SODIUM GLUCONATE
FOR CONCRETE, GROUT & CEMENTITIOUS SYSTEMS
High-purity sodium gluconate for controlled cement hydration, extended setting time and workability retention. Designed for formulation screening in ready-mix concrete, mass concrete, precast, grout, repair mortar and selected dry-mix systems.
HOW SODIUM
GLUCONATE CONTROLS
HYDRATION
The dominant practical result is a longer induction period before rapid cement hydration. The exact molecular pathway depends on the cement system.
FROM DOSING TO CONTROLLED SET
Sodium gluconate interacts with the cement hydration environment and delays the rapid hydration of silicate phases, especially C₃S. This extends the induction period and can preserve workability for longer.
Dissolve & disperse
Gluconate distributes through the mix water and cement paste.
Interact with hydration sites / ions
The gluconate anion influences dissolution and hydration reactions in the cement system.
Extend induction period
Rapid silicate hydration is delayed, slowing the onset of set.
Longer placement window
Concrete or mortar can retain workability for an extended period when properly dosed.
SODIUM
GLUCONATE
C₆H₁₁NaO₇
CEMENT + WATER
Hydration environment
C₃S / C₃A / Ca²⁺LONGER
INDUCTION
PERIOD
Sodium gluconate hydration-control concept
Conceptual hydration profile for communication only. Actual heat release, set time and strength development depend on cement composition, temperature, water/binder ratio and dosage.
Where Sodium Gluconate Earns Its Place
Most applications use sodium gluconate as one component of a broader admixture system rather than as a stand-alone finished admixture.
Workability Retention
Screen where transport time, traffic, pumping or hot-weather placement demands a longer workable window.
Controlled Setting
Useful when slower hydration and extended placement sequencing are required for large pours.
Fine-Tuned Set Control
Can be used at carefully controlled low dosage where precise set adjustment is required without chloride acceleration.
Placement Window
Supports fluidity retention and delayed stiffening in compatible cementitious grout formulations.
Retardation Balance
Can be evaluated in selected mortars and repair systems where open time and workable life need extension.
Admixture Formulation
Frequently screened alongside polycarboxylate, SNF or lignosulfonate systems; compatibility and set response must be checked.
FROM ADMIXTURE LAB TO CONCRETE PLACEMENT
Full
Specification
Typical technical-grade specification for construction use.
Important: These values are presented as a technical-grade reference specification. The order-specific Certificate of Analysis and agreed sales specification should prevail for each supplied batch.
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Sodium Gluconate · Technical Grade |
| Chemical Name | Sodium D-Gluconate |
| CAS No. | 527-07-1 |
| EC No. | 208-407-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₁NaO₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 218.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder |
| Assay / Purity | ≥ 99.0% |
| pH · 10% aqueous solution | 6.2 – 7.8 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.50% |
| Reducing Substances | ≤ 0.70% |
| Chloride, as Cl | ≤ 0.07% |
| Sulfate, as SO₄ | ≤ 0.05% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Lead, Pb | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Arsenic, As | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Solution Clarity | Clear / cloudless |
| Water Solubility | Very soluble in water |
| Physical Density | Approx. 1.8 g/cm³ · reference property |
| Primary Construction Function | Cement set retarder / hydration-control raw material |
DOSAGE CHANGES THE SET WINDOW
Illustrative sodium gluconate dosage vs. additional set delay
Reference example for one Portland-cement system. This is not a universal performance curve; temperature, cement chemistry, w/c ratio and other admixtures can substantially alter the result.
SMALL CHANGES CAN CREATE LARGE SET-TIME CHANGES.
Sodium gluconate can become strongly retarding as dosage increases. Avoid moving directly from a low trial to a high dosage without intermediate testing.
- Use the same dosage basis in every trial: cement weight or total binder weight.
- Test at the actual concrete temperature—not only at laboratory room temperature.
- Record initial/final set, slump retention and 1-day strength together.
- Re-qualify when cement source or admixture package changes.
DOSAGE
CALCULATOR
Convert a dry sodium gluconate dosage percentage into kilograms required for your binder batch. Use this only as a trial-planning tool.
Formula: binder weight × dosage % ÷ 100. Actual optimum dosage must be determined by laboratory trials.
QUALIFY THE
DOSAGE
Start with a small, controlled trial matrix rather than a single dosage.
0.03%
Low starting screen
0.05%
Moderate screen
0.08%
Stronger retardation screen
0.10%
High screen · watch over-retardation
Initial & final set
Use a consistent method and test at the intended placement temperature.
Slump / flow retention
Record initial value and time-based retention at relevant intervals.
1-day strength
Check early-strength penalty when the set window is extended.
7 & 28-day strength
Confirm that retardation does not compromise the required final performance.
Bleeding / segregation
Observe the full mixture; workability gain must not create instability.
Admixture compatibility
Repeat trials with the intended PCE, SNF, lignosulfonate or other package.
CHECK THE COMPLETE ADMIXTURE SYSTEM
Sodium gluconate rarely works in isolation. Sequence of addition, superplasticizer chemistry and cement source can change the response.
PCE Superplasticizers
Often combined for slump retention and controlled set. Check for excessive retardation and strength delay.
SNF / Melamine
Can be screened in conventional water-reducing systems; test fluidity, set and air content.
Lignosulfonates
Both chemistries can retard set, so combined dosage may require significant reduction.
SCMs & Cement Source
Fly ash, slag, silica fume, sulfate balance and clinker mineralogy can shift dosage response.
KEEP THE POWDER DRY & CONTROLLED
Packaging
Common technical-grade supply is in 25 kg moisture-resistant bags. Confirm the order-specific pack and pallet configuration.
Storage
Store sealed in a cool, dry area away from direct moisture and damaged packaging.
Handling
Avoid unnecessary dust generation. Use normal industrial hygiene and the precautions stated in the current SDS.
Shelf Life
Use the shelf-life statement on the supplied TDS/COA and keep product protected from moisture during storage.
FAQ
Practical questions for formulators working with sodium gluconate in cementitious systems.
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