Concrete Release Agents: Types, Functions, and Application Techniques

Concrete Release Agent:

Releasing agents are coatings added to the surface of the formwork prior to concreting, in order to allow quick removal of formwork or shuttering. If the appearance of the concrete surface is relevant, it is important to take care of the finishing surface of the shutter.

The finished concrete surface will reflect any flaws on the ‘shape’ surface, such as vibrating poker called ‘burns,’ differing properties in the form-face material, and signs of irregular absorption of water in wood.

Before the concrete is poured, loose wire & debris should be cleaned using a compressed air hose. It should be ensured that the steel fragments are eliminated as they rust and tamper with the final finish of the concrete.

Functions of Concrete Releasing Agents:

The most significant purpose of Releasing Agents is to promote the elimination of shuttering. In addition to this, some of the key features and benefits of using release agents include:

1. Minimize the occurrence of blowholes.
2. Deliver the recommended surface finish for the cast concrete portion.
3. Minimize water leakage from concrete due to absorption in the case of wood types.
4. Minimize water loss and moisture through the preparation of concrete.
5. Preserves the work of the type and makes it easier to reuse the shutter.
6. Tends to minimize cracks due to internal constraints.

Types of Concrete Release Agent:

There are a number of vendors and different types of release agents available on the market. The most useful of these surfactant oils are chemical release agents and mold cream emulsions.

1. Chemical Release Agents.
2. Mold Cream Emulsions.
3. Neat Oil with Surfactant.

So the site engineer should know which one to use and what’s best for the job. The merits of the different forms of release agents are summarized below.

#1. Chemical Release Agents-

These are light oils dependent on reactive oils that dry on the surface, leaving a thin layer on a shutter that is water-resistant and preserves the form during rainfall. The benefits and facts of chemical agents are as follows.

1. Can be used for all forms of formwork.
2. There’s no sticky film left when it’s dried, offering a smoother surface to walk on, unlike oily film.
3. Release agent is not applied to operative boots that avoid unintended coating on rebars.
4. More coverage than conventional oils.
5. It is costly for a given volume but can be inexpensive on the basis of the implementation process.

#2. Emulsion of Mold Cream-

With the exception of steel formwork, cream emulsions can be commonly used for all forms of shuttering. It needs to be completely blended before use and dilution are not permitted.

1. Recommended for absorbent surfaces such as wood type.
2. Offers high-quality finishes.
3. Spray may be added
4. Unlike chemical release inhibitors, it cannot be used for freezing concrete
5. Shelf life can be reduced.

#3. Neat Oil with Surfactant-

They are general-purpose release agents for all forms of shuttering, including steel formworks.

1. The application can affect the staining of concrete.
2. Heavy rain does not wash away water and oil film.
3. Repeated or incremental use eliminates finishing and leaves color differences on the finished surface.
4. Modern and traditional types are not to be used simultaneously.

Forms consisting of painted wood and plastics with a glossy surface create an impression that varies with the number of applications. These types create a less quality surface on the concrete during subsequent application.

Some plastic-faced plywoods have a similar influence. The first few uses of these materials will often create a very rough, thick, and almost black concrete surface.

Characteristics and Advantages of Release Agent:

Characteristics and advantages of the release agent are as follows.

#1. No Discoloration-

The base oils and additives used would not discolor the concrete when used properly.

#2. Simple Shape Removal-

special release agents can make it quicker and simpler to eliminate physical forms.

#3. Seamless Finish-

Release agents can also optimize the finishing of the concrete where it has been in touch with the shapes.

#4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-

fewer than the EPA Type Coating Compounds Control, which is a limit of 450 grams per liter.

Typical Applications Concrete Type Oil is recommended for use on wood and metal concrete forms to help loosen the form and enhance the surface finish.

Popular Defects in Concrete Release Agent at Construction Site:

One of the common errors when using release agents is that it is administered in excess of the amount that causes negative effects. The most recommended form of application is an airless spray for thin coats.

1. Thicker oils can be added by brush or cloth and extended as far as possible, all excess oils may be extracted with a cloth.
2. The use of barrier paints provides a hard-wearing surface and can prolong the life of wood or plywood forms.
3. If paint is not used, three mold oil coats should be added before the first application of the type.

Concrete Form Release Oil:

1. Concrete Type oil is specially designed to be used to enhance the finishing of concrete where it was in contact with the form and to promote the removal of the form.
2. Concrete Type oil is a combination of light-colored mineral oils (not to discolor concrete) and special release agents that react with the concrete to form a shield that stops concrete from adhering to either wood or metal forms.
3. Concrete Type oil may be added by spraying or brushing.

How to Keep Concrete From Sticking to Wood?

Builders and homeowners have the ability to create wood shapes to carry concrete, and the process is simple, but removing the shapes can be a lot more challenging. When concrete sets and hardens, there is no difference between where the contractor needs the concrete and where it is unwelcome.

The difficulty involved in removing the form increases the longer you leave the concrete to be fixed, but there are methods to avoid concrete adhesion and make the forms easier to remove.

Step 1: Dip a paintbrush or a paint roller onto a lacquer. Apply the lacquer to the wood shielding all the faces that would be exposed to the concrete. Let the lacquer dry for two to three hours.

Paint a second coat of lacquer on the wood. Let the varnish dry for two or three hours before the concrete is poured.

Step 2: Fill an oil sprayer with a hand pump. Every kind of oil will keep concrete from sticking to wood.

Spray the surfaces that face the wet concrete with a high oil saturation. Enable the oil to penetrate through the wood for 15 to 20 minutes. Apply a second heavy spray of oil right before pouring concrete.

Step 3: Open a can of a commercially available form-release agent specially formulated. Dip the paintbrush in the form-release agent.

Coat the inside surfaces that would be deeply wet with the asphalt. Enable the form-release agent to stay on the surface of the wood form.

Step 4: Dip the rag into the lard or shorten it. Cover the surface of the wood that you shield from the water with a dense coating of lard or shortening.

Examine the wood to ensure that all materials are coated by lard or a shortening coating prior to pouring concrete.

Fiberglass Release Agents:

1. The method of molding fiberglass starts with an entity known as a plug or buck. This is an accurate description of the object to be created. The plug may be constructed from a range of materials, usually with some forms of foam.
2. After the plug has been shaped, a mold release agent is sprayed. The release agent will cause the mold to be removed from the plug until it’s completed.
3. A special wax and/or PVA is the mold release agent (Polyvinyl alcohol). Polyvinyl alcohol, however, is said to have harmful effects on the surface finish of the final mold.
4. When the plug has been added to the release agent, the gelcoat is applied using a roller, brush or specially made spray gun. The gelcoat is a pigmented resin which gives the surface of the mold a tougher, more durable appearance.
5. When the release agent and gelcoat have been added, layers of fiberglass and resin are mounted on the board. Usually, the fiberglass used would be the same as that used in the finished product.
6. A sheet of fiberglass mat is added in the laying process and resin is applied over it. A special roller is then used to extract the air bubble. Air bubbles, if left in the curing solvent, will greatly weaken the strength of the finished mould.
7. The fiberglass spray method is often used for the manufacturing of molds and can provide a good filling of corners and cavities where a glass mat or weave may prove to be too rigid.
8. When the final coats of fiberglass have been added to the container, the resin can be fixed and cured. Wedges are then pushed between the plug and the mold to separate the two.

FAQ: Concrete Release Agents

What are concrete release agents?

Concrete release agents are coatings applied to the surface of formwork before concreting to facilitate the easy removal of the formwork or shuttering after the concrete has set.

Why is the appearance of the concrete surface important?

The appearance of the concrete surface is crucial because any flaws on the formwork surface, such as burns from vibrating pokers or irregular absorption in wood, will be reflected on the finished concrete surface.

How should the formwork be prepared before applying the release agent?

Before applying the release agent, loose wire and debris should be cleaned using a compressed air hose. Steel fragments should be eliminated to prevent rust and tampering with the final finish of the concrete.

What are the main functions of concrete release agents?

The primary functions of concrete release agents include:

1. Promoting the easy removal of formwork.
2. Minimizing the occurrence of blowholes.
3. Providing a recommended surface finish for the cast concrete.
4. Reducing water leakage from concrete due to absorption in wooden formwork.
5. Preserving the formwork for reuse.
6. Minimizing cracks due to internal constraints.

What are the types of concrete release agents available?

There are several types of concrete release agents, including:

1. Chemical Release Agents
2. Mold Cream Emulsions
3. Neat Oil with Surfactant

What are the benefits of chemical release agents?

Chemical release agents can be used for all forms of formwork, leave no sticky film, provide more coverage than conventional oils, and are not transferred to workers’ boots, preventing accidental coating on rebars.

What are mold cream emulsions, and when are they recommended?

Mold cream emulsions are release agents recommended for absorbent surfaces like wooden formwork. They offer high-quality finishes but cannot be used for freezing concrete and have a reduced shelf life.

What are the characteristics of neat oil with surfactant release agents?

Neat oil with surfactant release agents are general-purpose agents that can affect concrete staining, are resistant to heavy rain, and should not be used simultaneously with modern and traditional types.

What are the common defects when using concrete release agents?

Common defects include applying excessive amounts of release agents, leading to negative effects. It’s recommended to use an airless spray for thin coats and to remove excess oils with a cloth.

How can you prevent concrete from sticking to wood formwork?

You can prevent concrete from sticking to wood formwork by applying a lacquer or oil to the wood, using a commercially available form-release agent, or coating the wood with lard or shortening.

What are fiberglass release agents, and how are they used?

Fiberglass release agents, such as special wax or Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), are used in molding fiberglass to allow the mold to be removed from the plug once completed. These agents help create a durable and high-quality surface finish on the mold.