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duoMatrix-C is a new polymer additive for concrete that greatly enhances physical and performance characteristics.

Performance In Overdrive - Matrix-C greatly reduces water/salt absorption and virtually eliminates micro cracks. Matrix-C also enhances freeze/thaw, chemical and UV resistance.

Production In Overdrive - Matrix-C eliminates the need for the usual 7 day post cure. Castings can be cycled faster, making your operation more productive.


GFRC To The Max . . . Matrix-C was made for glass fiber reinforced concrete applications and can be cast, laid up or sprayed - Ideal for making strong, lightweight architectural elements & building facades.

Technical Overview

Matrix-C™ is a one component latex additive for cementitious materials. When added in the proper proportions, Matrix-C enhances the physical and performance properties of concrete. Pot Life and Demold times can be reduced or extended with addition of an accelerator or retarder.  See "Accelerating and Extending" portions of technical bulletin.

duoMatrix–C™ Mix Ratio for GFRC:    PRE-MIX: SPRAY UP:  Pot Life: 45-90 min  Demold: 16 hrs.  Type I cement: 100 parts 100 parts  Sand   80 parts 100 parts Matrix-C   15 parts 15 parts Water   23 parts 23 parts A-R Glass   6 parts 10 parts

Density: 100-130 pcf

Compressive Strength: up to 13,000 psi

Tensile Strength: up to 900 psi 

Flexural Strength: up to 5,000 psi

Freeze Thaw Resistance: Excellent (over 300 cycles)

Permeability: 1200 coulombs

Maximum values attained after 28 day cure.

Values were obtained using United States Gypsum FGR 95 Alpha Gypsum. Maximum values were obtained using up to 14% glass fibers. Values were obtained after 14 day air cure.

Preparation
Environment - Mixing of components should be done at room temperature (70°F/22°C). Colder temperatures will slow the working/cure time, while warmer temperatures will reduce working times. Freezing of latex will render it useless. 

Mold Preparation - When solid casting Matrix-C™ into a rubber mold, rinse the mold with solution with any standard concrete release agent prior to each casting. This will help minimize air bubbles, facilitate demold, reduce build-up during production and give longer mold life.

Preparation – Required Materials
Assemble all components and accessories before you begin. You will need:

Measuring Proportions – GFRC Mix Pre-Mix For Casting
To minimize dust inhalation, we recommend that you wear a NIOSH approved dust mask while weighing and mixing components. Weigh materials in proper proportion as accurately as possible.

Component amounts will vary depending on the size of the batch you are making. Standard mixing proportions:

Parts By Weight

Mixing Components In Sequence 
Important: Components must be mixed in proper sequence. A power mixer should be used to mix all components. 

Step 1 – Combine All Dry Ingredients Before Adding Liquid Latex
Combine cement, sand & fiber into a suitable size mixing container (If adding dry pigments or other additives, blend with dry components before adding water and Matrix-C™). Mix dry components thoroughly with mixing paddle, power mixer, etc. until well blended.
Note: For convenience and future use, large amounts of dry powder components can be pre-mixed and stored in a clean, dry, airtight container.

Step 2 – Shake or Stir Matrix-C™ Well, And Add Required Amount
Pre-mix Matrix-C™ with power mixer. Add required amount of Matrix-C™ and water by weight and mix all components with a power mixer until all dry powder components are thoroughly dispersed (minimum 90 seconds).   Be Sure To Shake or Stir Matrix-C™!!

Optional – For Better Flow, Add A Plasticizer . . .
A plasticizer can be added to the mixture to improve the flow and reduce air bubbles. Sikament 10 (available from Sika Corp.) or Daracem 19 (available from WR Grace & Co.) is available worldwide and will work well with the Matrix-C™ aggregate.

Add 8 oz. (237 ml) of plasticizer per 100 lbs. (46 kgs.) Portland cement and mix as directed above.

To Reduce Entrapped Air . . .
Pouring . . . Pour mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of mold, and let mixture seek its level.

Vibrating . . . After pouring, vibrate mold using a vibrating table or pass vibrating wand through mixture.

Curing . . . 
Let cure at room temperature for 16 hours before demolding. Colder temperatures will slow the curing process. Do not cure in temperatures below 32°F / 0°C. Warmer temperatures will accelerate the curing process. If curing at temperatures above 105°F / 32°C, castings should be covered to prevent pre-mature evaporation. This could result in surface shrinkage and cracking. 

Accelerating Or Slowing Matrix-C™
Accelerating or slowing the cure of Matrix-C™ may be achieved with conventional ad mixtures (such as Daraccel accelerator or Daratard 17 retarder from WR Grace. Sika Rapid 1 accelerator or Plastiment retarder is also suitable).

Measuring Proportions / GFRC Spray 
For making large architectural panels or for covering large areas, Matrix-C™ can be sprayed using standard spray equipment (normally used to spray cementitious materials). Matrix-C™ is applied in 2 steps. It is mixed as directed below and is then poured into the spray gun "hopper" where it is forced through the spray equipment and out the spray nozzle. For information about spray equipment, contact Smooth-On. 

To minimize dust inhalation, we recommend that you wear a NIOSH approved dust mask while weighing and mixing components. Weigh materials in proper proportion as accurately as possible.

Step 1. Apply A Surface Coat Without Fiber. Mix as indicated below WITHOUT FIBER and spray mold surface.

Step 2. Immediately follow with Fiber Mix Coat as indicated below.

Parts By Weight

Adding Color . . .
Standard concrete powder pigments can be added at any time during the mix. Experimentation may be required to achieve desired colors.

duoMatrix-C™ packaging is as follows:

duoMatrix-G™ as well as other supplies are available from distributors.