what is Portland cement? write the characteristics of its constituents?
Answers
Explanation:
Portland cement is the product obtained by pulverizing clinker, consisting of hydraulic calcium silicates to which some calcium sulfate has usually been provided as an interground addition. ... The strength and other properties of concrete are mainly derived from the hydration of tricalcium and dicalcium silicates.
Explanation:
Portland cement (OPC) consists of tri and dicalcium silicates, tricalcium aluminate, and tetracalcium alumino ferrite and calcium sulfate as gypsum. It has adhesive and cohesive properties and is capable of binding together mineral fragments in presence of water so as to produce a continuous compact mass of masonary.
Chemical composition
Portland cement is made up of four main compounds: tricalcium silicate (3CaO. SiO2), dicalcium silicate (2CaO. SiO2), tricalcium aluminate (3CaO. Al2O3), and a tetra-calcium aluminoferrite (4CaO.
The chief chemical constituents of Portland cement are as follows:
- Lime (CaO) -60 to 67%
- Silica (SiO2)- 17 to 25%
- Alumina (Al2O3) -3 to 8%
- Iron oxide (Fe2O3) -0.5 to 6%
- Magnesia (MgO) -0.1 to 4%