Form Release Agent - Fosroc Technical Details

Product Overview

Form Release Agent is an economical, general-purpose formwork and mould release agent supplied by Fosroc in ready-to-use liquid form. It is manufactured and marketed by Fosroc International Limited, the parent company that holds the trademark for this product.

Key Features and Advantages

Form Release Agent offers several significant benefits for construction applications:

• Low cost and economical - provides cost-effective form release solutions
• Non-staining - does not leave marks or discoloration on concrete surfaces
• Minimises form stripping time - facilitates faster formwork removal after casting
• Maximises life of formwork - protects forms for extended reuse across multiple casting cycles
• Positive form release - ensures clean separation of concrete from molds

Technical Specifications

Physical Properties

Coverage Rates

Coverage depends on the porosity of the formwork surface:

Note: Coverage rates will be reduced if formwork is of an old or worn nature.

Formwork Compatibility

Form Release Agent is suitable for application to multiple types of formwork surfaces:

• Steel forms - ideal for reusable steel formwork systems
• Wood forms - compatible with timber-based formwork
• Paper forms - suitable for paper-based forming materials

Application Methods

Form Release Agent is supplied ready for use and can be applied using multiple techniques:

• Sprayer application (recommended method)
• Brush application
• Roller application
• Swab application

Application timing is flexible—the product can be applied up to a maximum of 2 days prior to pouring. Under typical environmental conditions, drying time is approximately 2 - 4 hours.

Chemical Composition and Function

Form Release Agent is formulated using a light, clear hydrocarbon carrier as its base. The product functions through a chemical mechanism: it reacts with free lime present in concrete to produce a soap-like protective film. This film serves two critical functions:

1. Facilitates form release - enables clean separation of formwork
2. Minimises surface voids - allows trapped air or free water to escape during vibration, resulting in superior concrete finishes

Role as Release Agent and Bond Breaker

Form Release Agent acts as both a release agent and bond breaker when applied to formwork. By creating a barrier between the concrete and the formwork surface, it:

• Prevents concrete adhesion to the forms
• Protects formwork from damage during removal
• Enables formwork reuse across multiple casting cycles
• Reduces labor and time associated with form stripping operations

Storage Requirements

Form Release Agent should be protected from:

• Frost exposure
• Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures

Cleaning and Maintenance

Form Release Agent can be cleaned using diesel or other hydrocarbon solvents, facilitating easy equipment maintenance and cleanup.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Form_Release_Agent_TDS.pdf
• [2] Fosroc_Conbextra_EP10_TDS.pdf
• [5] Fosroc_Conbextra_BB92_(AU)_TDS.pdf