BASF launches Emaco Nanocrete to revolutionize concrete repair in Australia 

• Nanotech concrete repair products set a new standard
• Australia-wide seminars highlight the benefits of utilizing the Nanotechnology for easier application and quicker return to service

Sydney, Australia - 5 November 2008 - BASF Construction Chemicals has launched the state-of-the-art Emaco Nanocrete range of specialist concrete repair products in Australia.  The launch includes a series of seminars around Australia where engineers, architects, builders and concrete construction and repair specialists are provided with a comprehensive introduction to the new range.

At the first of the official launch seminars in Melbourne, Leo van den Heuvel, repsonsible for BASF's Construction Chemicals business in Australia and New Zealand, commented "The Emaco Nanocrete range has been developoed with a focus on combining effective long-term performance with ease of use to deliver specialist repair products that can meet the needs of even the most demanding applications."

"Each of the products in the range represents the culmination of many years of intensive research, development and testing, as as such, we believe that they have set a new standard in concrete repair technology," he said.

"Indeed, the Emaco Nanocrete range fully conforms to the strict new European Norm 1504, which is world's first performance-based concrete repair standard," van den Heuvel added.

In the Asia Pacific Region alone, it has been estimated that over 25% of the total annual construction budget is now spent on the repair and refurbishment of existing structures, buildings and facilities, according to the Con Rep Net study - the figure is expected to grow as infrastructure ages.  The repair and refurbishment of deteriorated reinforced concrete structures represent a signficant proportion of this repair activity, as as such, there is an ever-increasing demand for concrete repair materials that can deliver high quality, reliable and long-lasting results.

Specifically designed to meet industry demands for high durability, low shrinkage, ease of application and improved safety, the Emaco Nanocrete range represents the latest in concrete repair materials technology.  By using the concept of applied nanotechnology, BASF has been able to develop a range of repair mortars with exceptional performance properties, including: improved bond strengths, tensile strengths, density, impermeability and thixotropy; together with reduced shrinkage and improved compatibility with concrete.

In addition, the range of Emaco Nanocrete is formulated to enable quicker and easier application and finishing - reducing application problems and reducing cost.

• Emaco Nanocrete R2 - a fast setting, light weight single component, polymer modified repair and reprofiling mortar.  It can be applied from 3mm to 100mm in a single layer, making it ideal for non-structural repairs; plus, it is fast setting and can be overcoated within 4 hours.
• Emaco Nanocrete R4 - a very high strength, single component, high modulus, fibre reinforced, shrinkage compensated structural repair mortar; It is formulated for spray application of high volume repairs, has no need for bonding slurries or steel reinforcing primer, saving time and money.  Emaco Nanocrete R4 is able to be applied in both vertical and overhead applications due to its excellent thixotropy.  The cement rich formulation makes it easy to achieve a smooth fair-faced finish.
• Emaco Nanocrete AP - a single component, cementitious based active primer for reinforcing steel.  This product combines active corrosion inhibition with a colored polymer modified cementitious matrix to allow its use as both the reinforcing steel anti-corrosion primer in aggresive environments and as the bridge to create a tenacious bond to the substrate.  The colour also provides a visual onsite QC to ensure that protection of the reinforcing steel is conducted prior to the installation of the new repair mortar.  Thanks to its fast setting, property, the second coat can be applied after only 30 to 90 minutes, reducing waiting times and costs on the site.

Further information on each of the products in the new Emaco Nanocrete range is available at http://www.basf-cc.com.au

About BASF Construction Chemicals
BASF's Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry.  Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful.  Its Admixture Systems business unit specifically helps customers in the ready-mix, precast, manufactured concrete and underground construction industries.  The Construction Systems unit offers a wide range of products for sports and industrial floorings, external renders and wall insulation, expansion joints, wood preservatives, as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes.  The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of €2.1 billion with approximately 7,100 employees in 2007.  Further information is available at www.ap.cc.basf.com

About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company.  Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals.  As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful.  Withs its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility.  BASF has more than 95,000 emloyees and posted almost €58 billion in 2007.  Further information on BASF is available on the internet at www.basf.com