What Does
Portland Cement Mean?
Portland cement is a common ingredient in manufacturing concrete. This type of cement produces paste that, along with water, combines with rock and sand in order to harden.
It is tightly controlled with a unique combination of:
- Silicon
- Calcium
- Iron
- Aluminum
Gypsum is also incorporated into the final process in manufacturing to standardize concrete setting time. It is available in different varieties and each has its own distinct anti-corrosion or damage properties.
Corrosionpedia Explains Portland Cement
Portland cement is a term that was coined in 1824 by an English mason as a patent for the product he had made. His blend of cement generated concrete that has a color similar to the natural limestone only found in Portland Isle, hence the name "Portland cement."
Different kinds of Portland cement are produced to meet various chemical requirements and physical standards for certain purposes. These include:
- Type 1 – Intended for general purpose and suitable for anything not requiring special purposes or exposure to certain elements such as water, soil and chemicals such as sulfates
- Type 2 – Suitable protection for mild sulfate attacks, such as in drainage systems
- Type 3 – Known for its high strengths, evident at early periods of around a week. It is used when a structure must go into service rapidly.
- Type 1A, 2A, 3A – More specialized types of the first 3 that have enhanced resistance, particularly to freezing/thawing
- Type 4 – Used in cases where the heat amount and rate should be under a minimum level
- Type 5 – Sulfate resistant and ideal when the concrete must endure extreme sulfate exposure
By choosing the proper type of Portland cement, corrosion or damage can be mitigated in a highly efficient manner.