3M

ScotchcastTM
Polyolefin Fibers
Product Data
Product Description
The 3MTM ScotchcastTM polyolefin fiber system consists
of polymeric fibers and a fiber delivery system 3M fibers
combine the structural benefits of steel fibers with the
material benefits of polyolefin.
3M Polyolefin fibers allow high volume loading
(upto maximum 3%) and rapid uniform dispersion with
no fiber balling. 3M fibers allow higher fiber volume
content than existing synthetic and steel fibers without
loss of rheological properties needed for proper mixing
and placement This is important because fiber content
has been shown to directly affect the ability to increase
concrete material performance characteristics.
Unlike many fibrillated or small diameter
monofilament synthetic fibers, 3M Polyolefin fibers will
not hang-up on rebar or other obstructions during
concrete placement.
Basic Use
3M Polyolefin fibers are used as secondary
reinforcement in cast-in- place concrete, precast concrete
and wet mix shotcrete applications. Because 3M
Scotchcast Polyolefin fibers can be added to concrete at

higher loading rates than other synthetic fibers, they

enhance concrete material performance properties, such
as toughness, flexural strength, impact strength and
fatigue endurance, as steel fibers do. Like all fibers, 3M
Polyolefin fibers help control thermal cracking in
addition to plastic and drying shrinkage cracking.
3M Polyolefin fibers are an alternative to welded
wire fabric (WWF) in slab on grade and other nonstructural applications because 3M Polyolefin fibers
provide three dimensional reinforcement, assured
positioning and reduced installation labor from WWF.
3M Polyolefin fibers do not affect concrete hydration
characteristics and are compatible with most typical
concrete mixes and admixtures.
3M Polyolefin fibers have been used for cast-in-place
concrete such as: slabs on grade, Screeds, highway
pavements, white toppings, bridge deck overlays, curbs,
driveways and sidewalks. 3M Polyolefin fibers are
suitable for other cast-in-place, precast and shotcrete
applications. Contact 3M for more information.
There are many advantages and benefits of using 3M
Scotchcast Polyolefin fibers. See table 2.

Table 1.
Typical Physical Properties of 3M ScotchcastTM Polyolefin Fibers
Property

Results

Specific Gravity (Bulk Relative Density)

0.91

Tensile Strength

275 MPa (40,000 psi)

Modulus of Elasticity

2647 MPa (384,000 psi)

Elongation at Break

15%

Ignition Point

593C (1100F)

Melt Point

160C (320F)

Chemical and Salt Resistance

Excellent

Alkaline Resistance

Excellent

Electrical Conductivity

Low

Table 2.
3MTM Scotchcast Polyolefin Fibers Combine Structural Advantages of Steel and
Material Advantages of Polyolefin
Property / Benefit

3M Fibers

Steel Fibers

Other Synthetic

(4 kg/cu.m)

(39.2 kg/cu.m)

(0.9 kg/cu.m)

Materials
Corrosion resistance

Yes

No

Yes

Non-rusting
(no rust coloration to surface)

Yes

No

Yes

Chemically inert

Yes

No

Yes

Non-magnetic

Yes

No

Yes

Protrusions are non hazardous

Yes

No

Yes

Mix Proportions, Design and Mixing

Fiber dosage can be tailored to
achieve
concrete
structural
performance enhancements

Yes

Use standard mixer equipment

Yes

Rapid Uniform dispersion into mix

at volume loadings greater than
1%.

Yes

No

No

Volume loading up to 3%

Yes

No

No

Higher green strength

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Higher impact strength

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Higher ductility

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Increased toughness
(ASTM/ JSCE)

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Higher post-crack load carrying

capacity

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Increased flexural fatigue strength

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Increased durability-crack
resistance

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Shrinkage crack control

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Plastic shrinkage crack control

Yes

Yes

Minimal

Yes

No
Yes

Concrete Performance

Applicable Standards
3M Scotchcast Polyolefin fibers have been tested
according to the following methods:
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
ASTM C 469 Test Method for Static Modulus of
Elasticity and Poisson's Ratio of Concrete in
Compression
ASTM C 1018 Test Method for Flexural Toughness
and First-Crack Strength of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
(Using Beam with Third Point Loading)
ASTM C 1116 Standard Specification for Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Shotcrete.

Vebe Slump Test and Vebe Time Test

(Recommended by ACI Committee 544)
Impact Strength (Recommended by ACI Committee
544)
Tests using Japanese methods were also run on 3M
Scotcheast Polyolefin fibers according to the following:
Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE):
JSCE 111-1 Standard, Specification of Steel Fibers for
Concrete, Concrete Library No.50, March 1983
JSCE-SF4 Standard for Flexural Strength and Flexural
Toughness, Method of Tests for Steel Fiber
Reinforced Concrete, Concrete Library of JSCE,
No.3, June 1984, pp.58-66.

 Japan Concrete Institute CJCI): Standard flat Method

for Flexural Strength and Flexural Toughness of Fiber
Reinforced Concrete, (Standard SF4), JCI Standards
for Test Methods of Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Japan
Concrete Institute, 1983, pp.45-51.

Installation
Method of Use: For information on mix proportion, and
design, placement and finishing, see separate Guide
Specifications for Cast-in-place Concrete, Precast
Concrete or Wet Mix Shotcrete.

Technical Data
3MTM Scotcheast Polyolefin fibers meet the material and
performance requirements of ASTM C 1116, Type III.
JSCE and JCI standards especially show strength and
toughness enhancements to concrete when using 3M
Polyolefin fibers. Specific testing results are available
upon request.

Availability and Cost

Contact manufacturer for availability. In-place cost may
vary due to regional and other considerations.

Assistance is available to help designers in achieving

desired performance when using 3M fibers. See
Technical Services for more information.

Technical Services
3M provides assistance to help determine appropriate 3M
Polyolefin fibers dosage and mix proportions. 3M will
provide assistance when using 3M Polyolefin fibers to
help you achieve your design parameters.

Table 3.
3M Scotchcast Polyolefin Fibers Types and Application Recommendations
3M Fibers Types
(length by diameter)

Package
Size and Type

Cast-in-Place

Wet Mix
Shotcrete

Precast
Concrete

50/63 (50 mm by 0.63 mm)

(2 inches by 25 mils)

11.34 Kg (25 lbs)

box fibers wrapped in bundles

Yes

No

Yes

25/38 (25 mm by 0.38 mm)

(1 inch by 15 mils)

9.07 Kg (20lbs) box fibers

wrapped in bundles

Yes

Yes

Yes

Important Notice

Warranty; Limited Remedy; Limited Liability

All statements, technical information, and recommendations

related to 3M's products are based on information believed to be
reliable, but the accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed.
Before using this product, you must evaluate it and determine if it
is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks
and liability associated with such use. Any statements related to
the product which are not contained in 3M's current publications,
or any contrary statements contained on your purchase order
shall have no force or effect unless expressly agreed upon, in
writing, by an authorized officer of 3M.

This product will be free from defects in material and manufacture

for a period of one year from the date of purchase. 3M MAKES
NO OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. If this product is
defective within the warranty period staled above, your exclusive
remedy shall be, at 3M% option, to replace or repair the 3M
product or refund the purchase price of the 3M product. Except
where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or
damage arising from this 3M product, whether direct, indirect
special, incidental or consequential regardless of the legal theory
asserted.

3M
Corrosion Protection Products
6801 River Place Blvd.
Austin, TX 78726-9000
http://www.3M.com/corrosion

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