31-Oct-2022
White cement is similar to that gray Portland cement but the only distinguishing feature is its color and fineness. The process of manufacturing and raw materials determines the color of the cement.
Manufacture Of White Cement -
The grayness of the cement is obtained due to the oxides of copper, iron, nickel, vanadium, chromium, manganese, and titanium. Whereas in the manufacturing of white cement, these raw materials are kept to the lowest percentage.
The prominent raw materials used for the manufacturing of white cement are clay and limestone. The process of manufacturing is similar to that of OPC cement but differs only in the heat required for the burning of raw material. Here more heat is required and fineness is on the higher side.
Specifications -
White cement is specified to ensure consistent, clean and bright colors, including light pastels. White cement allows a range of color options to create architectural concrete, cementitious building products, and even masonry too. The final look and color of concrete and masonry materials are affected by the dosage of pigment, the color of cement, the cleanliness of fine and coarse aggregates, the color of supplementary cementitious materials, the dosage of admixtures, etc.
Properties Of White Cement -
Fineness - 395 m2/kg
Setting Time - 100 min
Compressive Strength - 21 MPa (Day 1)
38 MPa (Day 2)
61 MPa (Day 7)
74 MPa (Day 28)
Brightness - 87%
Bulk Density - 1100 kg/m3
Compact Density - 3150 kg/m3
Uses Of White Cement -
It is used for decorative works and the construction of prestige projects.
Used for coloured concrete to produce brightly coloured mortars and concrete using inorganic pigments.
Due to its whiteness, it is widely used in the application of architectural beauty, ornamental concrete products, floorings, decorations, etc.
Used on roads to add visibility, due to the property of high reflectiveness.
White Cement is also used for the manufacturing of precast members.
Cast stones are also derived using white cement for an appealing appearance.
White cement is comparatively costly, hence have selective uses.
