Sika UK has introduced a natural cellulose-based alternative to polypropylene microfibres, designed to limit shrinkage cracking in concrete, screeds and mortars.
SikaFiber®-200 is a 100% natural, biodegradable microfibre developed to manage plastic and drying shrinkage cracking during concrete curing.
Targeting early-age cracking
Shrinkage cracking can occur as fresh concrete loses moisture during curing, particularly in floors, pavements and screeds.
According to Sika, the ultra-fine cellulose fibres disperse throughout the mix, forming a three-dimensional network that helps distribute stresses more evenly and reduce early-age crack formation.
The company says the fibre can be incorporated without changes to existing handling procedures or concrete mix designs.
Amy Sapien, National Fibre Manager at Sika UK, said:
“SikaFiber®-200 gives specifiers and contractors a natural alternative to polypropylene fibres, without asking them to change how they work.”
Applications and specification
Sika identifies floors and screeds, pavements and hardstandings, decorative concrete finishes and mortars among the product’s non-structural applications. The wider product range also covers use in structural and non-structural concrete.
The cellulose-based composition provides a biodegradable alternative to conventional synthetic microfibres, with potential relevance for projects considering material sourcing and environmental impact during specification.
SikaFiber®-200 is available now, with technical data and application guidance available through Sika UK’s website.
Source & image credit: Sika UK
