BASF introduces MasterLife® CRA 007 breakthrough crack-reducing admixture technology for concrete

CLEVELAND, OH – The Admixture Systems business of BASF’s Construction Chemicals division announced today 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 (.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.

“Cracking is a major issue for the concrete industry, as it detracts from the aesthetics of concrete, can be a safety hazard, and may compromise durability or structural integrity”, said Juan Alfonso Garcia, Vice President, BASF – Admixture Systems. “MasterLife CRA 007 admixture is a breakthrough technology that minimizes cracking and improves concrete quality.”

MasterLife CRA 007 admixture will meet ASTM C494, Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete, Type S, Specific Performance Admixtures.

“Many of today’s concrete specifications are embracing performance-based solutions,” said Dr. Charles Nmai, Manager, Engineering Services, BASF – Admixture Systems. “BASF is committed to developing products like MasterLife CRA 007 admixture that improve concrete performance through enhanced durability, extending the service life of structures and minimizing cost and environmental impact.”


MasterLife CRA 007 admixture is part of the Master Builders Solutions portfolio of products for the construction industry. This portfolio includes: concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for mining and tunneling, sealants, waterproofing, concrete protection and repair products, grouts, and performance flooring products.

For more information about MasterLife CRA 007 admixture, visit BASF on the web at www.masterbuilders.com.

About the Construction Chemicals division

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division offers advanced chemicals solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures: Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses c oncrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for underground construction, waterproofing systems, sealants, concrete repair & protection systems, performance grouts, performance flooring systems, tile fixing systems, expansion control systems and wood protection solutions.

The Construction Chemicals division’s 6,400 employees form a global community of construction experts. To solve our customers’ specific construction challenges from conception through to completion a project, we combine our know-how across areas of expertise and regions and draw on the experience gained in countless construction projects worldwide. We leverage global BASF technologies, as well as our in-depth knowledge of local building needs, to develop innovations that help make our customers more successful and drive sustainable construction.

The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 60 countries and achieved sales of about €2.3 billion in 2012.

BASF - The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,600 employees in North America, and had sales of $18.5 billion in 2012. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us .

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com.