Cement is a widely used construction material that has both adhesive and cohesive properties. Cement can make bonding and bind particles of solid matter into a compact, durable solid mass. It contains hydraulic properties to a great extent. There are different types of cement in the industry, and the difference between each type of cement in their properties uses and composition materials used during the manufacturing process. Here are some different types of cement and their uses.
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)
Ordinary Portland cement is the most commonly produced and used type of cement around the globe. It is a widely used type of cement product that is perfect for all general concrete construction. OPC has a low resistance to chemical attacks, and it has a medium rate of hardening. OPC comes with grades 33, 34 and 53. The colour of OPC is grey or greenish-grey.
Portland pozzolana cement (PPC)
Portland pozzolana cement is useful in marine and underwater construction. It is prepared either by grinding clinker and pozzolana or by blending Portland cement. By the weight of cement, the proportion of pozzolana may vary between 10% to 25%. Portland pozzolana cement has a higher resistance to chemical disintegration and sulphate attack. PPC cement offers less heat of hydration and offers excellent resistance to the attack of water. There are many cement plants worldwide, so you can easily find all types of cement.
Rapid hardening cement
It is similar to ordinary Portland cement. It has high lime content and contains higher c3s content and finer grinding, which provide high strength development than ordinary Portland cement at an early stage. This is used when there is a need for high strength in the initial stage quickly. Rapid hardening cement is widely used for the construction of underwater work.
Quick setting cement
The setting time is the main difference between the quick setting cement and rapid hardening cement. This type of cement is widely used when work is to be completed in a short period.
Low heat cement
It is produced by maintaining the percentage of tricalcium aluminate below 6% by increasing the proportion of C2S. As the name says, it produces low heat of hydration due to the small quantity of tricalcium aluminate in it. This type of cement is best for mass concrete construction such as gravity dams since it prevents concrete cracking due to heat. Low heat cement had high power against sulphates and is less reactive and initial setting time is greater than ordinary Portland cement.
High Alumina cement
High alumina cement is rapid hardening cement with an initial and final setting time of about 3.5 and 5 hours. This cement is obtained by melting a mixture of bauxite, lime and grinding with the clinker. High alumina cement has high comprehensive strength, and it is used in works where concrete is subjected to high temperatures, acidic action.
Wrapping up
Other than this, white cement, coloured cement, air-entraining cement, hydrographic cement, blast furnace slag cement are some other cement used in industries. While choosing the cement, consider your requirement and choose the best cement that perfectly suits your need.
