One of the trends in construction is the use of alternative materials to reduce the amount of concrete and cement used. As companies compete with each other, fiber reinforced concrete is attracting more and more attention as a solution in practice. Kuraray’s fiber solution is being selected as an incorporated material to enhance their environmental performance.

We will show you what the market is looking for and why, as well as introduce you updated Kuraray’s solutions.

About Kuraray and KURALON^TM;

Kuraray is a Japanese chemical company, founded in 1926 as a rayon manufacturer, and has expanded its business globally.

KURALON^TM is a synthetic fiber which is made from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) resin. In 1950, Kuraray started its commercial production of KURALON^TM, which was the first synthetic fiber commercialized in Japan and has already been in use in Europe for more than 40 years as a standard substitute for asbestos in Europe.

Referring to the concept of cement reinforcement in artificial slate, a fiber design suitable for concrete and mortar applications has been developed, and KURALON^TM offers some unique benefits in concrete and mortar reinforcing such as chemical bond with cementitious materials and alkali resistance and thanks to these features allows construction reinforced efficiently with;

·       Outperforming steel fibers in lightweight, no corrosion

·       Outperforming ARG fibers in higher alkaline resistance, higher elongation

·       Outperforming PP fibers in higher tensile strength and modulus, better adhesion to cement matrix

About KURALON^TM reinforced concrete and mortar in general;

Our PVA fiber, KURALON^TM, bridges the crack mouth until initial phase of the fracture and keeps the crack mouth opening displacement narrow.

Main application to be focused;

·       General concrete & mortar mix especially for heavy-duty uses

·       SHCC (Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composite) for repairment of road construction, 3D concrete printing technology, and others

·       UHPFRC (Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete) for iconic buildings

Especially, KURALON^TM allows UHPFRC for decorative esthetics like fine-decorative and cladding façade, solar shading, and thin & light flat panels provide the following outstanding benefits to clients with;

·       Lightweight

·       High flowability

·       Larger panel per unit

·       Lower labor & fixing equipment cost thanks to no heavy subframe required

·       Long term durability