Effect of sucrose on retardation of Portland cement

Early-stage reactions of Portland cement are markedly influenced by the pre sence of sucrose. Compositional variations in the aqueous phase are present ed with some accompanying microstructural and physical delta for sucrose co ncentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2.0% by weight of cement. Approximately 5 0-80% of the sucrose was consumed in the initial 30 min of hydration and is assumed to be incorporated into a gel-like reaction product. Aqueons-phase analysis suggests the gel-like material to be a calcium aluminosulphate pr obably incorporating silicate ions. Increased addition of sucrose significa ntly, modified the reaction, as did delayed addition.