Sementiittiyhdisteillä

Sementiittiyhdisteillä is a Finnish term that translates to "cementitious compounds" or "cementitious materials" in English. This refers to a class of binders that harden through a chemical reaction with water. The most common and well-known cementitious compound is Portland cement, the primary ingredient in concrete.

These materials are characterized by their ability to bind other substances together, forming a solid, durable mass. The hardening process, known as hydration, involves a complex series of chemical reactions between the cement powder and water. These reactions create a microstructure of crystalline hydrates that interlock and fill the spaces between aggregate particles, if present.

Beyond Portland cement, other cementitious compounds include natural cements, pozzolanic materials (like fly ash and silica fume when activated), and blended cements which combine Portland cement with other supplementary cementitious materials. The properties of cementitious compounds can be modified by varying their composition, particle size, and the addition of admixtures. Their widespread use in construction is due to their strength, durability, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness. They are essential for creating everything from foundations and buildings to roads and bridges.