Cebex 305

constructive solutions

Retarding admixture for mortar

Uses

Technical support

Used in conjunction with Cebex or Conplast air

entrainers to produce a pre-mixed retarded mortar with
a suitable life of typically up to two working days.

To provide controlled extension of working life for premixed renders or screeds.

Fosroc provides a technical advisory service for on-site

assistance and advice on admixture selection, evaluation
trials and dispensing equipment.
Technical data and
guidance can be provided for admixtures and other products
for use with fresh and hardened concrete.
Typical dosage

Advantages

Controlled retardation allows extended working life to

be obtained.

Allows pre-mixing of mortar in large volumes for gradual

use, increasing quality and consistency of the supplied
material.

Pre-mixing of large volumes of mortar allows more

accurate and consistent dispensing of colour pigments.

In combination with Cebex or Conplast air entrainers,

provides air entrainment and reduced water content to
the mix decreasing water absorption and enhancing
durability.

Can reduce or eliminate the need to use lime when

used in combination with Cebex or Conplast air
entrainers.

Standards compliance

The optimum dosage of Cebex 305 to meet specific

requirements must always be determined by trials using the
materials and conditions that will be experienced in use.
This allows the optimisation of admixture dosage and mix
design and provides a complete assessment of the concrete
mix.
Typical dosage levels for Cebex 305 for use in retarded
mortars lie in the range of 0.30 to 1.60 litres/100 kg of
cement. The actual level will depend on the working life
required and other factors such as the type of sand used.
A dosage selection method is detailed later on this sheet.
Where lime is used in the mix, the admixture should be
dosed based on the total amount of lime and cement in the
mix. The recommended trial procedure will allow the effects
of lime to be determined. An initial starting point for trials is
to consider the lime to have the same admixture demand as
three times its own weight of cement.
Use at other dosages

Cebex 305 complies with BS 4887 Part 2 as a retarding

admixture for mortar and with the requirements of BS 4721,
Specification for ready-mixed building mortars, Section 3.
Description
Cebex 305 plasticizing and retarding admixture is chloride
free and based on selected hydroxycaboylic materials. It is
supplied as a straw coloured solution which instantly
disperses in water.
Cebex 305 enhances the dispersion of the cement particles
in a mortar mix, exposing a greater surface area of cement
to the mixing water and enabling the water content of the
mortar to perform more effectively.
The initial hydration of the cement is also delayed. By
careful selection of dosage level and combination with
Cebex or Conplast air entraining agents, this can be used to
extend the working life of a pre-mixing mortar to a level
suitable for the particular bricks or blocks that are to be laid.
Once between the bricks or blocks, water is drawn from the
mortar. This causes acceleration of the stiffening and the
mortar then sets and performs in a similar manner to
conventional non-retarded mortars.

Dosages outside the typical range suggested on this sheet

may be used if necessary and suitable to meet particular
mix requirements, provided that adequate supervision is
available. Compliance with requirements must be assessed
through trial mixes. Contact the Fosroc Customer Service
Department for advice in these cases.
Properties
Appearance:
Specific gravity:
Chloride content:

Straw coloured liquid

o
Typically 1.17 at 20 C
Nil to BS 4887

Instructions for use

Mix design
Typical mortar mixes based on BS 4721 Section 3 are
shown in Table 1, together with typical performance
specifications associated with them. These specifications
are used throughout the United Kingdom and, in the
absence of suitable alternatives, can be employed as a
useful guide on a worldwide basis.

Page 1

Cebex 305
Comprehensive trial mixes with local materials should be
performed to ensure suitable performance is obtained and
that the optimum dosages of Cebex 305 and other Fosroc
admixtures are selected. In particular the silt content of the
sand used will have a large effect on the dosage of Cebex
305 required. Low silt contents will require lower dosages of
Cebex 305 and high silt contents will require higher
dosages. However, silt does help to promote mix cohesion
and reduce bleed water I the mortar.

b)

Specific properties

Mortar
I
II
III
IV

Minimum
28 day comp.
strength MPa
11.0
4.5
2.5
1.0

Minimum
water
retentivity (%)
88
89
90
91

Maximum
flow (%)

Entrained
air (%)

135
130
125
125

7 to 12
7 to 12
7 to 15
7 to 15

Figure 1: Typical relationship between workable life and

dosage at constant water content for different types of sand.

Air entrainment
Most specifications for mortar require entrained air to be
included. The inclusion of adequate quantities of air is
necessary to allow satisfactory workability and ease of use
to be maintained. The use of Cebex or Conplast air
entrainers is recommended.
The use of air entrainment also reduces segregation and
bleeding, should these faults be apparent.
If these
problems are severe then contact the Fosroc Technical
Service Department for advice on the selection of alternative
sands and other potential admixture combination.
Dosage selection
The dosage of Cebex 305 to be used in initial trials should
be selected as follows, the results of trials should then be
used to determine the actual dosage required to give the
properties desired.
1.

The mortar constituents should be chosen to meet any

specified requirements for mix proportions, cement and
air content. A target retardation period should then be
chosen. This will typically be to provide two working
days in which the mortar is of a usable workability.
However, where masonry units with low absorption
values are to be used, or retardation of renders and
screeds is desired, it is recommended that a maximum
retardation period of one working day is used.

2.

The appropriate starting trial dosage for the desired

period of retardation is selected from Figure 1. For
example, a dosage of 1.0 litres/100 kg of cement would
be chosen as the starting point for trials to produce 30
hours retardation.

3.

A trial mix should then be produced using the intended

materials and the actual retardation time obtained
should be recorded. A number of factors will affect the
level of retardation obtained, including moisture content
of the sand, silt content in the sand, initial mortar
workability, and cement chemistry. It the desired
retardation is not obtained then comparison of the
actual working life for the starting dosage used with the
curves provided on Figure 1 will allow a modified
dosage to be selected for further trials.

4.

Once a suitable dosage has been selected by the trial

procedure, care should be taken to ensure consistency
of materials used and mixing and delivery procedures.
Air contents and initial delivered workability should be
checked regularly.

Table 1: BS 4721, Specification for retarded mortars

a)

Mix proportions

Mortar
designation
I
II
III
IV

Cement/sand
volume proportions
1.3
1:3 to 1:4
1:5 to 1:6
1:7 to 1:8

constructive solutions

Cement content
% by weight
20.5 to 25.0
16.0 to 25.0
11.5 to 16.5
8.5 to 12.5

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Cebex 305
Mix workability

Effects of overdosing

The initial workability of a retarded mortar is an important

factor in ensuring a consistent product with the desired
workability retention characteristics. The initial workability
should be within the range of 100 to 110% as measured
using the BS 4551 flow able.

An overdose of double the intended amount of Cebex 305

will result in a significant increase in retardation as
compared to that normally obtained at the intended dosage.
An overdose will also tend to increase the plasticizing effect
of the admixture. The degree of these effects will depend
on the particular mix design and overdose level.

Storage of mixed mortar

Curing
Once manufactured, the mixed mortar must be protected
from moisture loss. It is recommended that mortar is stored
in a non-porous container with a close fitting lid. If
evaporation occurs, the mortar will prematurely form a crust.

As with all cementitious systems, good curing practice

should be maintained. Curing is particularly important
where retarded screeds or renders are used.

Compatibility

Typical performance example

Cebex 305 is compatible with other Fosroc admixtures used

in the same mortar mix. All admixtures should be added to
the concrete separately and must not be mixed together
prior to addition.
The resultant properties of mortar
containing more than one admixture should be assessed by
the trial mix procedure recommended on this data sheet.

Many variables in concreting materials and conditions can

affect the selection and use of an admixture. Trials should
be made using relevant materials and conditions in order to
determine the optimum mix design and admixture dosage to
meet specific requirements.

Cebex 305 is suitable for use with all types of ordinary

Portland cement. Contact the Fosroc Technical Service
Department for advice on use with special cements and
blends containing cement replacement materials.
Dispensing
The correct quantity of Cebex 305 should be measure by
means of a recommended dispenser. The admixture should
then be added to the concrete with the mixing water to
obtain the best results. Contact the Fosroc Technical
Service Department for advice regarding suitable equipment
and its installation.

Typical performance examples from evaluation studies of

Cebex 305 are included on this data sheet. The values
quoted are representative of results obtained and are
provided as illustrations of the performance in different
situations.
Because of the variability of concreting
materials, the results should only be taken as typical of the
performance to be expected. Results quoted in individual
examples should not be taken as necessarily directly
comparable with other examples given here or results
obtained elsewhere for Cebex 305 or other products.
Unless otherwise specified, all testing was carried out to the
relevant parts of applicable British Standard.

When a Cebex or Conplast air entrainer is to be added to

the mix, it must be added via a separate dispenser or a
purpose built multi-dispenser unit.

Table 2: Comparison of performance of retarded mixes with Cebex 305 and non-retarded mixes containing lime

Mortar
Designation
Class II
Class III

Mortar
Type
Cement:lime
Cebex 305
Cement:lime
Cebex 305

constructive solutions

Compressive strength
N/mm2 to BS 4551
28 days
9.0
9.0
3.5
3.0

Specification
4.5
4.5
2.5
2.5

Page 3

ISAT absorption value, BS 1881

ml/m2/second
% improvement
10 min.
2.14
0.65
6.0
4.0

30 min
1.44
0.48
3.6
2.5

10 min
70
30

30 min
70
30

Cebex 305
Limitations

Precautions

The recommendations on this data sheet concerning the

maximum working life to be used with low absorption
masonry units and retarded screeds and renders should be
carefully followed.

Health and safety

Estimating - Packaging
Cebex 305 is available in drum and bulk supply. For large
users, storage tanks can be supplied. Details of specific
packaging volumes are available on request.
UN packaging regulations
To comply with current regulations, all products of a
hazardous nature that are involved in a sea crossing as part
of the delivery requirements must be packed in United
Nations Approved receptacles.
When a known sea crossing is involved, Fosroc will supply
in the correct UN packaging. When Fosroc are only
requested to deliver on land, but the purchaser intends to
ship on, it is incumbent on the purchaser to specify that UN
packaging is required at the time of placing the order.
Otherwise, once delivery is received, the responsibility is
that of the purchaser.
The use of UN packaging may affect the selling price of
products. Refer to the local Fosroc office or representative.
Storage
Cebex 305 has a minimum shelf life of 12 months provided
the temperature is kept within the range of 2oC to 50oC.
Should the temperature of the product fall outside this range
then the Fosroc Customer Service Department should be
contacted for advice.

Cebex 305 does not fall into the hazard classifications of

current regulations (see notes 1 and 2 below). However, it
should not be swallowed or allowed to come into contact
with skin and eyes.
Suitable protective gloves and goggles should be worn.
Splashes on the skin should be removed with water. In
case of contact with eyes rinse immediately with plenty of
water and seek medical advice. If swallowed seek medical
attention immediately - do not induce vomiting.
For further information consult the Material Safety Data
Sheet available for this product.
Fire
Cebex 305 is water based and non-flammable.
Cleaning and disposal
Spillages of Cebex 305 should be absorbed onto sand,
earth or vermiculite and transferred to suitable containers.
Remnants should be hosed down with large quantities of
water.
The disposal of excess or waste material should be carried
out in accordance with local legislation under the guidance
of the local waste regulatory authority.

Note 1: CPL Regulations 1984 Supply-Schedule 1

Note 2: HSE Publication Guidance Note EH40

Important note:
Fosroc products are guaranteed against defective materials and manufacture and are sold subject to its standard Conditions for
the Supply of Goods and Services, copies of which may be obtained on request. Whilst Fosroc endeavours to ensure that any
advice, recommendation, specification of information it may give is accurate and correct, it cannot, because it has no direct or
continuous control over where or how its products are applied, accept any liability either directly or indirectly arising from the use
of its products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation of information given by it.

Fosam Company Limited

Head Office
Post Box 11081
Jeddah - 21453
Saudi Arabia

Telephone: +966 2 637 5345

Fax: +966 2 637 5891

www.fosroc.com

Registered Office: Industrial Area, Phase 4, Road No. 414, Street No. 407

email: fosam@fosroc.com

Regional Offices
Jeddah Sales Office
Jeddah Showroom
Riyadh
Dammam
Khamis Mushayt

Tel: (02) 608 0999

Tel: (02) 665 0187
Tel: (01) 482 9303
Tel: (03) 814 1282
Tel: (07) 250 0469

Page 4

Fax: (02) 635 3330

Fax: (02) 667 4844
Fax: (01) 482 7562
Fax: (03) 814 1581
Fax: (07) 250 0469

Yanbu Tel: (04) 322 4280

Makkah Tel: (02) 542 0869
Medinah Tel: (04) 845 1767
Jubail Tel: (03) 362 3904

Fax: (04) 391 2980

Fax: (02) 542 0869
Fax: (04) 846 3195
Fax: (03) 362 3875

FO SA/CEBEX 305/05/A