Frequently Asked Questions - Nox-Crete Products Group

Q: Form oil costs have nearly tripled over the last four years. Is there a less expensive option to consider?

A: Yes. With the rising costs of petroleum, traditional petroleum based form release agents have become increasingly more costly. Water based form release agents replace expensive petroleum solvents with up to 88% water. In addition, water based form release agents perform as well or better than traditional petroleum based products, are safer for workers and the environment, and cost substantially less.

Q: What is the difference between a chemically reactive form release agent and a barrier type release agent?

What product and procedure do you recommend for removing vinyl tile adhesive residue from a concrete floor surface?

A: Barrier type form release agents, also known as form oils, use heavy oils diluted in lighter oil such as kerosene oil or diesel fuel. When applied to a form surface, the lighter oil is designed to evaporate, or flash off, leaving a film of the heavier oil on the form surface. The heavy oil acts as a barrier, much the same as grease on a cookie sheet, to prevent concrete from sticking to form surfaces. Obvious problems with barrier type form release agents include the oil migrating vertically during the vibrating process, which results in form sticking, as well as unsightly oil stains on the cast concrete surface. A chemically active form release agent contains an active ingredient that combines with the calcium hydroxide (lime) in fresh concrete to form a metallic, waterproof soap which prevents concrete adhesion to treated surfaces. Resulting concrete is uniformly bright white in color and free of surface discoloration. Chemically active form release agents are also typically reactive with wood and steel form surfaces, which prevents their migration before or during concrete placement.

Q: Why are Nox-Crete form release agents considered "good for the wood"?

A: The highly alkaline bleed water in fresh concrete penetrates plywood form surfaces and removes the natural fats and oils from within the wood. Because these fats and oils keep the wood fibers pliable, their removal causes wood fibers to split and crack. Nox-Crete’s chemically active form release agents replace the natural fatty acids lost to the concrete and also form metallic waterproof soaps on the form surface to help minimize the penetration of the alkaline bleed water. Regular use of Nox-Crete form release agents on wood forms is like using hand lotion on dry, chapped hands - the more frequently it is used, the fewer splits and cracks you will have and the longer your forms will last.

Q: How many extra pours can I expect from my forms if I use a Nox-Crete form release agent?

A: Depending upon the conditions specific to your application, you can expect up to a 20% increase in form life by using a Nox-Crete form release agent compared to a traditional form oil.

Q: Does Nox-Crete manufacture a form release agent that is not as slippery?

My company constructs elevated concrete decks using crane set overlaid plywood flying forms. Once the form release has been applied the deck surface becomes slippery causing an unsafe condition for our workers. We need a safer solution.

A: Both Nox-Crete PCE and Nox-Crete PCS dry to form a wax-like film on treated form surfaces which is considered to be fairly slip resistant. Both products are designed to be applied to non-absorptive form surfaces such as phenolic surface film (PSF) or high density overlaid (HDO) plywood forms. PCE is water based and PCS is petroleum solvent based.

Q: Does Nox-Crete offer biodegradable form release agents?

We are working for an owner who has asked us to use a biodegradable form release agent. We are using a combination of a steel-framed handset forms and loose panel plywood forms. Any suggestions?

A: A new version of the original Nox-Crete Form Coating, called Nox-Crete Form Coating EB, has recently been introduced that meets the EPA definition for “Ready Biodegradability.” Nox-Crete Form Coating EB is water based and is ideal for use on steel-framed handset forms and loose panel plywood forms.

Q: Are water based form release agents really “as good or better” than the petroleum based alternatives?

A: Yes. All Nox-Crete water based form release agents are just as good or better than their petroleum solvent based counter parts. In addition, the water based products are less expensive.

Q: How can I ensure proper mixing of water based form release agents?

I am considering trying a super concentrated, water based form release agent, but I am concerned about mixing. How can I ensure that my workers will properly dilute and mix the product?

A: All Nox-Crete super concentrated form release agents require careful attention to dilution to ensure maximum product performance. Fortunately, we have developed the easy-to-use Mix Station which simultaneously dilutes and mixes. The Mix Station rests on top of a 55 gallon drum or 275 gallon tote. A water hose is attached to the Mix Station. By opening the mix valve, the super concentrated form release agent is automatically siphoned out of the container and then mixed with water in a venturi mixing chamber. No measuring is required. To stop the flow of ready-to-use product, the mix valve is simply closed. Anyone can operate the Mix Station and achieve consistent results.

Q: Do some form release agent manufactures actually use recycled transformer oils in their products?

A: Yes. Unfortunately, some manufacturers have started using used electrical transformer oils in their products. Obvious health concerns for workers exposed to these materials include the possibility for higher than normal concentrations of high molecular weight aromatics (HMWA) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Nox-Crete uses only virgin, severely hydro-treated naphthenic distillates in their concrete form release agents. These severely hydro-treated, distillates are basically one step away from being edible. They contain 0 parts per million (ppm) of PCB and between 1-3% or less HMWA. The materials used by Nox-Crete in their form release agents meet all current and proposed OSHA requirements for worker safety.

Q: What’s the best release agent for reducing buildup on aluminum forms?

I have a residential poured concrete wall business. We use aluminum forms to construct footings, basement walls and stem walls. Please recommend a reasonably priced form release agent that is effective at minimizing concrete buildup on my aluminum forms.

A: Nox-Crete offers a ready-to-use, water based form release agent designed specifically for aluminum forms called Alumi-Nox E. In addition, we also manufacture a super concentrated form release agent, also designed specifically for aluminum forms, called Alumi-Con. Alumi-Con requires the use of the Nox-Crete Mix Station to ensure proper dilution and mixing. Both products are less expensive than petroleum based alternatives and equally effective.

Q: Are there low odor form release agents?

My two sons and I pour concrete basements for residential construction. We are tired of smelling like diesel fuel all day long. Does Nox-Crete manufacture a form release agent designed for aluminum forms that does not contain diesel fuel?

A: Yes. Nox-Crete manufactures two water based form release agents designed specifically for aluminum forms. Neither product contains diesel fuel or has any appreciable odor. The products are Alumi-Nox E and Alumi-Con. We also offer water based form release agents suitable for all forming surfaces which are low odor.

Q: How often do water based form release agents need to be mixed?

I understand that water based form release agents are emulsions of organic materials and water and that all emulsions require mixing. My question is, how often does a Nox-Crete water based form release agent require mixing? What’s the best way to effectively mix a 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote?
A: Nox-Crete recommends mixing all water based form release agents a minimum of one time per day. To mix a 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote, use the Nox-Crete Drum Agitator or Tote Agitator. The agitator is inserted on top of the drum or tank and then simply hand turned a few revolutions to mix.

Q: How does the Mix Station work?

A: Nox-Crete’s Mix Station is designed to dilute and mix Nox-Crete’s line of super concentrated form release agents. The Mix Station is positioned on top of a 55-gallon drum or a 275-gallon tote. A water hose is attached to the Mix Station at one end. At the other end is a mix valve. When opened, the mix valve automatically siphons the super concentrated form release agent into the venturi mixing chamber where it is mixed with water at the proper dilution ratio. The fully mixed and properly diluted form release agent then exits the Mix Station in a ready-to-use form. When enough ready-to-use release agent has been produced, the mix valve can simply be closed to stop the flow. Anyone can effectively operate the Mix Station and achieve consistent results.

Q: Why are our concrete forms not lasting as long as they use to?

We use inch and one-eighth overlaid plywood forms to construct residential basements and stem walls. For some reason we seem to be getting fewer pours on our forms. Is the reduced life of our forms related to the quality of the plywood or is it due to the use of an ineffective form release agent?

A: Although the reduced form life you are experiencing could be the result of many factors, the most likely cause of your problem is increased alkalinity of the concrete. The addition of certain pozzolans to concrete, such as Class C fly ash or blast furnace slag, can increase the pH of fresh concrete, causing increased damage to overlaid plywood forms. To maximize your overlaid plywood form life, restrict the use of highly alkaline containing pozzolans in your concrete mix design and use Nox-Crete form release agents on your forms. Nox-Crete’s chemically reactive form release agents react with calcium hydroxide (lime) in fresh concrete to form metallic waterproof soaps which, over time and through use, waterproof plywood form surfaces and effectively restricting further penetration of destructive alkaline bleed water.

Q: How safe are Nox-Crete form release agents?

I am concerned about worker safety for the laborers on my crew. How can I be sure I am choosing the safest products for them to use?

A: Nox-Crete form release agents are designed to meet and exceed all OSHA standards for worker safety. No recycled or reworked raw materials are used in any of our products. All naphthenic distillates used are severely hydro-treated to remove high molecular weight aromatics (HMWA). For added safety, choose one of our waterbased form release agents which use water to replace up to 88% of the petroleum carrier.

Q: What’s the best way to remove concrete buildup from aluminum forms and prevent it from reoccurring?

We use brick-textured aluminum forms to construct residential poured concrete basements. The release agent we have been using becomes so thick in the winter that we can’t spray it through our sprayer. As a result, our forms have become covered with concrete buildup. What should we do to remove the buildup and what form release agent would you recommend that we use?

A: Nox-Crete’s Form Clean is ideal for removing hardened concrete buildup from aluminum forms. Form Clean functions as both a release agent and a form cleaner, allowing you to keep your forms in service as you clean them if you prefer. Apply Form Clean as you would your regular release agent immediately after form removal. Over time (usually about 2 weeks) through use the buildup will soften and the forms will become clean. Once the forms are clean, use Alumi-Nox E or Alumi-Con as your regular release agent to minimize buildup in the future.

Q: How do I take advantage of the savings offered by water based products in areas where freezing occurs?

I would like to use a less expensive water based form release agent, but I live in a part of the country where freezing temperatures occur during the winter months. I am concerned about the product freezing during the winter. Any suggestions?

A: Any of our super concentrated form release agents can be stored under freezing conditions prior to dilution without concern for damage from freezing. The super concentrates can then be mixed with water, taken to the job site and applied at temperatures above freezing. Only petroleum based products should be used at temperatures below freezing. To maximize savings, consider a cost averaging approach where a petroleum based product is used in the winter and a water based product is used in the spring, summer and fall.

Q: How often does Silcoseal need to be mixed?

I know that Silcoseal Select is a water based bondbreaker and needs to be mixed before use. How often does it require mixing and what is the best method for mixing?

A: Silcoseal Select is composed of a water based mixture of two liquids that are mechanically dispersed into each other to form a milky white emulsion. Unlike a solution, which will always stay mixed, all emulsions will eventually separate into two distinct layers. However, not all emulsions are the same. Some emulsions have better emulsion stability (requiring less mixing) than others. Silcoseal Select is a third generation, water based bondbreaker with substantially improved emulsion stability. For liability reasons, Nox-Crete recommends that all Silcoseal bondbreakers be mixed each time before product is withdrawn from the container. The highly effective stability of our emulsions works as safeguard to help minimize problems resulting from the lack of mixing prior to product withdrawals later in the day. Mixing a 55-gallon drum of Silcoseal Select is easily accomplished by using the Nox-Crete Drum Agitator . Several turns of the agitator is all that is required for sufficient mixing. One free Drum Agitator is furnished with every four drums of Silcoseal Select purchased.

Q: How well does Silcoseal Select resist removal by rain?

A: Once Silcoseal Select has had 4 hours of drying time it becomes resistant to removal from rain. Areas of high humidity combined with cool temperatures may require additional dry time to develop full resistance to rain removal.

Q: How many coats of Silcoseal Select are needed for clean panel separation from a casting slab floor surface?

How do you know when you have applied enough?

A: Because every floor/casting slab is different, it is impossible to state specifically how many coats of Silcoseal Select are required to ensure clean panel separation. Several factors that affect the number of bondbreaker coats required include: concrete mix design, finish, weather conditions, size of spray nozzle used, product application rate, etc. Accordingly, Nox-Crete does not recommend a specific number of coats. Instead, we recommend a visual test to verify adequate coverage of Silcoseal Select. Successive coats of the product should be applied until all treated areas of the casting/floor slab remain uniformly dark in appearance for a minimum of four hours following the previous coat. The development of lighter colored areas on the floor/casting slab within the four hour time window indicates a porous condition requiring an additional coat(s) of bondbreaker. When sufficient bondbreaker has been applied, the floor/casting slab will be uniformly dark in appearance with a slightly sticky, wax-like feel (although Silcoseal Select does not contain any wax) to the touch.

Q: What’s the application recommendation for “stack cast” panels?

Due to job site area restrictions, it will be necessary for my company to “stack cast” panels on top of each other. Are there any precautions I should be aware of when using Silcoseal Select in a “stack cast” application?

A: Stack casting tilt-up panels presents a unique challenge for tilt-up contractors. The challenge relates to knowing when a sufficient amount of bondbreaker has been applied between panels to ensure clean separation. Unlike traditional tilt-up construction, where it might be a week or longer between placing and finishing a floor/ casting slab and the placement of wall panel concrete, in a stack cast tilt-up application, 2-3 wall panels are placed on top of each other within 2-3 days. Due to the lack of time for cement hydration before the placement of additional wall panel concrete, the wall panel concrete is still very porous. This makes it difficult to achieve sufficient bondbreaker holdout on the stacked panel/casting surface(s). The result is an increased potential for stuck panels. To ensure that an adequate amount of Silcoseal Select is applied between panels, saturate the top side of the panel to receive bondbreaker with water prior to application of the bondbreaker. The water will control the absorption of Silcoseal Select into panel surfaces, providing uniform film holdout.

Q: Can I use another manufacturer’s cure and seal with Silcoseal Select?

If I choose to use another manufacturer’s acrylic cure and seal to cure a casting/floor slab, can I still use Silcoseal Select as the bondbreaker?

A: No. The solvents in Silcoseal Select may dissolve the acrylic cure and seal, resulting in an incompatibility problem. In order to use Silcoseal Select, the acrylic cure and seal coating must first be removed.

Q: Should the hardener be applied before or after the tilt-up panels have been placed?

We would like to apply Duro-Nox liquid floor hardener to the casting slab/floor slab of a large tilt-up distribution center project. Should we apply Duro-Nox to the floor before or after the tilt-up operation has been performed?

A: It is generally recommended that the tilt-up operation be performed first. Duro-Nox can then be applied to the floor after the wall panels and roof have been installed. The application of Duro-Nox, or any other liquid floor hardener, prior to the application of Silcoseal bondbreaker reduces the bondbreaker’s rain resistance and can result in wall panel surface dusting.

Q: How do you remove residual Silcoseal bondbreaker from a casting/floor slab surface?

A: The preferred method is to scrub the floor with a mixture of Nox-Crete’s Bio-Clean diluted 1:2 or 1:3 with water followed by a fresh water rinse. On large floors, the use of an automatic ride-on type floor machine is recommended.

Q: How do you remove Silcoseal bondbreaker residue from exterior wall panels prior to painting?

A: Nox-Crete recommends that all exterior tilt-up wall panels be properly cleaned prior to painting. To clean wall panels, mix a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent and water by dissolving 0.5 – 1.0 lbs. of TSP in 5 gallons of water. The mixture should then be sprayed on the wall panel and allowed to stand for 15-20 minutes. After this time, rinse the TSP residue off the wall panel surfaces using a minimum 2000 psi pressure washer equipped with an oscillating spray nozzle.

Q: Does Silcoseal contain wax?

I’ve heard that some tilt-up bondbreakers contain wax that could interfere with the subsequent adhesion of floor adhesives and coatings as well as wall panel patching materials and paints. Do any of the Silcoseal bondbreakers contain wax?

A: No. Silcoseal bondbreakers do not contain any wax. However, some manufacturer’s bondbreakers do contain wax. Wax is difficult to remove and often interferes with the adhesion of floor and wall panel paints, coatings, and patching materials.

Q: What does “osmotic effect” mean?

I have heard this term used and would like to know how it relates to tilt-up construction.

A: In the tilt-up industry, the term “osmotic effect” refers to the migration of water out of a tilt-up wall panel and into the casting slab during the critical panel concrete hydration process. A gradient is formed when wet concrete from a freshly placed wall panel is cast against a casting slab with lower water content. This results in water being drawn out of the panel concrete and into the casting slab through a process called osmosis. The moisture concentration difference between the wall panel and casting slab is directly related to the osmotic force or pressure attained to reach equilibrium between the two slabs. The “osmotic effect” is the incomplete hydration of the cement on the down side panel surface resulting from the loss of water due to migration into the casting slab through osmosis. Damage caused by the “osmotic effect” can range from minor panel surface defects such as dusting to complete skin pull-off, as deep as 1/16 inch in depth in the more severe cases.

Q: What is the preferred method of applying Silcoseal bondbreaker to a casting/floor slab?

A: The preferred method for applying Silcoseal bondreakers is with a Nox-Crete Perfect Power Sprayer or with either of our two handpump sprayers, the Perfect Form And Concrete Sprayer or with the Ideal Silcoseal Cure And Bondbreaker Sprayer. Each of these sprayers comes equipped with a spray nozzle appropriate for a uniform bondbreaker application.

Q: Can I use a Silcoseal bondbreaker to cure my casting/floor slab?

A: Yes. In fact, it is recommended that the floor/casting lab of all tilt-up projects be cured with Silcoseal cure and bondbreaker. The cure coat is the most important coat and will provide the foundation for the subsequent bondbreaker coats.

Q: What are the other tilt-up “Partner Products” Nox-Crete manufactures for tilt-up construction?

What are the incentives for my company to consider their use on our future tilt-up projects?

A: Nox-Crete manufactures an integrated system of Tilt-Up Partner Products commonly used in the construction of tilt-up projects. These products include: Dynaflex 502 and Dynaflex JF-85 semi-rigid floor joint fillers, Duro-Nox liquid floor hardener, Duro-Polish and Duro-Polish Plus floor polish, Nox-Carb exterior wall panel treatments, Panel Patch exterior panel surfacing compound, Monfilm surface water evaporation reducer, as well as Silcoseal Select cure and bondbreaker. Depending upon the situation, project rebates may be available for the use of two or more Partner Products.

Q: Can I use an evaporation reducer, such as Nox-Crete’s Monofilm, to control surface bleed water evaporation on a tiltup casting/floor slab prior to the cure coat application of Silcoseal cure and bondbreaker?

A: Yes. Monfilm is compatible with all Silcoseal cure and bondbreakers and is one of the component products in our Tilt-Up Partner Products. It is extremely effective at reducing rapid surface bleed water loss and the resulting formation of shrinkage cracks.

Q: Are there any states within the USA whose volatile organic content (VOC) regulations prohibit the use of Silcoseal Select?

A: No. Silcoseal Select meets all current State and Federal VOC regulations and can be used in all 50 states.

Q: Is it true that federal and state DOT regulations do not require transport drivers to have a hazardous materials endorsement on their driver’s license to transport Silcoseal Select?

A: Yes. The flash point of Silcoseal Select is over 100°F which, for DOT purposes, results in the product being classified as “Not Hazardous” and therefore, does require a hazardous materials endorsement on the driver’s license of anyone transporting the product.

Q: How can I prevent wood sugar migration from particle or press board used to form reveals in tilt-up panels?

A: Nox-Crete’s Clear Pre-Form is a single component, moisture-cured, polyurethane wood sealer that is extremely effective at preventing wood sugar migration from press board and particle board used in tilt-up construction. For maximum effectiveness, all sides of the wood reveals should be sealed. Only partial sealing of the exposed sides will not effectively prevent wood sugar related panel surface defects..



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Form Release Agents