As an environmentally friendly release agent, concrete water-based release agent's core advantage lies in its broad compatibility with various formwork materials. This is thanks to the adaptable physical properties of its water-based substrate and the adjustment of its chemical formulation. From wooden to metal formwork, the water-based release agent achieves compatibility with different formwork materials through mechanisms such as forming a uniform release film and regulating surface tension, while simultaneously ensuring environmental friendliness and construction efficiency.
In applications with wooden formwork, the water-based release agent exhibits excellent permeability and lubrication. Due to the high water absorption of wooden formwork, traditional oil-based release agents are prone to adhesion due to uneven penetration. However, the water-based release agent, through emulsion particles penetrating into the micropores of the wood, forms a lubricating layer, reducing friction between the concrete and the formwork while preventing excessive penetration that could damage the wood structure. Its affinity between the water-based substrate and wood fibers results in minimal residue on the formwork surface after demolding, extending the number of formwork reuses, making it particularly suitable for reusable precast components.
The lightweight and waterproof properties of plastic formwork place higher demands on the chemical stability of release agents. Water-based release agents use water as the dispersion medium and contain no organic solvents, avoiding the risk of chemical reactions with plastic materials. Their film-forming substances physically adsorb onto the plastic surface, forming a dense protective layer that effectively prevents adhesion even with highly fluid concrete. Furthermore, the ease of cleaning with water-based release agents means that plastic formwork only requires a simple rinse after demolding to restore its smoothness, reducing maintenance costs.
The metallic properties of aluminum alloy formwork require release agents to possess both rust-preventing and demolding functions. Water-based release agents, by adding rust-inhibiting additives, form a protective passivation film on the metal surface, isolating moisture and oxygen to prevent oxidation and corrosion. Simultaneously, their water-based formula reduces corrosiveness to metals, avoiding the film cracking problems caused by solvent evaporation in traditional oil-based release agents. In high-rise building cast-in-place construction, the combination of aluminum alloy formwork and water-based release agents not only improves the smoothness of the concrete surface but also reduces the frequency of formwork replacement due to corrosion.
The durability requirements of steel formwork further highlight the technological advantages of water-based release agents. Steel formwork is prone to rust in humid environments, affecting the appearance quality of concrete. Water-based release agents, by adjusting the pH to neutral and adding corrosion inhibitors, form a stable chemical adsorption layer on the steel formwork surface, preventing rust and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the release agent. Its water-based system also reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during construction, meeting green construction standards and making it suitable for large-scale projects such as bridges and tunnels.
The rise of environmentally friendly formwork has provided a wider range of applications for water-based release agents. Environmentally friendly formwork, represented by bamboo and bio-based materials, has extremely high requirements for the environmental friendliness of release agents. The non-toxic, odorless, and easily degradable characteristics of water-based release agents are highly compatible with the concept of environmentally friendly formwork. Bio-based film-forming substances can be added to its formulation to further enhance the sustainability of the release agent and meet the demand for low-carbon materials in prefabricated buildings.
The adaptability to construction processes is another manifestation of the compatibility of water-based release agents. Whether brushed, sprayed, or rolled, water-based release agents can form a film quickly and with uniform thickness. In high or low temperature environments, the stability of release agents can be ensured under extreme climates by adjusting the film-forming aids in the formulation. For example, during winter construction in northern regions, water-based release agents with added antifreeze can maintain fluidity, preventing construction interruptions due to freezing.
Concrete water-based release agents, with their environmental friendliness, chemical stability, and construction adaptability, achieve broad compatibility with wood, plastic, metal, and environmentally friendly formwork. Through the synergistic effect of physical adsorption and chemical protection, they not only improve demolding efficiency and concrete surface quality but also extend the service life of formwork and reduce overall costs. With the construction industry's pursuit of green construction and sustainable development, water-based release agents will become the mainstream choice for future formwork engineering.
