Workability window
Supports slump retention and placement flexibility without simply adding extra water.
Product Construction Chemicals
Concrete Retarder
Set retarder admixture used to extend workability and control set time in hot-weather placement, long haul times, mass pours, and complex finishing schedules.
Packaging: drums / IBC / bulk (as applicable)
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS on request
Supply lanes for ready-mix, precast, and project work
Retardation is highly sensitive to cement chemistry, temperature, water content, SCMs, and dosage. Share your mix design targets and site constraints to align a grade that hits your set window without compromising performance.
What it does
Concrete retarders slow the early hydration reactions to delay initial and/or final set—helping crews maintain workable concrete during transport, pumping, placing, and finishing. This is especially valuable when ambient temperatures are high, haul distances are long, placement is large/continuous, or finishing requires extended time.
Schedule control
Helps align set time to trucking, pumping, slipform, or night placement plans.
Finish quality
Improves finishing consistency when evaporation and early stiffening create cold joints or tearing.
Note: retarder behavior can be non-linear at high dosages or under changing temperatures. Always validate on your cement/mix system.
Applications
Typical usage patterns. Tell us your constraints and we’ll align the right retarder profile.
- Hot-weather concreting to prevent rapid stiffening
- Long haul / traffic delays to reduce rejected loads
- Mass pours and continuous placements to manage set timing
- Pumped concrete and congested reinforcement where placement takes longer
- Complex finishing (slabs, architectural finishes) needing extended working time
Ready-mix
Used to stabilize set time across variable temperatures and haul schedules.
Precast (selected)
Used where controlled set is needed; verify against demold timing requirements.
SCM-heavy mixes
Fly ash/slag/silica fume can change set behavior; retarder selection should reflect the full binder system.
Technical orientation
Procurement-friendly technical framing. Final selection and dosage must be validated on your cement/mix system.
Admixture families
Retarders are commonly based on selected organic compounds (e.g., hydroxycarboxylates, lignin derivatives, tailored blends) optimized for set control.
Primary variables
Temperature, cement chemistry (C3A/C3S), alkali level, SCMs, water content, and dosage drive the set response.
Performance targets
Control initial/final set and preserve workability while maintaining strength development requirements.
Compatibility
Verify compatibility with PCE superplasticizers, water reducers, air entrainers, and accelerators (if any).
Side effects to manage
Over-dosing can cause excessive delay, finishing challenges, and strength development shifts—trial batching is essential.
Standards alignment
Grades can be aligned to common admixture categories such as ASTM C494 (Type B/Type D) or EN 934-2 (as applicable).
Dosing & field use (guidance)
Typical dosing is application-specific and depends on cement chemistry and temperature. Retarders are usually metered at the batch plant, with adjustments for ambient conditions and haul time. For critical pours, confirm set behavior via trial batches and site mockups.
- Start with the supplier’s recommended range (per TDS) and validate on your materials
- Track temperature changes (day/night) — dosage needs may change significantly
- Avoid adding extra water as a “fix”; use admixture control to preserve designed w/c ratio
Always follow local regulations and project specifications. This page is informational and not a substitute for mix design approval or on-site QA procedures.
Typical specifications & formats
Values depend on grade and customer requirements. Confirm details on quotation and COA/TDS.
Type
Concrete set retarder admixture
Form
Liquid (typical) • grade per requirement
Use cases
Hot weather, long haul, mass pours, extended finishing
Packaging
Drums / IBC (bulk as applicable)
Documentation
SDS / COA (TDS available on request)
Selection inputs
Cement + SCMs, temperature, target set window, other admixtures
Specifications may vary depending on batch, origin, and packaging selection.
FAQ
Common questions from ready-mix, contractors, and QA teams.
Will it reduce strength?
A properly selected retarder is designed to delay set while maintaining required strength development. Over-dosing or material incompatibility can affect early strength—trial batches are recommended.
Is it compatible with PCE superplasticizers?
Often yes, but compatibility depends on the specific PCE chemistry and cement system. Provide your full admixture package so we can align a compatible grade.
How do I target a specific set delay?
Set delay depends strongly on temperature and cement chemistry. The most reliable approach is lab/plant trials under representative conditions and then controlled metering at the batch plant.
Does it help with cold joints?
By extending workability and delaying set, retarders can help reduce the risk of cold joints during long placements—when used in a controlled dosing and QA framework.
What documents are available?
SDS/COA are typically available on request. TDS and supporting documentation can be provided depending on grade and lane. Share submittal templates if required.
What packaging do you supply?
Common packaging includes drums and IBCs; bulk is available depending on lane and destination. Tell us your storage/handling setup for the best fit.
Request a quotation
We support batch plants and project procurement with packaging options, documentation packs, and repeat lanes for seasonal demand. Pricing depends on grade, packaging, volume, destination, and lead time window.
- Drum / IBC packaging
- SDS / COA / TDS packs
- Repeat supply lanes for ongoing consumption