BASF Announces Breakthrough in Concrete Repair

SHAKOPEE, Minn., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Building Systems business of BASF's Construction Chemicals division today announced the launch of ZERO-C Concrete Repair Technology, a line of cementitious repair mortars that exhibit no cracking when tested in accordance with ASTM C1581. ZERO-C is the first concrete repair material formulated and proven to eliminate material cracking.

The problem of cracking in concrete repair does not have a simple solution; cracking in concrete is influenced by many factors. Scientists at BASF have unlocked the solution, addressing four critical material properties by utilizing state-of-the-art chemistry to create a new level of performance and the next generation of concrete repair.

Evaluating crack performance requires consideration of all forces that influence cracking. The newest and most reliable scientific test for measuring crack resistance in concrete repair materials is ASTM C1581, commonly known as the "Ring Test." ZERO-C is the industry's first product to exceed both ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) requirements for "low cracking potential products" showing no cracking at 60 days when tested according to The Ring Test.

In addition to crack resistance, ZERO-C's patent pending mix-and-match material design brings simplicity to the job site. A single base mortar can be modified by using different liquids to change the material consistency as project demands change, reducing the number of materials that have to be stored on the job site. Additionally, the weatherproof, recyclable mortar bags with handles eliminate solid waste and make bags easier to carry. The durable liquid pouches are tough enough to prevent damage, yet they are made with 50% less plastic than jugs. The pouches fold flat when empty to create less waste and lower disposal costs on site.

"I am very proud of the scientists and construction professionals at BASF who have dedicated their professional energy to creating a scientific breakthrough to not only meet, but exceed the demands of the industry," stated Doug MacRae, Vice President & Business Director for Building Systems. "The people of BASF have dedicated years to engineering a product that will improve our built world and forever change the face of concrete repair."

The Construction Chemicals division of BASF is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its divisions offers a wide range of products for sports and industrial flooring, external renders and wall insulation, expansion joints, wood preservatives as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes, as well as admixtures for the ready-mix, precast, manufactured concrete and underground construction industries. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of about euro 2 billion with approximately 7,100 employees in 2009.

The Building Systems business of BASF manufactures innovative products under nine well-known brands: Sonneborn®, Thoro®, MBT Protection and Repair®, Hydrozo®, Selby®, UCRETE®, SRS Flooring, Conica and CHEMREX®. These premier products provide joint sealant, waterproofing, grout, concrete repair, water repellent, performance flooring, surface adhesives and wall coating solutions for construction and renovation projects around the globe. For more information please visit www.buildingsystems.basf.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $13 billion in 2009. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa. BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than euro 50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

SOURCE BASF Corporation