Steel fiber manufacturer

In concrete reinforcement, steel fibers and synthetic fibers represent two mainstream solutions with fundamentally different properties and applications. As China's leading fiber supplier, Daye deciphers their core distinctions to help you match materials to project requirements.

I. Material Performance: Physical Properties & Reinforcement Mechanisms

1. Mechanical Properties

   • Steel Fiber:

     • Tensile strength: 500–2,000 MPa

     • Young's modulus: 210,000 MPa

     • Increases flexural strength (up to +50%) and impact resistance

     • Controls crack propagation through bridging effect (ideal for high-load applications: industrial floors, tunnel linings).

   • Synthetic Fiber:

     • Polypropylene (PP) based

     • Tensile strength: 200–600 MPa

     • Young's modulus: 5,000–10,000 MPa

     • Primarily controls early-stage plastic shrinkage cracks; less effective against structural cracks.

2. Durability & Environmental Resistance

   Property	Steel Fiber	Synthetic Fiber
   Heat Resistance	Withstands >1500°C; retains strength	Melts at 165°C; fails under high heat
   Corrosion Resistance	Requires galvanization	Naturally corrosion-resistant (ideal for marine projects)
   Creep Performance	Minimal long-term deformation	Prone to creep under sustained load

II. Application Scenarios: Engineering Needs Dictate Choice

1. Steel Fiber Dominance Zones

   • High-impact environments: Mining floors, airport runways (superior toughness prevents fracture)

   • Fire-resistant structures: Tunnel fireproofing, industrial furnace foundations (thermal stability)

   • Abrasion-resistant floors: Warehouses, logistics centers (density: 7,850 kg/m³ ensures wear resistance)

2. Synthetic Fiber Suited Applications

   • Mass concrete crack prevention: Dams, foundation slabs (controls plastic shrinkage cracks)

   • Corrosion-prone projects: Desalination plants, chemical facilities

   • UHPC lightweight toughening: Daye’s UHPC Special Synthetic Fiber enhances ductility without adding weight.

III. Daye’s Innovative Solutions: Balancing Performance & Cost

1. Steel Fiber Technology Highlights

   • Hooked-end design: Boosts mechanical anchorage (40% higher stress transfer vs. straight fibers)

   • Galvanization: Extends service life by 30+% through rust prevention

2. Synthetic Fiber Alternatives

   • Recron 3S Series:

     • Tensile strength: 600–1,000 MPa

     • Elastic modulus: 8–15 GPa (near-steel performance)

     • Cost: Only 17% of steel fiber (budget-friendly crack control)

IV. Engineering Selection Guide: 4 Key Decision Factors

1. Load Type: Dynamic loads (forklifts/machinery) → Steel fiber; Static shrinkage stress → Synthetic fiber

2. Environmental Exposure: Chemical corrosion → Synthetic fiber; High temperatures → Steel fiber

3. Lifecycle Cost: Short-term projects → Synthetic fiber; Long-life structures → Steel fiber (reduces maintenance)

4. Construction Efficiency:

   • Steel fiber: Directly mixed into concrete (no process changes)

   • Synthetic fiber: Easy dispersion; pump-friendly

V. Conclusion: No "Best Fiber" – Only the "Right Fiber"

Steel fiber reigns as the king of structural reinforcement, while synthetic fiber delivers cost-efficient crack control. Daye supplies both because:

“True engineering wisdom lies in precisely matching material properties to application demands.”

Contact Daye’s Technical Team for custom fiber solutions!
➤ Steel Fiber Applications: Industrial flooring, tunnels/mining, fire-resistant structures
➤ Synthetic Fiber Recommendations: Recron 3S (crack control), UHPC Special (toughening)