The distribution of new rebar corrosion inhibitor DETA-TU in concrete was studied by XPS. The influence of DETA-TU on the cement hydration, fresh mortar fluidity, the strength and permeability of hardened mortar were also explored. The results show that DETA-TU can be enriched at the interface between mortar and rebar. This is favorable to improve inhibition efficiently of DETA-TU in concrete. DETA-TU can delay the hydration process of cement, the fluidity of fresh mortar is also increased. However, the strength of hardened mortar after 28 days is decreased a little. The permeability of hardened mortar for chloride is lowered considerably after the addition of DETA-TU.