What Makes up Ordinary Portland Cement?
Which compounds are primary constituents of ordinary Portland cement?
A. Calcium Silicates
B. Aluminate
C. Ferrite
D. All of the above
What role do these compounds play in the properties of Portland cement?
A. Strength
B. Binding properties
C. Hardening
D. All of the above
The primary constituents of ordinary Portland cement are:
A. Calcium Silicates
B. Aluminate
C. Ferrite
The compounds play the following roles in the properties of Portland cement:
B. Binding properties
A. Strength
Ordinary Portland cement consists of a mixture of various compounds, but the primary constituents are calcium silicates, aluminate, and ferrite. These compounds play essential roles in determining the properties of Portland cement.
Calcium Silicates make up about 55-60% of the composition of Portland cement. Largely responsible for the binding properties of the cement, the reaction of water on these calcium silicates is what gives Portland cement its strength and durability.
In addition to providing strength, calcium silicates also contribute to the hardening process of Portland cement. When water is added to the cement, the calcium silicates undergo a chemical reaction to form calcium silicate hydrates and calcium hydroxide, which bind together the other components of the concrete, resulting in a solid and durable construction material.
Aluminate and ferrite are also important components of Portland cement, each playing a role in the overall properties and performance of the cement. Aluminate contributes to the setting time of the cement, while ferrite affects the color and heat generation during the curing process.