BASF SE announced the launch of a unique crack-reducing admixture technology in the U.S. and Canada. MasterLife CRA 007 admixture enhances the aesthetics and long-term durability of concrete by reducing the likelihood that cracking will occur and, if it does, minimizes the crack width. This patent-pending technology is a special class of shrinkage-reducing admixture that produces a maximum initial crack width of 175 m m (0.007 inches) in high-performance, crack-prone (HPCP) concrete mixtures tested in accordance with ASTM C1581 test method.

This minimized crack width is nearly invisible to the naked eye. Crack widths this small do not transport water and have the potential to self-heal over time, thus increasing concrete durability by minimizing the ingress of chlorides, sulfates, and other potentially harmful materials. MasterLife CRA 007 admixture will meet ASTM C494, Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete, Type S, Specific Performance Admixtures.