Polyester Fiber (PET Fiber): A Functional Reinforcement Material for Cement Concrete and Asphalt Pavement

Polyester Fiber (PET fiber) is an engineered synthetic fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate. This product serves as a functional reinforcement material in cement concrete, mortar, and asphalt mixtures, primarily used in construction and transportation infrastructure applications.

Product Basic Characteristics

Polyester fiber is produced through melt spinning and subsequent surface treatment processes. It appears as white or off-white short fibers. Its main functions in cement or asphalt matrices are physical reinforcement and stress distribution.

In terms of physical properties, this product exhibits the following characteristics:

• Tensile Strength: High tensile strength, assisting in bearing tensile stress within the matrix

• Elastic Modulus: Moderate elastic modulus that aligns relatively well with the deformation capacity of concrete or asphalt materials

• Alkali Resistance: Maintains performance stability in the alkaline environment of cement concrete

• Temperature Resistance: High softening point, maintaining fiber morphology during hot-mix asphalt processing

• Dispersion Performance: Surface treatment facilitates dispersion during mixing and reduces agglomeration

• Chemical Stability: Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and common chemical corrosive agents

Main Grades and Specifications

Polyester fiber can be divided into concrete-grade and asphalt-grade fibers based on application scenarios. The main specification parameters are as follows:

Note: Appearance and specific specifications may vary among different product grades. The above are typical reference values.

Main Application Areas

1. Cement Concrete Applications

Inhibiting Plastic Shrinkage Cracking. During the plastic stage before concrete hardens, polyester fiber helps distribute tensile stresses caused by moisture evaporation, reducing the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks.

Improving Crack Resistance. Fibers form a three-dimensional network structure within the concrete, helping to delay crack propagation and improving the concrete's resistance to cracking.

Enhancing Impact Resistance. Polyester fiber can absorb some impact energy, assisting in improving the impact toughness of concrete.

Reducing Permeability. Uniformly distributed fibers can reduce interconnected pores within the concrete, assisting in improving impermeability.

Applicable scenarios include:

• Industrial floors and wear-resistant ground surfaces

• Hydraulic engineering (canal lining, slope protection)

• Basement walls and floor slabs

• Precast concrete components

• Tunnel linings

2. Asphalt Mixture Applications

Improving High-Temperature Rutting Resistance. Polyester fiber acts as a reinforcement in asphalt mixtures, helping to improve high-temperature stability and reduce permanent deformation.

Enhancing Fatigue Crack Resistance. Fibers assist in distributing tensile stresses generated by traffic loads, delaying the appearance of reflective cracks.

Improving Moisture Damage Resistance. The addition of fibers helps thicken the asphalt film, reducing moisture penetration and stripping.

Applicable scenarios include:

• Highway pavements

• Bridge deck overlays

• Airport runways

• Municipal roads

3. Dry Mix Mortar Applications

Polyester fiber can also be used in dry mix mortar products such as exterior plastering mortar and repair mortar, assisting in improving crack resistance and workability.

Technical Data Reference (Typical Range)

Note: The above data represent typical product performance ranges. Different product specifications may vary. Please refer to specific product test reports for accurate values.

Usage Recommendations for Concrete

• Recommended Dosage: For conventional concrete, the recommended dosage of polyester fiber ranges from 0.6 kg to 1.2 kg per cubic meter of concrete. Specific dosage should be determined through trials based on engineering requirements, crack control level, and mix design.

• Addition Method: At the batching plant, fibers can be added together with aggregates into the mixer. Dry mix for 30 seconds before adding water and other components, or follow equipment sequence to ensure uniform fiber distribution.

• Mixing Time: Slightly extending mixing time (typically 30 seconds longer than conventional concrete) facilitates thorough fiber dispersion.

• Effect on Workability: Concrete slump may decrease slightly after polyester fiber addition. This can be adjusted by modifying the dosage of admixtures.

Usage Recommendations for Asphalt Mixtures

• Recommended Dosage: Typically 0.1% – 0.3% of the total asphalt mixture weight. Specific dosage should be determined based on pavement performance requirements through methods such as Marshall testing.

• Addition Method: In hot-mix asphalt production, fibers can be added together with aggregates into the mixing drum, fully mixed during the dry-mix stage before adding asphalt.

• Mixing Temperature and Time: Follow conventional hot-mix asphalt procedures. Fiber addition does not affect the mixing temperature control of asphalt mixtures. Slightly extending dry-mix time is recommended.

Packaging and Storage

• Packaging Forms: Commonly available in polyethylene bags or paper-plastic composite bags, with net weights of 0.6 kg, 0.9 kg, 1.0 kg (water-soluble bags), or 25 kg packaging. Ton bags or custom packaging can also be provided upon request.

• Storage Conditions: Recommended storage in a cool, dry, well-ventilated indoor environment away from direct sunlight and moisture.

• Transportation Requirements: Transport according to general cargo regulations. Protect from moisture and physical damage.

For product technical data sheets (TDS) or application technical support for specific grades, please contact our sales or technical department. We will provide reasonable recommendations based on your application scenario.