Description
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fibers are very high-performance reinforcement fibers for concrete and mortar.

PVA fibers are well-suited for a wide variety of applications because of their superior crack-fighting properties, high modulus of elasticity, excellent tensile and molecular bond strength, and high resistance to alkali, UV, chemicals, fatigue and abrasion.

PVA fibers are unique in their ability to create a molecular bond with mortar and concrete that is 300% greater than other fibers.

Crack Reduction 
PVA fibers are also used to reduce many types of concrete cracks. To restrain shrinkage cracking, the fiber should be stiffer than the concrete it is reinforcing. PVA fibers reduce normal cracks to micro-cracks that restrict water penetration and protect steel reinforcement. Because they are less “stretchy” with a higher modulus of elasticity, PVA fibers are more effective than other fibers in reducing long-term drying cracking. Relatively low dosages of PVA fibers can effectively reduce many types of cracking, including drying shrinkage, settlement and fatigue-related cracks.

PVA vs. Steel & AR Glass Fiber Reinforcement
Like steel and alkali-resistant glass, they are stiffer than the concrete matrix and have high tensile strength. Steel fibers, however, have relatively low bond strength with concrete and mortar, causing the fibers to pull out under strain before reaching their tensile strength.

PVA, on the other hand, is unique in that it forms a molecular bond with cement during hydration.  This high bond strength of PVA results in a mortar or concrete with significantly increased tensile, flexural and impact strength.

The tensile stress-strain behavior of PVA is more like steel than concrete. It can be used in many applications to provide structural reinforcement for concrete, often eliminating the need for rebar or wire mesh. Optionally, it can be used together with steel to reduce the concrete cover or to increase its strength and durability.

Compared to glass fiber reinforcement, PVA-ECC (Engineered Cementitious Composite) reinforcement is stronger, much less expensive, and significantly more durable in a high alkali environment. Alternatively, glass and PVA can be used together as a highly effective hybrid for fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. PVA fiber also offers substantial weight advantages over steel and glass: PVA is half the weight of glass fiber and one-sixth the weight of steel.

Properties

Material:	Polyvinyl Alcohol
Configurations:	Chopped fiber, resin-bundled chopped monofilament fiber
Color:	White or yellowish white
Specific Gravity:	1.3
Lengths:	1/4" (6mm), 1/3" (8mm), 1/2" (12mm), 3/4" (18mm)
Tensile Strengths :	160,000 psi (1100 MPa) – 203,000 psi (1400 MPa)
Chemical Stability:	Non-reactive
Absorption:	Minimal

Benefits of PVA Fibers
Nycon PVA fibers are a more efficient reinforcement system than other conventional synthetic and steel systems:

• In low dosages, they provide superior short and long-term crack control.
• In higher dosages, they replace or reduce the need for steel and/or wire mesh, providing a rust-free solution that streamlines the construction process, reduces wear and tear on equipment, labor, time and material costs.
• They are a preferred alternative to steel fibers with superior properties: higher ductility, no sharp fiber protrusions and no rust staining.
• They reduce the amount of water penetration in concrete and results in decreased spalling and premature deterioration of the concrete in a freeze-thaw environment.

Applications
Ready-mix and precast applications, including:

• Industrial and warehouse floor slabs, pavements, etc.
• Slope stabilization, tunnel linings, etc.
• Airport aprons and taxiways
• Seismic and security safeguard in new structures, and upgrades to existing structures
• Septic tanks, vaults, pipes, block, and other specialty precast shapes
• New construction
• Repair mortars, including minimum set time
• Very thin board and wall construction
• High-performance thin architectural elements

PVA fibers are manufactured by Kuraray Co. Ltd. and distributed in North America by Nycon, Inc. For more information, phone Nycon at 800 456 9266.

University of Michigan Test – Bendable Concrete

KURALON  Fiber/Cement Bonding Properties Are 300% Stronger Than Other Fibers

Kuralon	Polypropylene	AR Glass
Electron microscope images demonstrate the unique molecular bond strength between PVA and Portland cement that creates a 3-D “net” of reinforcement. With PVA, free hydrogen molecules in the fibers exchange with the cement, making it difficult to distinguish where the fiber ends and the matrix begins. The combination of ultra-high bond strength, low elongation and ultra-high tensile strength make PVA reinforcement superior to other types of fiber reinforcement. RSC15, RECS15 and RF4000 are grades of Kuraray KURALON® fibers

Call To Order
800 456 9266

“PVA-ECC provides up to 500 times the tensile strain capacity of fiber-reinforced concrete. The combination of high tensile strength of PVA fibers and controlled interface bond with mortar makes it a true structural fiber.” 
Professor Victor C. Li, University of Michigan

“This material is several hundred times more ductile than traditional concrete and does not spall under compression...”
Dr. Sarah Billington, Stanford University