What is cement made from?

We recommend learning about the ingredients of cement and how and what makes this all-purpose building material in order to gain a better understanding of its characteristics.

• Cement brand M500: how to choose and characteristics
• Fiberglass: what is it and what are they for?
• How to make cement at home
• Foam cement Makroflex
• Where to start renovating an apartment?
• How to build a garage: from what, with your own hands and inexpensively

We understand the components of cement, but how are the various varieties of this building material made? The truth is that different mineral additives that alter the chemical composition of cement as well as the ratios of the specified components determine the various varieties’ properties.

• CaO is the formula of calcium oxide, better known to us as quicklime – its minimum proportion in cement is 62%;
• SiO2 – silicon dioxide or silica – no less than 20%;
• Al2O3 – aluminum oxide or alumina – not less than 4%;
• Fe2O3 – iron oxide, magnetic iron ore – 2%;
• MgO – magnesium oxide or burnt magnesia – 1%.

To obtain the necessary properties, additional additives are added to the cement composition, making up the remaining percentage.

As a result, the precise chemical formula of cement cannot be determined because the material comes in a variety of brands and varieties with distinct compositions. The list of minerals that are present in the cement mixture is therefore more crucial information.

Let’s go back to the primary ingredients of cement and examine them in greater detail now:

One ingredient that influences cement’s strength, shrinkage, and rate of hardening is gypsum. The cement mixture can contain up to 6% gypsum.

Additional materials that are utilized to create various cement grades and modifications.

Several of the most well-known and in-demand mixtures in different construction fields can be identified.

Portland cement

This cement is made of clinker and contains additional materials and calcium silicates. utilized in the manufacturing of reinforced concrete and concrete with varying rates of hardening.

Sulfate resistant

This type’s primary attribute is its resistance to salts, acids, and other chemicals. For instance, piles for different types of buildings can be cast from concrete that is based on sulfate-resistant cement. Aggressive soil elements or groundwater will not destroy them. Sulfate-resistant mixtures are also used in the construction of water intake structures, pumping stations, bridges, and septic tanks.

Pozzolanic

It bears resemblance to sulfate-resistant, albeit with a high concentration of active ingredients (up to 35%). Because of its exceptional water resistance, it is frequently utilized in underwater and underground construction, including the building of locks, tunnels, mines, etc. d.

Aluminous

Because of the composition’s high alumina content—as the name implies—the mixture becomes stronger in both water and air very quickly. Aluminous cement finds application in emergency road repairs, high-speed winter construction, and repair work (e.g., promptly plugging holes or cracks).

Acid resistant

Utilized in the chemical industry to make equipment lining and tanks. consists of materials diluted with potassium or sodium liquid glass to make them resistant to acidity. Constant exposure to water causes it to deteriorate, necessitating the use of specific hydrophobic additives.

Plasticized

It is created by adding certain ingredients that cause the solution to set more slowly and become more fluid. Because it uses less water during mixing, this type of cement produces more durable concrete. Moreover, this kind is more resistant to corrosion and low temperatures.

Slag cement

Granulated slag, which is crushed along with clinker and gypsum, makes up 80% of its volume. This lets you cut the cost of building supplies by roughly a tenth. The final composition is not afraid to be exposed to fresh or mineral water, and it can withstand high temperatures quite well.

A mixture of limestone, clay, and other minerals heated in a kiln is used to make cement, a basic building material. This process, known as calcination, turns raw materials into the nodule-like material known as clinker. The key binding ingredient in mortar and concrete, cement powder is made by grinding clinker with gypsum. Comprehending the composition of cement facilitates an appreciation of its pivotal function in constructing long-lasting structures across the globe.

Because it is the most adaptable, Portland cement M500 is actually utilized in construction projects the most.

Video on the topic

Cement production from start to finish

Cement production as a business idea

What is cement made from?!

Brief history of cement.

How cement is made. Cement production technology.

How cement is made. Belarusian cement production technology

How cement is made ? All stages. Trip to the factory.