limefree

Limefree is an adjective used to describe substances, materials, or processes that do not contain lime, in particular calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). The term is used across several fields to indicate a composition or approach that avoids lime-based components or reactions.

In construction, lime-free mortars and plasters replace lime-based binders with cementitious alternatives such as Portland cement or gypsum. This choice can affect properties like setting time, durability, and moisture handling, and is often made when lime-based systems are unsuitable due to project requirements or existing materials.

In agriculture and horticulture, limefree descriptions refer to soils or amendments that have little or no calcium carbonate. Such soils may require different pH management, since lime is commonly added to raise soil pH for certain crops.

In food processing and beverage production, lime-free terminology can indicate products that have not been processed with lime or calcium-based additives. It may also refer to processing streams that avoid lime-containing reagents for reasons of taste, texture, or dietary concerns.

In art restoration and conservation, lime-free materials are used to maintain reversibility and to minimize chemical interactions with legacy lime-containing binders or mortars found in historic structures or artworks.

See also: lime, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, lime-based mortars.