Concrete Release Agent

Requirements for release agents

High-quality concrete release agents are essential when it comes to the quality of concrete surfaces. Drawing on decades of experience, we have developed our high-performance SOK products in close collaboration with our customers. Today, these release agents are successfully used worldwide in precast plants and in both structural and civil engineering.

  • Easy separation of concrete and formwork
  • Concrete surfaces without pores and shrink holes
  • Light-colored concrete surfaces without discoloration
  • Clean formwork
  • Protection of formwork and easy cleaning
  • Temporary protection against corrosion on steel formwork
  • Hygienic safety for the user
  • Harmless to the environment
  • Universal applicability
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Sustainability

The ability to provide eco-friendly, alternative water-based products as concrete release agents for nearly all applications demonstrates that quality, efficiency, and environmental awareness can be harmonized.

The product range is constantly evolving through close collaboration with users. Continuous dialogue is essential to ensure ongoing product optimization based on real-world applications. For larger quantities, customized concrete release agents can be developed to meet specific requirements. Please get in touch!

Application Guide: Concrete release agents in precast plants

Sustainable construction with concrete release agents from Vielhauer GmbH

Mineralöl Vielhauer Schmierstoff GmbH MV Lub

Release agents for highest exposed concrete requirements

The composition of concrete release agents

Concrete release agents consist of a base fluid in which the necessary additives are dissolved. This base fluid can be mineral oil with or without de-aromatized white spirit, ester/vegetable oil, or water in the case of emulsions. Fatty acids and/or esters are typically used as separating substances. The fatty acids chemically react with the cations in the “concrete water” to form metal soaps, which create the “predetermined breaking point” between the concrete and formwork after the concrete hardens. Esters, commonly used, are saponified by the highly alkaline concrete (pH value 12.9) into fatty acids and alcohol. The fatty acids then react with the cations in the “concrete water,” while the alcohol becomes part of the cement matrix. Additionally, concrete release agents contain additives to reduce pores and shrink holes, as well as provide temporary corrosion protection for steel formwork.

Product

Group 1 - Mineral oil basis, partly with solvents

Group 2 - Emulsions

Group 3 - Ester-oil release agent​

Carrier substance 

Mineral oils / partly with solvents

(approx. 80 to 95%)

 

Water

(approx. 65 to 85%)

Water

(approx. 65 to 85%)

 
Chemically separating substance 

Fatty acids and esters

(approx. 2 to 15%)

 
Fatty acids and esters 

Vegetable oils, esters

(approx. 95 to 99%)

 
Additives for minimising pores and shrink holes
 

Yes

Yes

 

Yes

Corrosion protection additives
 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Other additives
 

Yes

MV-Lub asphalttrennmittel – Emulsion concentrate for civil engineering

MV-Lub Betontrennmittel– Concrete processing release agents

Downloads

MV-Lub - Concrete release agents (Brochure)

Sustainable Construction with Concrete Release Agents (Brochure DE)

MV-Lub - Release agents for exposed concrete (Brochure DE)

MV-Lub - Concrete mixer protection (Brochure DE)

Types of Concrete Release Agents and Their Applications

Mineral Oil-Based Release Agents

Mineral oil-based concrete release agents, with or without solvents, are widely used in precast plants and civil engineering due to their versatility. Solvent-based products are often preferred in precast plants for high-quality surfaces (up to exposed concrete class “SB4”) and clean formwork. They are also popular for immediate demolding, though solvent-based options must comply with hazardous substance labeling regulations.

Your key benefits at glance:

  • Suitable for application at temperatures up to 130°C
  • Significantly reduce pore formation and shrinkage holes
  • Deliver clean, homogeneous concrete surfaces
  • Provide effective corrosion protection
  • Do not hinder the adhesion of plaster, adhesives, or paint
  • Suitable for use in both horizontal and vertical areas

Emulsion-Based Release Agents

Due to increasing emphasis on health, safety, and environmental concerns, water-based products are gaining popularity in stationary production plants. Emulsion-based concrete release agents represent the latest generation of products. These emulsions can be used on all standard formwork materials, including steel and plastic-coated wooden formwork. Compared to solvent-based agents, emulsions offer several advantages in terms of handling and application. They are non-flammable and almost odorless during spraying.

Your key benefits at glance:

  • Effective at formwork temperatures up to 70°C
  • Greatly reduce pore formation
  • Provide clean, uniform surfaces
  • Offer highly effective corrosion protection for steel formwork
  • Do not affect the adhesion of plaster, adhesives, or paint
  • Suitable for use in both horizontal and vertical areas
  • Non-flammable and nearly odorless during application
  • Environmentally friendly and easily biodegradable

Ester or Vegetable Oil-Based Release Agents

Biogenic release agents from ester or vegetable oils are ideal for areas needing water protection but can be less effective in cold conditions due to their viscosity. These environmentally friendly products are increasingly popular for precast concrete elements like pipes, sleepers, L-stones, and immediate demolding.

Your key benefits at glance:

  • Environmentally friendly option, ideal for water protection areas
  • Increasingly used in precast concrete production and mixer protection
  • Especially useful in pipe production and other specialized applications

Biodegradable products for a safer tomorrow

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