Comparing Flake Wood Cellulose with Traditional Crack Control Additives

pioneerfiber
Aug 25, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jan 15

Information Tags

• Type: 4-minute read

• Audience: Construction professionals, engineers, architects, contractors

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Introduction: Rethinking Crack Control Strategies

Cracking is a major durability concern in both precast and cast-in-place concrete. Historically, contractors have used steel mesh, synthetic microfibers, or shrinkage-reducing admixtures. But now, Flake Wood Cellulose—engineered flake wood cellulose from natural sources—offer a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative for internal crack resistance.

Close-up of flake wood cellulose — a natural, biodegradable additive that forms a fibrillated mesh in concrete to intercept microcracks and regulate moisture during curing.

How Flake Wood Cellulose Work in Crack Mitigation

Flake Wood Cellulose form a three-dimensional fibrillated mesh within the concrete, delivering:

Microcrack interception during early plastic shrinkage
Moisture regulation that supports internal curing
Improved matrix cohesion to prevent segregation
Enhanced bonding between aggregates and cement paste

Unlike synthetic fibers, Flake Wood Cellulose are biodegradable, non-plastic, and derived from renewable materials—ideal for sustainable projects.

Comparison with Traditional Crack Control Additives

Additive Type	Material	Crack Control + Sustainability
Steel Mesh	Carbon steel	Resists tensile stress post-crack; Corrosive, heavy, labor-intensive installation.
PP Synthetic Fibers	Plastic polymer	Controls shrinkage via dispersion; Non-biodegradable.
SRA (Chemical)	Liquid admixture	Compensates shrinkage chemically; Synthetic material, sensitive to dosage.
Flake Wood Cellulose	Flake wood cellulose	Physically bridges cracks, retains moisture; Natural, renewable resource.

Modern building under construction using flake wood cellulose for crack control — a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional additives in concrete.

Where Flake Wood Cellulose Perform Best

Flake Wood Cellulose are especially effective in:

Precast concrete with strict dimensional tolerances
Architectural white cement mixes where synthetic fibers discolor
Dry-mix mortar systems that require uniformity and anti-segregation
Sustainable or LEED-certified projects seeking plastic-free alternatives

They offer both performance and ecological advantages where traditional additives fall short.

Conclusion: A Smarter Fiber for a Smarter Mix

Flake Wood Cellulose don’t just match traditional crack control additives—they improve upon them. With high cohesion, early-age crack mitigation, and full compatibility with modern concrete systems, they represent the next step in fiber-based reinforcement—naturally.

Explore PIONEER’s range of concrete reinforcement fibers and how they improve concrete properties. Visit our website: www.pioneerfibre.com

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