Portland Cement

Portland cement is a material that possesses cohesive and adhesive properties in the presence of water. These properties enable it to bind metallic parts together and transform them into a compact, unified structure. It is manufactured by grinding a mixture of raw materials, primarily limestone and clay, followed by burning the mixture in special kilns. Portland cement is essential in most concrete and mortar applications due to its high strength and long-term durability.

Types of Portland Cement:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Used in general applications such as concrete and concrete blocks.
- Sulphate-Resistant Portland Cement: Suitable for environments with high sulphate concentrations.
- Low-Heat Portland Cement: Used in large-scale projects like dams to reduce heat generation during hydration.
- White Portland Cement: Manufactured from raw materials with very low iron oxide content.

Uses of Portland Cement:
- General civil engineering construction works.
- All types of concrete structures.
- Reinforced concrete works.
- Concrete sheets and pipes. - Manufacturing cement blocks.

Portland cement is the backbone of the construction industry due to its strength and durability. However, it requires environmental and technological improvements to mitigate its negative impacts.