Abstract: Described is a thixotropic para-aramid gel that includes a polymer resin, an alkali-soluble anionic thickener, an adhesion promoter, and para-aramid pulp fibers. The polymer resin includes at least one of an acrylate copolymer and a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Also described is a method of producing the para-aramid gel for plaster reinforcement. The method includes mixing the polymer resin, the alkali-soluble anionic thickener, and the adhesion promoter to create a thixotropic gel, and then spinning para-aramid pulp fibers into the thixotropic gel using a high shear mixer. A method of reinforcing a plaster ceiling is also described. The method includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into a visible surface of the ceiling, leaving a portion of each fastener exposed at or above the visible surface, and applying a layer of the para-aramid-reinforced thixotropic gel to the visible surface and encapsulating the portion of each fastener within the layer.

Abstract: Described is a thixotropic para-aramid gel that includes a polymer resin, an alkali-soluble anionic thickener, an adhesion promoter, and para-aramid pulp fibers. The polymer resin includes at least one of an acrylate copolymer and a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Also described is a method of producing the para-aramid gel for plaster reinforcement. The method includes mixing the polymer resin, the alkali-soluble anionic thickener, and the adhesion promoter to create a thixotropic gel, and then spinning para-aramid pulp fibers into the thixotropic gel using a high shear mixer. A method of reinforcing a plaster ceiling is also described. The method includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into a visible surface of the ceiling, leaving a portion of each fastener exposed at or above the visible surface, and applying a layer of the para-aramid-reinforced thixotropic gel to the visible surface and encapsulating the portion of each fastener within the layer.