PORTLAND CEMENT
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SIMILAR AND NOTEWORTHY LINKS:
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Portland Cement is the Active Ingredient in Cement and Concrete Products.
What it is: A fine, gray powder made from heating up limestone, clay, and other natural materials.
What it does: It’s the main ingredient that hardens and holds everything together when mixed with water.
There are several variations of Portland Cement: High Strength, Fast Setting, and Waterproof Cement to name a few.
(Named after and English town where it was Invented in 1824 by, Joseph Aspdin)
Other Basic Raw Materials for Cementitious Products
LIME (optional but common in some types of mortar)
What it is: A white powder made from limestone.
What it does: Makes mortar easier to spread and helps it stay flexible, so it’s less likely to crack over time.
WATER
What it does: When mixed with cement, it starts a chemical reaction that makes the mix harden. It also helps make the mix easier to work with.
FINE AGGREGATES
What it is: Fine grain sand, usually from rivers. Rough edges unlike beach sand.
What it does: Fills in the space in the mix, adds strength, and helps the cement bond better.
COURSE AGGREGATES
What it is: Stones or pieces of rock.
What it does: In concrete (but not mortar), gives extra strength and helps make the mix more solid.
