Cementtiä

Cementtiä is a Finnish term that translates to "cement" in English. It refers to a binder substance used in construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together. Cement is a key ingredient in concrete, mortar, and stucco.

The most common type of cement is Portland cement, which is a hydraulic cement. Hydraulic cements set and harden by reacting chemically with water, and can do so even underwater. Portland cement is manufactured by heating a mixture of limestone and clay in a kiln to produce clinker, which is then ground into a fine powder with a small amount of gypsum added. The gypsum controls the setting time of the cement.

Cement is produced in massive quantities worldwide, making it one of the most important industrial materials. Its primary use is in the production of concrete, which is formed by mixing cement with aggregates such as sand and gravel, and water. The cement acts as a glue, binding the aggregates together to form a strong and durable material. Concrete is used in a vast array of construction projects, including buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and foundations.

Beyond concrete, cement is also a component of mortar, which is used to bind bricks, stones, and other masonry units. It is also used in stucco, a decorative and protective coating for walls. The properties of cement can be modified by adding various admixtures to achieve specific performance characteristics, such as increased strength, improved workability, or accelerated hardening.