Cement, Concrete and Mortar

Cement, concrete and mortar are polymer or cement-based binders, compounds or aggregate mixtures for joining components and forming structures. Although the words concrete and cement are often used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Cement is typically made by heating limestone until it nearly fuses. The material is then ground into a fine powder. When this powder is mixed with water, the cement undergoes a chemical reaction and hardens into a mass that is resistant to water. If concrete is mixed with water and other aggregates - such as sand, stone, or gravel - the mixture is called concrete. Cement generally accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of the concrete’s total mass. Cement is, however, the essential binding agent for concrete.

Portland cement and polymer concrete are two common types of cement, concrete and mortar products. Portland cement is the most common type of cement used today. It generally contains lime, silica, alumina, and iron oxide. Gypsum is later added to the mixture during the grinding process. Portland cement is stronger and faster setting than natural cement. A polymer concrete is a combination of cement, aggregates, and polymer resins. Adding polymer resins to concrete greatly increases its performance characteristics (e.g., strength properties, creeping, shrinking, chemical stability) and number of applications. Polymer concrete is more resistant to salt, chemicals, harsh weather, and traffic wear.

Some cement, concrete and mortar manufacturers specialize in the production of mortar, a mixture of sand and cement (or other powdered adhesive) and water. Mortar is used to fill the gaps between masonry stones. It is applied as a paste that hardens to lock bricks or stonework together. Refractory mortar is used specifically for high-temperature applications, such as fireplaces or ovens. Refractory mortar, which is made from high-temperature cements and aggregates, will not expand or tear apart when heated.

• Calcium Aluminate Cements
  Calcium aluminate cements are used in special applications for early strength gain (design strength in one day); resistance to high temperatures; and resistance to sulphates, weak acids, and seawater....
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• Portland Cement
  Portland cement is the most common bond used in structural concretes and mortars. It is also a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco and non-specialty grouts. Most Portland cement contains...
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• Types of Concrete
  Concrete and cements consist of a mixture of a binder or clinker and a coarser aggregate. They are used to patch or line floors and walls, bond brick, and join components for use in high temperature...
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