CSE Nova Reactive Surface Deactivator

The brand CSE characterizes a group of liquid deactivators for the production of exposed aggregate concrete surfaces, for example, to make architectural prefabricated/precast concrete panels, small precast elements and products, cast stone, cast-in place walls and pavings and "rough" constructions joints.

To reach exposed aggregate concrete, the first layer of cementitious material is removed so that the aggregates become visible. To control and ease this process, the CSE® Deactivator reacts chemically upon surface contact with the fresh concrete during the hydration and stops the cement from hardening there. The fresh concrete below this surface layer hydrates and hardens like normal. Later, usually after 24 hours, the surface can be washed off, which means that the "deactivated" cementitious material is removed by water jet and the aggregates are revealed. The depth of this wash-out texture is called and specified by the exposure depth in millimeters.

CSE Deactivator is available in 4 different versions and each comes in 11 different exposure depths. All versions have been developed with special features to reach perfect results when used in the two main ways of application - the "negative" application (when the CSE Deactivator is applied onto a mold surface) and the "positive" application (when the CSE Deactivator is sprayed onto a freshly poured concrete surface).

The version CSE Nova has been modified to perform excellently, especially when precast/prefab concrete is produced. CSE Nova is available in 11 different exposure depth types.

CSE Nova is mainly used in the negative application, also called "face down" cast, which is widely used in the precast concrete industry to produce exposed aggregate concrete

surfaces. CSE Nova can also be used to create exposed aggregate surfaces even when making cast-in-place walls and floors, or for construction joints with a rough surface for good adhesion.

Features & Benefits

• water-based
• film-forming after drying
• good mold surface bond and adhesion
• contains best and approved active ingredient
• based on CSE Deactivator technology
• chemically engineered formulation
• available in 11 different exposure depth type
• color-coded / pigment added
• made to be compatible to all mold material
• made for "negative" and "positive" way of use
• eco-friendly and non-hazardous
• suitable for horizontal and vertical molds
• good abrasion resistance during pouring/casting and vibration
• works with all kinds of concrete, also SCC, HPC, GRC
• for reliable performance, regardless of consumption rate
• for easy application and low consumption
• for fast and easy mold cleaning
• all architectural or functional options possible 
• for good visibility of coat after application
• for spray-application option
• no limitations in mold material selection
• for fast and easy wash-out
• more than one exposed aggregate side possible on same element