Dr. S. K. Nanda, CMD, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) last week introduced two Industrial products GUJCON-CRF and GUJCON-PRF in Mumbai.
Dr. Nanda, who was recently honoured with the prestigious ‘Udyog Rattan Award’ by The Institute of Economic Studies, New Delhi said, "We are investing Rs 100 crore to diversify into concrete reinforced fibre (CRF) and nylon reinforced fibre (PRF) manufacturing for construction and infrastructure industries. The company has set up a unit having capacity of 750 tpa of CRF/PRF at Surat. The facility has inbuilt capacity expansion of upto 3,600 tpa."
“The use of just 100 gm of Gujcon CRF and PRF per 50 kg bag of cement will enhance the strength of the structure. It will also help in the reduction of plastic shrinkage cracks by 95%, reduction of water permeability by 75%. The products will increase the impact strength by 35%, flexural strength by 8% and compressive strength by 5%,” Dr. Nanda added.
Gujcon CRF and PRF are secondary fibre reinforcement for concrete and plaster respectively. It is a path breaking innovation for Infrastructure industry and has a major application in RCC & PCC, flooring, Roads, bridges, Pre-cast structures, etc. Its major advantages are arresting shrinkage cracks, reduction in rebound loss, check water seepage, strengthening of structure, and enhancing durability of concrete.
It also enhances cosmetic property of the structures and buildings. The products are going to be patented and are produced by 100% Virgin Nylon-6 fibre which makes it unique among secondary reinforcement products. GSFC will make it affordable for wider application which is going to benefit the Infrastructure industry
Speaking on the advantages of the products, Paul Arakal, Regional Manager, GSFC, said, “When compared with other fiber products available in the market like polypropylene and polyester, our GUJCO Nylon-6 fiber gives better UV stability and higher water absorption. Its Relative density and Chemical Bonding is also far better. Polyester fibers settle down in the water and PP fibers float whereas the GUJCON Nylon-6 fibers remain evenly distributed in water which yields uniform fibers distribution across layers of concrete/mortar mix and hence it is really a revolution in the secondary fiber reinforcement in RCC and PCC.”