Starch was treated with chlorosulfonic acid to obtain sulfonated starch. Acrylic acid/sulfonated starch semi-interpenetrated network IPN of different compositions was prepared using ionizing radiation. Swelling of prepared IPNs at different environmental conditions was studied. The possible use of sulfonated starch/acrylic acid IPN as a water-retarding agent in the cement industry was investigated. ζ-potential measurements were used to determine the stability of the colloidal cement—SS/AA and cement -poly-naphthalene sulfonic acid (SNF) water retarding mixtures. Sulfonated starch/acrylic acid water-retarding property was influenced by hydrogel concentration and composition. Sulfonated starch/acrylic acid IPN admixture has a great effect on the cement initial setting time. Using 2% of SS/AA or SNF resulted in an increase in initial setting time by 2 and 1h respectively, if compared with native cement initial setting time. The results showed that the synthetic commercial super-plasticizers could be replaced by an eco-friendly water-retarding sulfonated starch/acrylic acid IPN in the cement industry.