Matcrete

MatCrete Datasheet

Description

MatCrete : An enhanced fibre-cement blend to be mixedwith a solution of Flexbond (a liquid additive), for thesaturation and impregnation of CemForce and CemLamforming a reinforced, vapour-proof product of about 4 to 8mm in thickness.

CemForce : An open-textured reinforcing 4mm x 4mm meshfabric, made of polypropylene strands and fibres. Designedfor use with cement matrices. Is totally inert to the alkalinityof cement and has an extended fibrous interface area withwhich the cement matrix can interact and mechanicallybond.

CemLam : A tightly woven polypropylene tape with a4mm x 4mm mesh fabric made of polypropylene strands and fibres, laminated by hot extrusion to form a tough,waterproof substrate. It is totally resistant to the alkalinity ofcement and offers extended fibrous interface on the strandswith which the cement matrix can mechanically bond. Thecement matrix is specially formulated to form part of theCemLam to act like fibreglass and resin.

Purpose

For creating a thin, reinforced, waterproof cement liningto be applied directly onto hard compacted soil, the innersurface of old, cracked reservoirs etc.. For the cost-effectivecreation of any water-containing structure.

Type

MatCrete - Ready to use by the addition of Flexbond solutiononly.MatCrete concentrate - To be mixed with OPC and cleanplaster sand prior to the addition of the Flexbond solution.CemForce - woven polypropylene fibreCemLam - woven polypropylene fibre extrusion laminate.

Application

The creation of fish ponds, water channels, dams, reliningof pipes, repair of old cracked reservoirs etc.AdvantagesThin cement linings can now be formed in-situ with thehelp of the reinforcing of as many layers of CemForce as isnecessary for any given strength required.Not only waterproof, but vapour-proof as well.

Limitations

Will not stick to plastic, rubber or gypsum plaster. Do not useif freezing conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Site Work

Storage

MatCrete : Keep bags off the floor on slats in a dry place.Expected shelf life under dry conditions is 6 months.Flexbond : Store in a dry shed protected from freezing for 12months. Stir well from the bottom if storage is prolonged.CemForce and CemLam : prolonged storage in sunlight tobe avoided.

Weather

Protect work from rain for 12 hours and frost for 24 hours.Surface PreparationGround over which material is to be used should be wellcompacted and in most cases a 100mm layer to be a soil/cement mixture of about 1 volume cement, 9 volumes soil,well compacted and damped with water.

Mixing

Dilute one volume Flexbond with five volumes clean waterand use this solution to mix MatCrete to sloppy plasterconsistency.

Application

Lay out first layer of CemLam, plastic down, over compactedsoil. Apply a liberal coat of MatCrete/Flexbond mixtureover woven side, work CemForce into wet MatCrete andplaster/paint over this second layer making sure that theCemForce is fully covered. A second layer of CemForceshould be applied at the joints of the CemLam to ensurethat you have at least two layers at any one point. If extrastrength is required, more layers of CemForce can beapplied in the same manner.

Curing

Allow finished work to air cure for two days before filling withwater. Dry applications, damp down three times the dayfollowing the day of application with clean water and coverwith plastic for a further 2 days.

Coverage

Flexbond : approx. 2 litres per 40kg bag of MatCrete.MatCrete : approx. 6m2 per 40kg bag depending onthickness of final work.MatCrete concentrate : depending on thickness of finalwork 40 to 50m2 per 20kg bag when mixed with 1 x 50kgbag of ordinary Portland cement and 1,5 wheel barrowsclean plaster sand.

CemForce : allow 5% for overlaps and joints.CemLam : need not allow for joints, but allow narrow 200mmstrips of CemForce for the joints.

Packaging

Flexbond : 1 litre, 5 litre and 20 litre plastic drums.MatCrete : 40kg bags.MatCrete concentrate : 20kg paper bags.CemForce : 1m width up to 100m lengths.CemLam : 1,6m widths up to 100m lengths.