Concrete Retarder
Extends workability · Controls mass concrete heat
Overview
Retarders prolong the induction period of cement hydration, extending setting time to keep placement continuous in hot weather, mass concrete and long hauls, while also helping to lower the peak heat of hydration.
Key benefits
- Setting time adjustable by dosage, with manageable overdose risk
- Secondary water-reducing and plasticising effect improves workability
- No adverse effect on later strength; 28 d ratio normally not below reference
- Good compatibility with both PCE and naphthalene superplasticizers
Application notes
Adjust dosage with temperature — increase slightly for every 5 °C rise. Overdosing can delay setting excessively, so always confirm by trial. For mass concrete, combine with a slump-retaining PCE.
Typical uses
Mass concrete, hot-weather concreting, long-distance transport, bored piles, hydraulic concrete.
Typical applications
- Mass concrete
- Hot weather concreting
- Bored piles
- Hydraulic concrete
Technical specification
| Appearance | Colourless to light yellow liquid / white powder |
|---|---|
| Solid content | ≥ 30% (liquid) / ≥ 98% (powder) |
| Setting time extension | 2 – 20 h (dosage dependent) |
| pH value | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Chloride content | ≤ 0.01% |
| Water reduction contribution | 5% – 8% |
| 28 d strength ratio | ≥ 100% |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water |
Specification values are typical reference figures; the COA of each batch governs. Custom solid content and formulation available on request.
Test this grade on your cement
Send 2–5 kg of your cement / SCM samples — we return a compatibility report, recommended dosage and trial-mix plan.