It doesn’t hurt to know …
To use chemicals for producing exposed aggregate concrete is not new. Some architectural concrete veterans might remember a group of chemicals known as surface retarders - the first generation of these chemicals. However, today, HEBAU’s CSE® Deactivators represent latest technology and are outperforming the surface retarder generation technically and functionally ensuring a perfect outcome, even under difficult production conditions.
The CSE® Deactivator brand characterises a product line to produce exposed aggregate concrete surfaces, from micro-exposed texture depth (approx. 0.5 mm) to coarse exposure depths up to 6 mm, e.g. used during the production of precast facade elements, wall panels, city furniture and other prefabricated concrete as well as for cast-in-place concrete applications like decorative concrete paving.
Methods of application
If CSE® Deactivators are used to produce exposed aggregate concrete, there are two possible ways to use an apply them:
Negative or face-down application
When the deactivator is applied to the mould surface before the concrete is cast (similar to the application of a mould release agent), it is referred to as a so-called negative or face-down application - widely used in precast concrete applications.
Positive or top-surface application
It is also possible to spray the CSE® Deactivator directly onto the fresh concrete, for example after trowelling, as done when using cast-in-place concrete for decorative concrete paving. This is then referred to as the so-called positive or top-surface application.
To offer customers a best possible product selection and to cover every possible application specification, HEBAU has created a product line of 4 different CSE® Deactivator versions, each available in 11 different exposure-depth types.
Suitable for both, negative (face down) and positive (top surface) applications:
- CSE® version “pro“, for negative and positive application, solvent-based
- CSE® version “nova“, for negative and positive application, water-based
- CSE® version “solotop“, only for positive application, water-based
- CSE® version “multitop“, only for positive application, water-based with incorporated curing membrane & rain-protection-function
By the way, there is no need to be concerned about the chemicals in the products. The active ingredients used are ecologically harmless, even in the “wash-off” water, which is created during the washing of the surface.
CSE® Deactivaor Downloads
Application Examples CSE® Deactivators