Retarders are important factors controlling the hydration and properties of magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs). Boric acid and borax are the most commonly used retarders for MKPC which could control the setting time in a wide range upon changing their content. However, with the increase in borax content, the early strength of MKPC can be reduced, and boron compounds are now included in the EU candidate list of substances of very high concern for authorization, due to their reproductive toxicity. Exploring alternative set retarders to boron compounds is, thus, of significance. This work investigated the effects of a candidate retarder, namely, sodium alginate, on the setting time, mechanical properties, hydration products, and microstructures of MKPC. Sodium alginate presented dramatically retarding effects on MKPCs in the range of 0% to 2% (by mass of water). One percent of sodium alginate by mass of water could extend the setting time of MKPCs from 15 min to 35 min, which presented a better retarding effect than borax (a typical retarder for MKPCs) and produced higher early strength of MKPCs. Adding no more than 1% of sodium alginate did not have a notably adverse effect on the formation of hydration product over the long term, but an unfavorable effect could be found regardless of the sodium alginate content, which could reduce the compressive strength of MKPCs.
Keywords: compressive strength; magnesium potassium phosphate cement; retarder; setting time; sodium alginate.