temperatures
High summer temperatures can cause cracks during the drying stage of industrial flooring concrete. MasterKure 111WB from BASF prevents this and takes effect a step earlier than conventional curing compounds.
Summertime construction can be treacherous: With regard to concrete floors, this is particularly true for the phase between pouring and subsequent surface smoothing, known as floating or power troweling. Even at environmental temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius, 50% relative humidity and wind velocities of 20 kilometers per hour, fresh concrete loses about 0.6 kilogram water per square meter and hour during that stage. This can lead to drying cracks, known as early-age shrinkage cracks. Further consequences may include additional costs for repairs or even customer complaints.
MasterKure 111WB from BASF can prevent all this: A highly effective, non-solvent-based, sprayable evaporation inhibitor, the product is used during the intermediate curing stage of industrial flooring concrete. This means that it takes effect a step earlier than conventional curing compounds – usually, these can only be applied onto the matt-dry concrete surface some five hours after placing.
The principle is simple: MasterKure 111WB prevents the water film, created when the concrete has initially settled after placement, from evaporating. Experts call this the “bleeding” of the concrete. MasterKure 111WB forms a barrier of active-component molecules which strongly inhibits the evaporation of the water film. This is particularly relevant with regard to modern concretes and their lower water-cement ratios and finer cements. The use of MasterKure 111WB results in an about 80% reduction of water evaporation during the first four hours compared to untreated concrete, largely preventing the occurrence of early-age shrinkage cracks.
The extremely thin layer of MasterKure 111WB on the surface also has another benefit as it works extremely well as a troweling aid: When the concrete is treated with the power trowel later on, MasterKure 111WB acts like a lubricant, thereby facilitating the entire troweling process. Thus, the product is not only an outstanding evaporation inhibitor but also an effective troweling aid. In this way, MasterKure 111WB optimally supports the typical finishing process of concrete floors.
More information on concrete admixtures from BASF can be found at www.master-builders-solutions.basf.co.uk/en-gb
Master Builders Solutions from BASF
Under the Master Builders Solutions® brand, BASF bundles its advanced chemical solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures. Master Builders Solutions is built on the experience gained from more than 100 years in the construction industry. The comprehensive portfolio under the brand encompasses concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for underground construction, waterproofing solutions, sealants, repair and protection solutions, performance grouts, and performance flooring solutions.
Master Builders Solutions is backed by a global community of BASF construction experts. To solve our customers’ specific construction challenges, we combine the suitable elements of our portfolio, 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.
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 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. 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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