Release Agent Types

Hydrocarbon fuels such as ordinary diesel fuel are commonly used release agents in the past. Hydrocarbon fuels are environmentally not safe. Thus a need exists for a release agent which is effective in preventing the sticking, inexpensive, environmentally safe, long-lasting, does not wash off, or does not dilute, should not affect the quality of the product.

What are Spick n Clean® Release Agents?

Release Agents, non-stick oil, form oils, truck slip, de-moulding agents or parting agents are different names used in different countries for materials that allow you to separate forms from asphalt, concrete and ores. Though there are no ACI or ASTM specifications that define these terms, common usage does suggest some differences among them. Release agents refer to proprietary materials that contain ingredients that chemically combine with asphalt, cement and ores.

These release agents are subject to regulations from the EPA for clean water, clean air, and clean groundwater. Tightening of shipping regulations from DOT, affects the handling of these materials by manufacturers, distributors and contractors.

In this application, there are two types of release agents available:

A. Barrier Type     B.Reactive Type

Barrier release agents prevent adhesion by the development of a physical film or barrier between the forming surface and the concrete. Common examples include diesel oil, paraffin wax, new motor oil, etc. This leads to bug-holes and staining. In a short time all diesel oil evaporates, it is this evaporation that affects clean air that will be regulated by the proposed VOC and EPA regulations.

Reactive release agents are chemically active and work by the process of a chemical reaction between the release agent and the material. A soapy film is created which prevents adhesion. The active ingredients in most chemically active form release agents are a combination of plant or vegetable carboxylic acids combined with various glycerol esters that chemically reacts to produce a soap-like film that prevents asphalt, concrete and ores from sticking.

Water based release agents is a result of more focus on health, environment and safety issues. This has resulted in development of new technologies in this area have focused largely on water based formulations and the movement has been away from petroleum or solvent based products.

The switch has been slow in coming, largely because of preconceived notions about water-based release agents. They don't mix well and the second issue is cold weather. Water-based release agents can freeze when the temperature drops.

The benefits of oil based release agents go beyond performance and price. Oil based products are safer for the environment and safer for workers to handle. Petroleum-based agents contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which pose a health threat to workers. This concern for worker's safety and the environment prompted to tighten its VOC standards. Since 2005 Europe, USA & other countries also have lowered their VOC thresholds for form release agents to 250 grams/litre. A typical petroleum-based release agent ranges about 450 grams/litre.

InfoSheets on all applications are available from Spick n Clean® at your request.