| HS Code | 240694 |
| Productname | MasterFiber 246 |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Fibertype | Synthetic Macro Fiber |
| Length | 54 mm |
| Equivalentdiameter | 0.9 mm |
| Aspectratio | 60 |
| Tensilestrength | 620 MPa |
| Youngsmodulus | 9.0 GPa |
| Meltingpoint | 160 °C |
| Specificgravity | 0.91 |
| Alkaliresistance | Excellent |
| Waterabsorption | Nil |
| Dosage | 3-9 kg/m³ |
| Compliance | ASTM C1116 Type III, EN 14889-2 |
| Color | Natural |
As an accredited MasterFiber 246 - Polypropylene Synthetic Macro Fiber factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | MasterFiber 246 is packaged in 20 lb (9.1 kg) moisture-resistant paper bags, palletized for convenient transport and storage. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL container loaded with MasterFiber 246 polypropylene synthetic macro fiber, palletized bags, securely stowed and braced for ocean transport. |
| Shipping | MasterFiber 246 – Polypropylene Synthetic Macro Fiber is shipped as a non-hazardous, non-regulated solid in moisture-resistant bags or bulk sacks, palletized and shrink-wrapped. Store dry, covered, away from ignition sources. No special DOT/IMDG/IATA labels required. Handle according to SDS and local transport rules. Keep packaging intact and protected from punctures. |
| Storage | Store MasterFiber 246 in its original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat, sparks, and open flames. Protect bags from tearing, contamination, and excessive UV exposure. Maintain clean, stable shelving or pallets; do not stack beyond safe limits. Keep containers closed when not in use. |
| Shelf Life | MasterFiber 246 has indefinite shelf life if kept dry in original unopened packaging, protected from sunlight, moisture, and contamination. |
In ground-bearing industrial floor slabs for warehousing, logistics, and cold storage operations, MasterFiber 246 is batched into the concrete to control early-age plastic shrinkage cracking and to provide residual post-crack load transfer. The fibre is added at rates from 3.0 kg/m³ to 5.0 kg/m³, depending on racking leg loads, aisle geometry, slab thickness, and the specified joint stability class. Fibre addition follows ACI 544.3R practice: the polypropylene macro fibre is dispensed onto the aggregate stream by a pneumatic or belt feeder before water and admixture introduction, allowing the fibre to be coated with cement paste during initial mixing. In production-scale twin-shaft mixers, delayed insertion of MasterFiber 246 into a uniform aggregate stream has been observed to reduce fibre balling compared with simultaneous discharge of fibre and coarse aggregate. The concrete is placed with a slump between 100 mm and 150 mm, finished with laser screeds, and cured under membrane-forming compounds. Plastic shrinkage crack reduction is evaluated according to ASTM C1579-21, while post-crack flexural performance is measured under ASTM C1609/C1609M-19 at deflections of Span/600 and Span/150. Published residual strength data for this specific fibre configuration in ground-bearing slabs is limited; project specifications should require a trial batching programme with beam panels. The fibre is not a replacement for structural reinforcing bars in suspended slabs, and its contribution is limited to crack width control and joint stability in ground-supported plates. Typical finished products include logistics warehouse floors, freezer slabs, and high-bay racking pavements, where saw-cut joint spacing is determined by the slab thickness-to-length ratio and the fibre residual strength class.
Precast concrete tunnel lining segments use MasterFiber 246 to replace some secondary steel mesh or to improve stripping and handling resistance before the segment reaches full design strength. The dosage typically ranges from 4.0 kg/m³ to 6.0 kg/m³, with the exact amount set by the segmental lining designer after ring-build load cases, jacking forces, and gasket compression demands have been analysed. Production in carousel precast plants uses pan mixers with moisture probes and a water/cement ratio between 0.32 and 0.38. The fibre is pre-blended with fine aggregate for approximately 30 seconds before cement and water are added, which improves dispersion and reduces surface fibre nesting in the segment intrados. The concrete is compacted by external vibrators, and the segment is demoulded at a compressive strength of 18 MPa to 22 MPa for early turnover. Post-crack flexural capacity is specified through ASTM C1609/C1609M-19 or EN 14651, with the fibre class declared under EN 14889-2:2006. The performance criterion is usually expressed as residual flexural strength fR1k and fR3k corresponding to crack mouth opening displacements of 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Polypropylene macro fibre exhibits lower tensile modulus than steel fibre, so it does not provide equivalent crack width control in ring segments under high sustained hoop compression; steel rebar cages remain mandatory around thrust jack pockets and gasket interfaces. Published production records from segment plants indicate that incomplete fibre dispersion increases edge spalling rates at demoulding, particularly in the longitudinal joint corners. The final components are single-pass ring segments of 1.2 m to 2.0 m width used in TBM-driven metro and highway tunnels.
For underground mine drift support and slope stabilization, wet-mix shotcrete is produced with MasterFiber 246 at addition rates from 3.0 kg/m³ to 6.0 kg/m³, primarily to remove welded wire mesh from temporary support cycles and to reduce manual handling in confined headings. The fibre is introduced into the batching plant before the fresh concrete is loaded into piston-type shotcrete pumps; dispersion within the matrix is maintained through sufficient paste volume and a slump at the pump of 160 mm to 200 mm. At the nozzle, air and set accelerator are added, and the material is sprayed in layers up to 100 mm per pass. Toughness and energy absorption are measured according to ASTM C1550-20 round panel tests or EN 14488-5, depending on project specification. Some mine support specifications set a round panel energy absorption threshold of 1,000 J at a central deflection of 25 mm; when this threshold is mandatory, the fibre dosage must be confirmed by preconstruction spray trials using the identical accelerator dose and site water quality. Increasing the dosage above 7.0 kg/m³ has been associated with higher pumping pressure and rebound, particularly in mixes with low water/cement ratios and rapid alkali-free accelerators. The finished liner provides distributed crack control and spalling resistance for rock support in decline entrances, tunnel portals, and soil-nail facing panels, but it is not a substitute for pattern rock bolts or structural steel sets where ground loads exceed the tensile capacity of the sprayed concrete lining.
Bridge deck overlays and pavement repair courses are produced by adding MasterFiber 246 to low-slump dense concrete or latex-modified concrete at a fibre dose between 4.0 kg/m³ and 6.0 kg/m³. The fibre is fed into pan or drum mixers after the initial aggregate and cement charge, and before latex emulsion or polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer is introduced, to avoid fibre floatation in the lower-viscosity paste. Surface preparation follows standard bond-critical procedures: hydrodemolition or scarification removes unsound concrete, the substrate is saturated surface dry, and a cementitious or epoxy bonding agent is applied before placement. The overlay is placed with a vibratory screed or roller screed and textured with transverse or longitudinal grooving. Average residual strength is measured under ASTM C1399/C1399M-10, while restrained shrinkage cracking is evaluated under ASTM C1581/C1581M-18. The fibre modifies plastic shrinkage and restrained early-age cracking patterns, but it does not change compressive strength, and it does not replace primary steel reinforcement in negative moment regions. The overlay is cured with wet burlap and curing compound for at least 72 hours, because macro fibre exposed at the surface does not compensate for inadequate moisture retention. Finished products are typically bridge deck wearing surfaces, concrete pavement patch lanes, and tunnel invert fill courses where cracking and spalling under maintenance traffic must be controlled.
For precast utility chambers, drainage boxes, small-diameter concrete pipes, and transformer vaults, MasterFiber 246 is used at a dosage of 2.0 kg/m³ to 4.5 kg/m³ to reduce edge chipping and corner breakage during demoulding, lifting, and trench handling. In dry-cast pipe operations, the fibre is blended with the aggregate fraction before entering the vertical or horizontal mixer to prevent segregation at water/cement ratios as low as 0.25 to 0.35. The mix is consolidated by high-frequency vibration, and the freshly cast unit is stripped immediately onto a pallet. For wet-cast vaults, the fibre is added to a workable mix with a slump of 100 mm to 150 mm, and the form is struck after the concrete reaches the specified lifting strength. Handling and installation resistance is project-specific; no single ASTM test covers all utility products, but pipe producers may use ASTM C497 for acceptance testing of concrete pipe and drainage units. Polypropylene macro fibre is not a pressure-bar or hoop reinforcement substitute in internal-pressure pipe service, and its function is limited to secondary reinforcement for temporary handling loads, impact, and surface integrity. Published data for this specific configuration is limited, so plant trials and first-article inspections are normally required to determine the minimum dosage needed to reduce acceptable chipping rates. The final products are installed in urban utility corridors, stormwater networks, and electrical distribution vaults where corrosion resistance of reinforcement is a maintenance concern.
MasterFiber 246 is incorporated into architectural precast concrete facade panels, sandwich panels, and balustrade elements at a maximum dosage of 4.0 kg/m³ to reduce edge spalling during demoulding, handling, and site installation, while limiting the visibility of fibres on exposed aggregate or acid-etched surfaces. In conventional wet-cast panel production, the fibre is introduced during aggregate charging, followed by cement, silica fume or slag, and high-range water reducer, to ensure that the polypropylene macro fibres do not accumulate on vertical form faces. Panels are compacted on external vibrator tables or with internal vibrators, and typical practice requires a trial panel under production form release agents to verify that the fibre does not cause surface defects. Impact resistance during stripping and transport is not governed by a single international standard for architectural precast panels; manufacturers therefore rely on project-specific corner drop tests or proof handling trials. Post-crack performance can be evaluated with ASTM C1609/C1609M-19 if structural action is claimed. Conformity of the fibre to European specifications is assessed under EN 14889-2:2006, with factory production control documentation retained for the precast audit trail. The fibre is not a substitute for reinforcing bars or prestressing strands in slender architectural members, and it should not be used at high dosages where tight dimensional tolerance on reveals, returns, and sharp corners is critical without first validating surface finish. The finished products are facade panels, spandrels, and internal partition elements where crack control during shipping and installation has proven to be the dominant design constraint.
To align test designations with macro fibre dosage ranges across different concrete service conditions, the table below consolidates application-specific dosage ranges, primary test designations, processing constraints, and finished components associated with MasterFiber 246. It is intended as a compliance and specification review matrix rather than a design substitution. The values represent typical evaluation brackets collected from concrete specifications, not universal product performance guarantees; each project must confirm performance through trial batching with local aggregates and admixtures.
| Application | Dosage range | Primary test designations | Processing constraint | Finished component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-bearing industrial slabs | 3.0 kg/m³–5.0 kg/m³ | ASTM C1579-21, ASTM C1609/C1609M-19 | Add fibre after aggregate, maintain slump 100 mm–150 mm, avoid simultaneous coarse aggregate and fibre discharge. | Warehouse floor, freezer slab, high-bay racking pavement |
| Precast tunnel lining segments | 4.0 kg/m³–6.0 kg/m³ | ASTM C1609/C1609M-19, EN 14651 | Pre-blend with fine aggregate for 30 seconds, demould at 18 MPa–22 MPa. | Metro and highway tunnel ring segments |
| Wet-mix shotcrete | 3.0 kg/m³–6.0 kg/m³ | ASTM C1550-20, EN 14488-5 | Keep dosage below 7.0 kg/m³, confirm pump pressure and rebound in spray trials. | Mine drift liner, tunnel portal, soil-nail facing |
| Bridge deck overlay and pavement repair | 4.0 kg/m³–6.0 kg/m³ | ASTM C1399/C1399M-10, ASTM C1581/C1581M-18 | Add fibre before latex or superplasticizer, cure for 72 hours minimum. | Bridge wearing surface, patch lane, tunnel invert fill |
| Precast utility vaults, pipes, drainage boxes | 2.0 kg/m³–4.5 kg/m³ | ASTM C497 | Blend with aggregate in dry-cast at water/cement ratio 0.25–0.35, confirm first-article chipping rate. | Utility chamber, stormwater pipe, transformer vault |
For all applications, conformity of MasterFiber 246 to European fibre specifications is assessed under EN 14889-2:2006, and the fibre-reinforced concrete mixture is classified according to ASTM C1116/C1116M Type III synthetic fibre-reinforced concrete. When a design standard requires residual strength values, the testing laboratory shall report the load-deflection curve or load-crack mouth opening displacement curve; single-point values without full curve data are not deemed sufficient for structural acceptance. The macro fibre is not designed to replace conventional steel reinforcement in tension-controlled members, and it does not increase compressive strength. It is not normally specified with intentional air entrainment above 6% unless preconstruction trials confirm that air void spacing remains within the specified limit in ASTM C457. The fibre should be added only after the aggregate and before water, because adding it to a fully mixed concrete may cause fibre balling and non-uniform distribution. In high-temperature steam curing exceeding 60°C, early-age plastic settlement of macro polypropylene fibre may require a modified curing profile, and published data for this specific configuration is limited.
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The product identified as MasterFiber 246 is a polypropylene synthetic macro fiber supplied for secondary reinforcement of cementitious matrices. Current manufacturer technical literature describes the fiber as manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene homopolymer and supplied in collated bundles that separate into individual filaments during mixing. The published geometric specification lists a nominal length of 54 mm and a density of 0.91 g/cm³. The material is dosed at rates between 0.9 kg/m³ and 5.9 kg/m³, with the selected rate depending on the required post-crack residual strength. Because the fiber is non-corroding, it is specified in slabs on ground, composite metal decks, precast elements, and sprayed concrete where steel fiber oxidation is a service-life concern. In comparison to polypropylene microfibers, MasterFiber 246 has a larger cross-section and longer geometry, placing it in the macro fiber category under ASTM C1116/C1116M Type III. The product is not a primary reinforcement replacement; structural load capacity remains dependent on conventional reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, or engineered section design.
The fiber matrix is based on polypropylene homopolymer with a published specific gravity of 0.91 g/cm³. Manufacturer data list the fiber length at 54 mm and describe the surface as chemically inert in the alkaline cement pore solution. Water absorption is reported as 0.0% by the current technical data. The absence of metallic constituents eliminates chloride-induced corrosion cells in cracked concrete, but this does not imply immunity to all degradation mechanisms. Surface treatment is designed to provide mechanical anchoring in the cement paste rather than chemical adhesion; published data for the exact surface finish chemistry is limited. Thermal processing limits are governed by the polypropylene melting range, typically between 160°C and 170°C. The product is therefore not intended for refractory or continuous high-temperature exposure above the softening point. Batch-to-batch variance in fiber length and feeding characteristics is controlled by the manufacturer’s quality system; certificates of analysis should be requested for large pours or specification-critical work. In comparison to polypropylene microfibers with lengths of 6–12 mm, MasterFiber 246’s macro geometry provides post-crack load transfer across wider cracks. In comparison to steel fibers, the lower elastic modulus of polypropylene means that residual flexural strength develops through fiber pullout work rather than through high stiffness load transfer.
Plant trials on twin-shaft compulsory mixers with 1.0 m³ batch capacity indicate that fiber addition sequencing is more significant than mixing speed for dispersion. Adding MasterFiber 246 to the dry aggregate stream before cement and water reduces the incidence of fiber balling at dosage rates up to 5.9 kg/m³. If the fiber is added after water, clumping may occur in mixes with water-cement ratios below 0.40 because the high solids fraction restricts fiber mobility. Mixing time should be extended by 30–45 s after fiber introduction to break collated bundles. For truck-mixed concrete, adding fiber to the charging stream at the plant provides more uniform distribution than jobsite addition into a revolving drum. Shotcrete crews report that the fiber feeds through 50 mm hose lines without the blockages associated with deformed steel fiber; however, pumping line elbows with radius less than 300 mm can accumulate partially dispersed bundles at dosage rates above 4.0 kg/m³. These observations are based on production-scale equipment behavior; field trials remain required for specific mix designs and pump configurations.
At dosage rates below 1.8 kg/m³, the fiber count per unit volume is generally insufficient to produce measurable post-crack residual strength under ASTM C1609/C1609M beam testing. The practical consequence is that MasterFiber 246 behaves as a plastic shrinkage crack control additive in this range rather than as a macro-crack bridging system. Dosage rates between 1.8 kg/m³ and 3.0 kg/m³ are specified for slabs on grade where the design criterion is an average residual strength value under EN 14651. The exact residual strength depends on concrete compressive strength class, coarse aggregate size, and support conditions; published data for MasterFiber 246-specific residual strength curves is limited, so beam trials with the project mix are required. At dosage rates above 4.0 kg/m³, the fiber network can alter slump and finishing behavior. Laser screed operators report reduced surface closure at high dosage unless the mix is adjusted with a mid-range water reducer. The product should not be used to replace structural steel in slabs with significant flexural demand. Its function is secondary crack control and toughness improvement; load-bearing capacity remains governed by ACI 360 slab design and conventional joint spacing.
In sprayed concrete applications, MasterFiber 246 is introduced through the dry or wet process. Wet-mix shotcrete with 28 mm maximum aggregate diameter allows fiber dosage up to 4.0 kg/m³ in production trials before pump cavitation becomes a limiting factor. The fiber does not corrode, so rebound loss is often lower than for steel fiber; however, published comparative rebound data for this specific product is limited. In precast concrete, the product is used in non-structural panels and utility vaults where steel fiber staining on exposed surfaces is unacceptable. Injection molding and extrusion are not relevant conversion processes for this material, because MasterFiber 246 is not a polymer processing resin; it is a concrete additive. The fiber should not be exposed to ultraviolet light for prolonged storage, as polypropylene can undergo chain scission and embrittlement. Bags should be stored off the ground and protected from direct sunlight; manufacturer storage instructions specify dry, covered conditions. No pre-drying is required because the fiber absorbs 0.0% water by published data.
Steel fiber replacement is not a simple volumetric substitution. MasterFiber 246 has a density of 0.91 g/cm³, while steel fiber is approximately 7.85 g/cm³. A one-to-one mass replacement would therefore produce a much higher fiber count and paste demand, while one-to-one volume replacement would underdeliver stiffness. Design evaluations for composite metal decks therefore compare the post-crack residual flexural strength under ASTM C1399/C1399M or ASTM C1609/C1609M rather than comparing mass dosage. Published steel fiber specifications under ASTM A820/A820M define minimum tensile strength levels that are substantially higher than those of polypropylene macro fiber. Where the composite deck is designed to rely on steel fiber for structural capacity, MasterFiber 246 is not a drop-in substitute unless the engineer re-runs section analysis with the lower modulus and pullout-dominated response. The product is best evaluated where corrosion resistance, electromagnetic transparency, or reduced wear on pumping lines is valued. In such cases, beam trials per ASTM C1609/C1609M are required to derive the residual strength parameters for each dosage and concrete strength class.
The following table provides a systematic comparison of representative physical and application properties. Values are drawn from published manufacturer technical literature and current specification documents.
| Property | MasterFiber 246 | Steel fiber | Polypropylene microfiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.91 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.91 g/cm³ |
| Length class | 54 mm | 35–60 mm | 6–12 mm |
| Corrosion behavior | none in cementitious matrix | possible surface oxidation | none |
| Typical dosage | 0.9–5.9 kg/m³ | 15–60 kg/m³ | 0.6–1.8 kg/m³ |
| Post-crack load mechanism | fiber pullout and bridging | stiff load transfer | does not bridge macro cracks |
| Reference specification | ASTM C1116/C1116M Type III | ASTM A820/A820M | ASTM C1116/C1116M Type III |
Differences from other fibrous products extend beyond geometry. Polypropylene microfibers typically possess lengths of 6–12 mm and are dosed at 0.6–1.8 kg/m³; their primary function is controlling plastic shrinkage cracking during the first 24 h after placement. They do not provide significant post-crack residual load. Steel fibers provide higher post-crack stiffness but increase concrete density, pump line wear, and surface oxidation risk. Glass macro fibers provide higher modulus than polypropylene but may cause skin irritation during handling and can be more difficult to disperse in low-slump mixes. Nylon macro fibers exhibit lower moisture absorption than natural fibers but higher moisture uptake than polypropylene; their use is generally limited by cost. MasterFiber 246’s differentiating characteristic is the combination of 54 mm macro length, 0.91 g/cm³ density, and non-corroding polypropylene chemistry. This combination is intended for secondary crack control rather than primary structural resistance. Published data for the exact pullout coefficient of MasterFiber 246 in specific concrete matrices is limited; project-specific pullout or beam tests are recommended for any design that depends on residual strength values.
| Test method | Parameter evaluated | Applicability to MasterFiber 246 |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM C1116/C1116M | fiber classification | Type III macro synthetic fiber |
| ASTM C1609/C1609M | flexural performance and residual strength | beam testing required for dosage validation |
| ASTM C1399/C1399M | average residual strength | used for comparative study with steel fiber |
| EN 14651 | notched beam residual flexural tensile strength | European compliance and design verification |
| ISO 9001 | quality management system | manufacturer certification |
MasterFiber 246 falls under the classification of synthetic macro fiber according to ASTM C1116/C1116M Type III. Current manufacturer literature states conformance to this specification; purchasers should request batch-specific certificates for nuclear or transit projects. The product is not classified as primary reinforcement. It does not replace welded wire reinforcement in load-bearing structural slabs unless approved by a licensed engineer. The maximum recommended dosage of 5.9 kg/m³ should not be exceeded without mix optimization trials. At high dosage, placement and finishing equipment may require adjustments; power trowels can generate surface fiber fuzz if blades are run at high angle too early. This surface condition does not indicate bulk failure but may require additional finishing passes. For project specifications that require ISO 9001 quality system documentation, the manufacturer can provide current certification. The product is not evaluated by FDA 21 CFR or NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water contact unless specifically certified; verify regulatory compliance for the intended jurisdiction. Published data for MasterFiber 246 in applications involving continuous hot water exposure or sustained temperatures above 100°C is limited; such service should be avoided unless independent testing confirms performance.
