Assessment of sodium molybdate as an accelerator of cement hydration and setting

As part of a search for an alternative chloride-free accelerator, the effects of sodium molybdate as an accelerator of hydration for both aluminate and Portland cement are given. Heat evolution, structure development and corrosion testing techniques have been utilized. Results confirm an accelerating action on early hydration but at later ages compressive strengths were significantly reduced. By comparison with other known accelerators, possible mechanisms for the effects of sodium molybdate are suggested.