Modern construction technologies are constantly being improved, offering new solutions to improve the quality of finishing work. One such innovative material is fiber for plaster. Let's take a closer look at what the additive is, how it works and what advantages it provides when used in finishing work.

Contents:

• What is fiber for plastering work and how does it work
• Types of fiber for plastering work
• Use of fiber fiber in various types of solutions
• Which fiber is best for plaster?
• Technological process of applying plaster with fiber fiber
• Optimal fiber sizes for plastering work
• Material consumption for plaster
• Comparative characteristics of popular types of reinforcing additives
• Features and advantages of each type
• Recommended products

What is fiber for plastering work and how does it work

Fiber is synthetic or natural fibers that are added to building mixtures to improve their characteristics. Fiber fiber for plaster is thin threads evenly distributed in the solution. The operating principle is based on the creation of a three-dimensional reinforcing mesh inside the material.

Microfiber increases the viscosity of the fresh solution, as its hairs act as small anchors that prevent the layers from moving. It is inert and does not affect the chemical composition of the solution and provides solidity due to three-dimensional reinforcement, which makes the use of mesh unnecessary, even in gypsum plasters.

The use of fiber fiber in building mixtures, including plaster, leads to a significant improvement in their properties and characteristics:

• Reduced cracking processes.
• Prevent chipping and cracking.
• Increased resistance to shrinkage and fracture.
• Increasing friction resistance.
• Significantly improved impact resistance.
• Prevents the mixture from spreading, unlike reinforcing mesh.
• Reducing the effect of delamination and peeling.
• Reduced water permeability.
• Increased frost resistance due to resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
• Improving waterproofing properties, especially important when arranging swimming pools and other hydraulic structures.
• Possibility of eliminating additional reinforcement when used in plaster mixtures.
• Easy processing of concrete and other materials.

Types of fiber for plastering

There are several types of fiber on the building materials market, differing in composition and properties. Let's look at the most popular options:

Polypropylene fiber

Polypropylene fiber for plaster is the most common type of fiber. It has a number of advantages:

• High tensile strength
• Resistance to alkaline environment
• Low cost

Polypropylene fiber for plaster is suitable for both interior and exterior use. It effectively prevents the formation of shrinkage cracks and increases the impact resistance of the coating.

Basalt fiber

Basalt fiber is a natural fiber obtained from molten rocks. Its main advantages:

• High temperature resistance
• Excellent reinforcing properties
• Environmentally friendly

Basalt additive is especially suitable for cement plasters subject to significant temperature loads.

Glass fiber

Glass fibers are also widely used in construction. Their advantages:

• High strength
• Chemical resistance
• Durability

Plaster with fiberglass fibers has increased crack resistance and improved thermal insulation properties.

Use of fiber fiber in various types of solutions

Synthetic fibers are successfully used in various types of plastering work:

Cement plaster with fiber

Adding fiber to cement plaster significantly increases its strength and crack resistance. This is especially important for facade work, where the coating is exposed to constant atmospheric influences.

Fiber in gypsum plaster

Gypsum compositions with the addition of fibers become more plastic and less susceptible to shrinkage. This allows you to apply thicker layers without the risk of cracking.

Fiber fiber putty

Fine microfiber is often added to putty compounds to increase their adhesion and reduce the risk of small cracks.

Fiber is in high demand when working with a floor screed device (in this case, VSM works as a cheap, but higher quality replacement for steel reinforcing mesh), laying concrete floors (as an additional reinforcing element) , in plastering work (as a replacement for serpyanka), in the production of foam blocks from foam concrete, polystyrene concrete, aerated concrete and other lightweight concrete, where it is impossible to use any other method of reinforcement.

SKAMINA, R. Construction fibers and prospects for their use. Buletinul INCERCOM, 2015, 7: 152-160.

Which fiber is best for plaster?

The choice of fiber type depends on the specific conditions of use and the composition of the plaster mixture. For most interior work, polypropylene fiber is the best option. It is universal and suitable for both gypsum and cement compositions.

For outdoor work and rooms with high humidity, it is better to use basalt or glass fiber. These materials are more resistant to aggressive environments and temperature changes.

Fibers are usually added to gypsum plaster in smaller quantities than to cement plaster due to the difference in the strength of the base compounds.

Technological process of applying plaster with fiber fiber

Preparatory stage

Before plastering, the surface must be treated with a primer suitable for this type of base. This can be a universal primer, a primer to increase adhesion or deep penetration. Then the embedded elements are installed along the level, and beacons are mounted on them.

Beacons can be made by creating a vertical “path” between mortgages from the same building mixture with fiber that will be used for plastering. Next, the mixture is leveled using the mortgage rule. Such mortar beacons have sufficient strength. If the mixture is well smoothed, further work will proceed without complications. The use of mortar beacons saves time and preserves the solidity of the layer, since there is no need to remove the metal beacon and seal the resulting seam.

Preparing a solution with fiberglass

The amount of fiber for plastering mortar is from 0.6 to 1 kg per cubic meter of mixture. Typically, polymer fibers are added to the water required for preparing the building mixture and stirred using a mixer with a whisk attachment. It is important that the fibers are evenly distributed throughout the entire volume. Then the dry construction mixture is added to the water with fiber and mixed thoroughly. An alternative way – add fiber in small portions to the dry mixture, gradually mixing, and then add water.

At the stage of preparing the plaster mortar, you can notice changes in the properties of the building mixture – it sticks to surfaces better, stretches, and its sedimentary cone becomes higher. However, it should be borne in mind that some solutions may set faster when adding fiber. It is important to note that polypropylene fibers are compatible with any concrete additives.

Main stage of work

Fiber fiber plaster can be applied either manually or by machine using a concrete pump or spraying equipment. The solution is applied to the surface between the beacons. The standard thickness of the plaster layer is:

• for simple plaster – 12 mm;
• for improved – 15 mm;
• for high quality – 20 mm

It should be noted that applying plaster with fiber is easier, since the mixture sticks to the surface better and flows less. If the plaster is performed in several layers (spray, leveling layer, grout layer), this effect becomes even more noticeable.

Optimal fiber sizes for plastering work

The effectiveness of fiber largely depends on the length and diameter of the fibers. The following parameters are considered optimal for plastering work:

• Fiber length: 6-12 mm
• Fiber diameter: 10-30 microns

Such dimensions ensure uniform distribution of fiber in the solution and do not create difficulties when applying plaster. Construction fiber material with a shorter fiber length (up to 6 mm) is often used for finishing putty compounds.

Consumption of glass fiber for plaster

The correct dosage of fiber is a key factor in achieving the desired effect. Fiber consumption for plaster depends on its type and mixture composition. Usually it is:

• For polypropylene: 0.6-0.9 kg per 1 m³ solution
• For basalt: 1-1.5 kg per 1 m³ solution
• For glass fiber: 0.8-1.2 kg per 1 m³ solution

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, since excess fiber can impair the workability of the mixture, and too little fiber will not provide the desired reinforcing effect.

Comparative characteristics of popular types of reinforcing additives

For a more detailed understanding of the differences between popular types of fiber, consider the comparative characteristics of three products: Fibermix, Polimesh and Armotek.

Comparison table

Features and advantages of each type

• Fibermix:
  • A wide range of fiber lengths allows you to choose the best option for various types of plaster
  • High tensile strength (560 MPa) provides excellent reinforcement
  • Effectively reduces microplastic shrinkage and cracking
  • Increases bending and tensile strength
  • Improves resistance to freeze-thaw cycles
• Polymesh:
  • Long fibers (38/54 mm) provide effective reinforcement over a large area
  • High tensile strength (500-600 MPa) increases the overall strength of the plaster
  • Redistributes the load, increasing the ductility and impact strength of the coating
  • Improves work speed, especially in precast concrete production
  • Reduces equipment wear when working with solution
• Armotek:
  • The variety of fiber lengths allows use in various types of plastering work
  • Good tensile strength (400 MPa) at the most affordable price
  • Effectively reduces plastic shrinkage and cracking
  • Increases resistance to impacts and destruction
  • Supplied in water-soluble packaging, making it easy to add to the solution

Fibermix offers the greatest variability in fiber lengths, making it a universal choice for various types of plaster. Polymesh, due to its long fibers, is especially effective for large projects and jobs that require high strength. Armotek is an economical solution while maintaining good reinforcing properties.

All three types of fiber have excellent chemical resistance and zero absorption, which ensures the durability of the plaster coating. The final choice will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the preferences of the contractor.

Recommended products

Armotec Fibre	Fibermix Microfiber