Page 16 - April 2022

COVER STORY

insulation for construction applications. concrete industry and represents a great opportunity for Sika to
A recent study conducted by Apple Chemie on the expanse of enable the construction sector to adopt this technology rapidly
sustainable construction chemicals, highlighted that the use of and effectively. Sika will provide solutions for concrete production
PCE based admixtures is a sustainable approach which enable and mortar products.
the use of supplementary cementitious materials example silica La FibreFlex Xtra is a two component Hi-Flexible waterproofing
fume, fly ash, blast furnace slag etc. in Portland cement concrete system based on cementitious binders reinforced with compatible
and allow lowering of consumption of cement, thus capping the micro fibres, special additives, fine-grained selected aggregates,
CO2 produced in manufacturing of cement. It also gives more high grade acrylic polymers to provide superior water protection
strength in less water cement ratio thus enabling saving of water. which consists of La FibreFlex Xtra powder and La Bond Xtra. La
The PCE based admixture technology minimizes W/C ratio and also FibreFlex Xtra can simply be applied by stiff brush, roller or trowel
on addition of supplementary cementitious material in concrete to obtain the desired thickness.
it further adds durability to concrete, eventually increasing the Also, it can be spray applied both on horizontal and vertical
lifecycle of concrete. The green protection materials like anti- surface. The hardened layer of La FibreFlex Xtra remains constantly
corrosive coatings helped in protection of rebars from corrosion flexible under all environmental conditions. It has excellent
which would eventually help in pro longed life of a structure and bonding properties on all cementitious substrates as long as they
also in saving the cost burden for repairing of corroded rebars are sound and sufficiently clean. Its high resistance to deteriorating
concrete. Technology for use in reinforced concrete and mortar, effect of UV Rays, a principle characteristic of the product, ensures
the life expectancy and durability will be substantially increased. the structures are protected and waterproofed even in extreme
Concrete is the most commonly used construction material climatic conditions including saline-rich atmosphere and polluted
in the world. The key ingredient of concrete is cement, whose industrial areas. The product can be used on concrete, brick and
production accounts for 6–8% of global CO emissions. As a block work substrates and is equally suitable for new and existing
2
technology leader in its industry, Sika focusses its R&D activities structures.
on the development of more sustainable, user friendly and at the One thing companies need to keep in mind that chemicals
same time better-performing product solutions. With its concrete used in the construction sector increases the overall cost, though
admixtures, Sika enables to incorporate calcined clay in concrete, it is more beneficial to the environment. These chemicals add
and to reduce the carbon footprint. more strength and corrosion resistance to infrastructure, and
With the LC3 project, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology they also bring down the cement and water volume used during
Lausanne, together with key players in the construction materials the construction process. These chemicals also enhance the
industry, targets to reduce the CO2 footprint of cement by performance of buildings such as structural tapes, thermoset hot
switching to a novel supplementary cementitious material, that melts, and multi-purpose adhesives. The judicious use will change
has the ability to replace up to 50% of clinker in cement. The the global residential and non-residential market and will have
new technology will play a significant and growing role in the positive impact on the environment.

16 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|APRIL 2022