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Cement is one of the most crucial elements of construction; it’s literally the foundation of your home or building. This important material brings and holds the structure together, whether it’s where you live, work, or shop. But, what truly goes into the cement to make it that strong and most reliable material in construction? Behind every wall and sidewalk, there’s a combination of raw materials in cement. These quality ingredients can play a major role in helping the cement gain its strength and standard. In this guide, let’s explore the main raw materials for cement and why they matter.
The Importance of Quality Raw Material in Cement
Even in cement manufacturing, quality is everything. Any ingredients that are poorly measured and poured could result in a potential disaster, such as weak building structures, cracks on walls, and expensive repairs. When you use high-quality cement raw materials, it makes sure of the following:
- Provides better strength and durability in structures
- Reduces the risk of cracks, defects, and weak structure
- Increases the setting time and the finish of the concrete mix
- Reduces high and frequent maintenance costs
- Helps sustainable construction
- Increase natural resistance to climate change, chemicals, and even heavy loads
Raw Materials For Manufacturing of Cement
Now that you know why quality raw materials for cement are important in manufacturing, let’s look at the raw materials cement needs to keep it strong:
1. Limestone
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Limestone is the main ingredient of cement, making up 60-65% of the overall mix. This raw material is high in calcium carbonate, which produces lime when heated. Lime is an important element that forms the compounds that increase the strength and structure of cement.
2. Clay
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The next important raw material in cement is clay. Clay also contributes elements like silica, alumina, and iron oxide, contributing about 20-25% of the cement mix. Now, clay is an important ingredient for the chemical reactions that happen during cement manufacturing.
3. Silica Sand
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Other major raw materials for cement are silica sand, which adds more silica to the cement, contributing about 5-10% of the mix. Silica sand is the element that hardens the cement, making it strong and long-lasting.
4. Iron Ore
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When we talk about cement raw materials, iron ore is also an important one that gives the cement its iron oxide. This ingredient strengthens the cement’s structure and also gives it its classic grey shade. While the contribution of iron ore in the overall cement mix is low, it works from within to bind the cement together.
5. Gypsum
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Gypsum is the ingredient that contributes 3-5% of the cement mix and is added during the final stages of the manufacturing process. The main purpose of this element is to control the setting time, making sure that the cement doesn’t harden too soon upon applying it to a surface.
6. Fly Ash
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Fly ash is a by-product from coal and can be used as a raw material for manufacturing of cement. This ingredient has high silica and alumina components, improving the long-term strength and bonding of the cement. More so, this element helps reduce the heat of the hydration process, making it less likely to crack.
7. Bauxite
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Among other raw materials for cement is bauxite. Bauxite is rich in alumina, which helps increase cement’s resistance to extreme temperature changes and chemical corrosion. This feature of bauxite as a raw material makes it ideal for the construction of steel plants or factories where temperature conditions change frequently.
Related Read: Which Is the Best Cement for House Construction in India? A Complete Guide for Homeowners
How Do These Materials Work Together?
Producing cement is not about mixing different ingredients, it’s a careful combination of chemistry. Each raw material in cement plays an important role and needs to be balanced for the right reaction to happen.
For instance, limestone produces lime when exposed to heat. Lime reacts with silica, alumina, and iron oxide to give cement its strength. Gypsum as an ingredient makes sure that the cement mix sets at the right pace, making it easy for you to work with and not rush. These raw materials for cement interact through chemical reactions during the production process, forming the clinker, a rock-like substance.
If any of these materials is poorly measured, then the final cement mix might have poor quality, bonding, setting time, and durability.
Final Words:
Behind every house, building, shopping mall, or other such structures lies a balanced mix of cement raw materials. Limestone, clay, gypsum, and more contribute their share to form the perfect mix of concrete to use. Quality raw materials for cement can help control the strength, durability, and reliability of the cement we use for our homes. Knowing why these raw materials are important and how they work together can help us appreciate the art and science of construction even more!
Also Read: Best Waterproof for Cement Techniques to Protect Your Home from Dampness
Why Should You Choose Green Fortune For Your Home Needs?
Green Fortune provides you with a wide range of customizable uPVC products and home improvement solutions. With over two decades of experience in building materials, we aim to offer you solutions tailored to meet your preferences and needs. Transform your home with our durable, energy-efficient, and sustainable products. To explore more about what we can offer, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the main raw material of cement?
Limestone is the main raw material in cement production. Limestone, a sedimentary rock, is composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that gives lime (CaO), an element important in cement manufacturing.
Q: Why is gypsum added to cement?
Gypsum is another important ingredient added to the cement mix to regulate the cement’s setting time. This element helps prevent quick hardening of the cement, allowing enough time to mix, transport, and apply it.
Q: How is cement manufactured?
Cement is manufactured by crushing the raw materials, blending them, and burning them in a kiln to produce clinker, a rock-like and hard substance. Later, the clinker is ground with gypsum to form a cement mix.
