Zementen

Zementen is the plural form used in German-language contexts to refer to cement, the hydraulic binding material used in construction. In standard German, the more common plural form is Zemente; Zementen can appear in older texts or regional usage. The term Zement derives from Latin caementum via French ciment, reflecting the long history of binding agents used in masonry.

Cement itself is produced by grinding clinker, often with small amounts of gypsum, to create a powder that hardens when mixed with water. Portland cement is the most widely used variety and serves as the primary binding component in concrete, mortar, and grout. When mixed with aggregates and water, cement forms a hard matrix that binds particles together, enabling the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Different cement types and supplementary materials, such as fly ash or slag, can modify properties like strength, setting time, and durability.

Historically, cement has a long lineage from ancient mortars to modern hydraulic cements developed in the 19th century, which enabled consistent production and widespread use. Modern cement production involves quarrying raw materials (notably limestone and clay), producing clinker in kilns at high temperatures, and grinding the clinker with gypsum. The process is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, prompting ongoing research into lower-emission products and alternative binders.

In typical applications, cement is combined with aggregates and water to produce concrete, or used with lime or sand to form mortars and grouts, depending on the required strength and workability. See also: concrete, mortar, cementitious materials.