Setting Retarders

Additives generally used in hot, windy weather. It is used to delay setting by affecting the hydration between water and cement. Tartaric acid can be added to mortar and concrete mixtures to slow down the setting time. This property is especially useful in hot weather conditions or in large construction projects where long-term workability is required. Tartaric acid helps to achieve better surfaces and reduce cracks by delaying the hydration process.

Similarly, citric acid is used as a retarder in the construction industry.

Its ability to control the setting time of cement-based mixtures makes it valuable for applications such as tile and concrete repair. The effectiveness of citric acid as a retarder is attributed to its effect on the hydration of cement particles, thus providing the time required for proper placement and finishing.

Setting retarder additives are generally used in weather conditions where air temperature is high, humidity is low, and wind is high, when concrete needs to be transported long distances, when pouring large volumes of concrete (mass concrete), and to prevent cold joints.