Mould Release Agent for Concrete by Know How Concrete Technologies

Form Release VMR

INTRODUCTION
Form Release is an emulsion of organic oil's in water, which can be applied to concrete formwork to aid in the release of the hardened concrete from the casting form. Form Release VMR forms a physical barrier between the form and the concrete. The soap like material used as the emulsifier reacts with the free lime on the surface of the concrete, forming a chemically inert calcium soap that enhances the separation of the concrete from the mould surface. The chemically reactive components in FORM RELEASE VMR provide a water repellent interface, which protects formwork and ensures an even colour and texture of the cast concrete. In addition to preventing adhesion of the cement matrix to formwork, FORM RELEASE VMR will allow air to escape from the interface during concrete placing and vibration. This release of air minimises surface blemishes and results in a substantial reduction in remedial costs.

USES
To provide quick, clean and easy stripping of moulds and formwork to ensure high quality fair-faced and stain-free concrete suitable for use on plywood, wood, fiberglass, plastic, elastomer and expanded polystyrene foam moulds. Applied by spray, brush, roller or mop.

ADVANTAGES

• Water based
• Zero VOC
• Biodegradable
• Easy to use
• Low odour
• Low cost and economical
• Non-hazardous, non-toxic
• Helps to ensure smooth finish concrete
• Non-staining for coloured products
• Easy cleaning of shutters before re-use
• Can be used on all types of formwork

NON-STAINING
Does not stain concrete and can be used safely with white cement.

PREPARATION of new moulds
No preparation is necessary but if extensive re-use of timber moulds is envisaged, it is advisable to protect all new surfaces from alkali attack which could result in a short usable life. Steel moulds require no special treatment other than the removal of rust or oil, although wetting out may be improved by lightly abrading the surface.

PREPARATION of used moulds
Remove traces of old material such as concrete or dirt and clay deposits prior to use. Moulds previously used with FORM RELEASE VMR will require only light brushing, as the presence of fine dust will improve the wetting out properties of FORM RELEASE VMR. This will usually result in improved release properties on the second and subsequent uses of the mould.

APPLICATION
Brush or conventional mould oil sprayer can be used to apply FORM RELEASE VMR. If a mould oil sprayer is used, care should be taken to ensure that a fine nozzle is fitted, as FORM RELEASE VMR should be applied in a light continuous film. If the material is over applied, excess material should be removed from the mould by means of a sponge or cloth. Do not allow pools of FORM RELEASE VMR to remain on the form as surface retardation of the concrete may occur.

PRECAUTIONS
Over time the oil may build up on the form surface be careful not to allow excessive build up of old material. As the emulsion contains water it may cause rust when used on steel moulds when left exposed for extended periods. It also must be kept from freezing, as separation may occur.