2023
Properties of Material III
ASSIGNMENT 1
NIGEL ANTHONY ANDREWS
UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE | LECTURER: L. CARRILLO
Contents
What is Lime.............................................................................................................................................................................
The manufacture of hydrated lime from limestone.................................................................................................................
Classification and types of limes...............................................................................................................................................
Quick lime - CaO...........................................................................................................................................................
Slaked lime or Hydrated lime Ca(OH)2.........................................................................................................................
Fat Lime.........................................................................................................................................................................
Hydraulic lime................................................................................................................................................................
Poor or Lean lime ..........................................................................................................................................................
Set and strength development of lime.....................................................................................................................................
Characteristics and properties of limes....................................................................................................................................
Application of lime...................................................................................................................................................................
Uses of Lime as a construction Material...................................................................................................................................
What is Gypsum.......................................................................................................................................................................
The manufacture of gypsum product.......................................................................................................................................
Classification and characteristic of various plasters.................................................................................................................
Application...............................................................................................................................................................................
The role of Gypsum in contemporary building construction....................................................................................................
What is Lime
Lime is a class of cementing material which is formed when limestone is strongly heated or
calcined, and is composed of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. Lime is commonly referred to
by a number of terms including quicklime, calcium oxide, high calcium lime, or dolomitic lime.
These all refer to the same material, lime. Dolomitic lime contains magnesium oxide (MgO)
derived from the presence of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) in the initial stone referred to as
dolomitic limestone. Dolomitic limestone contains two forms of carbonate, calcium carbonate
and magnesium carbonate. High calcium lime is almost pure calcium carbonate.
The manufacture of hydrated lime from limestone
Before limestone is extracted, geological and chemical analysis must first be conducted to
determine if the stone is acceptable for lime production. Limestone that does not meet the
chemical composition requirements is directed to be used as aggregate and fillers in a number
of other markets. Limestone deemed acceptable is then quarried, or mined, from the earth
before it is crushed and sized.
Once limestone has been mined, it needs to be crushed and uniformly sized to ensure the end
product is a consistent product.
Once crushed and sized, the limestone is fed into kilns where it is calcined, basically cooked, at
temperatures as high as 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. During this progression the extreme heat
causes the limestone to chemically release carbon dioxide (CO2). The end result is lime.
Hydrated lime is produced when quicklime is carefully mixed with water to yield hydrated lime
(Ca(OH)2), also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide. This process forms a very fine white
powder that is very useful in a number of applications, especially asphalt.
Classification and types of limes
Quick lime - CaO
A form of lime called "quick lime" is produced by calcining pure limestone. Among various
forms of lime that are extremely amorphous, caustic, and have no affinity for carbonic acid,
quick lime is the least expensive option.The most crucial component in the process of purifying
drinking water is quick lime, which is also one of the key components needed to make cement.
Slaked lime or Hydrated lime Ca(OH)2
Slaked lime, also known as hydrated lime, is a variety of lime created when quick lime absorbs
water. Slaking of lime is the chemical process of combining quick lime with water. This kind of
lime is offered as pure lime in the colorless powder form. Slaked lime is created by mixing
quicklime and water to create a slurry that may be used as a binder in cement and for
plastering projects. Additionally, it works well in mortar applications.
Fat Lime
Fat lime has a high calcium oxide content (95%) and can only set and harden when
carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere. Fat lime has a completely white color and
is highly plastic. Fat lime dissolves quickly with significant evaluation of heat. During
slaking, the volume of the lime increases by 2 to 3 times the original volume. Fat lime
takes a long time to solidify and is often used in white washing and wall plastering.
Hydraulic lime
Hydraulic lime (also known as Water lime) is a kind of lime that contains small amounts
of silica, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide in a chemical reaction with calcium oxide. This
type of lime can set and harden even when there is no carbon dioxide present. It can
also be set under water. Hydraulic lime can be classified according to the percentage of
clay-containing impurities. Feeble hydraulic lime contains around 5-10% of clay and is
used for whitening and color washing. Moderate hydraulic lime contains around 10-25%
of clay impurities, and these types of lime are used for high-quality masonry work, as
the mortar and concrete produced by this lime is very durable. Eminently hydraulic lime
contains around 25-30% clay impurities. The mortar and lime concrete produced from
this lime is highly suitable for construction under water and in damp places.
Poor or Lean lime
Silica, alumina and iron oxide are among the most common impurities in this type of
lime. It contains more than 30% of these impurities. The mortar produced from this lime
is of low quality. Poor lime is used for low-quality work.
Set and strength development of lime
Lime surfaces and materials can actually become stronger over time through the formation of
calcite crystals that form in lime-rich environments, something that doesn't happen with
cements.lime mortar typically has a compressive strength of 1 to 5 MPa. However, the strength
of lime can be increased by adding other materials such as pozzolanic additives, for example
NHL 5 has the compressive strength of 10 to 20 MPa.
Characteristics and properties of limes
a. Easily workable.
b. Provides strength to the masonry.
c. Possess good plasticity.
d. Offers good resistance to moisture.
e. Stiffens early.
f. An excellent cement and adheres to the masonry units perfectly.
g. Lime masonry provides durability due to low shrinkage in drying.
Application of lime
Lime is widely used for restoration and conservation work. It is also used in some construction
applications such as soil stabilization or plastering. Lime is softer and more flexible than
concrete. It can be a good option for historic restoration and other projects that require
flexibility and breathability. Lime has a lower carbon footprint and less embodied energy than
concrete. In most cases, lime is a more sustainable option. However, lime has a low
compressive strength, making it unsuitable for applications that require high strength, such as
foundation or structural walls. Lime also cures slower than concrete. It may take longer for lime
to harden and reach maximum strength.
Uses of Lime as a construction Material
In the construction industry, lime is mainly used in soil stabilization applications for roads, earth
dams, aerodromes, and foundations. Lime can be used in conjunction with specific additives to
create other metals. It is also a major component of mortar and plaster, in the form of lime
slurry. As an additive for asphalt, lime enhances its uniformity, eliminates stripping, and slows
down the deterioration of asphalt. There are other chemical and industrial applications of lime,
including manufacturing chemicals and the production of calcium carbonate precipitated.
What is Gypsum
Gypsum is a calcium sulfate mineral that is mined around the world. It is used for a variety of
applications, such as fertilizers, construction materials, architectural and sculpture applications,
pharmaceuticals, and food additives. Gypsum is available in a variety of colors, such as white,
gray, and pink, as well as brown and other colors depending on the presence of impurities or
other inclusions. Gypsum plays a significant role in the Canadian economy, from the mining to
the end use after processing. Most of Canada's gypsum production is based in Nova Scotia, with
smaller amounts being produced in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Gypsum is
typically sold as granular gypsum or gypsum pellets, which are typically white, gray, or brown
● Alabaster: a fine-grained, massive form white stone that is a frequent sculpting medium
● Satin spar: a fibrous variety
● Selenite: a transparent and colorless gypsum crystal
The manufacture of gypsum product
Gypsum products are produced by partial dehydration of mineral gypsum which is Calcium
Sulfate Di-hydrate (CaSO4.2H2O, CSD). They are supplied as powder when mixed with water
they form slurry or paste, which is set to form a rigid mass. Plaster: when the gypsum is heated
in an open container to 110-120Cº, it gives part of its water to form plaster (CaSO4.½H2O, CSH).
The crystals are irregular in shape, porous and called Beta particles. Stone: chemically it is the
same as plaster, but it is made by heating gypsum in wet conditions under superheated steam
to 125Cº. The crystals are regular in shape, have prismatic shape and are called Alpha particles.
Die Stone: it is produced by boiling gypsum with 30% calcium chloride (CaCl2). The crystals are
dense, regular in shape, have prismatic shape and are called Alpha particles.
Classification and characteristic of various plasters
Gymnastic plaster, also referred to as Plaster of Paris is a popular chemical substance that is
used most commonly for sculpting materials and in gauze bandages. While we have seen many
applications of this material in our everyday lives, if we try to understand its chemistry, plaster
of Paris is a white powdery chemical compound, which is hydrated calcium sulphate that is
usually obtained from calcining gypsum. In other words, we can say that the plaster of Paris is
usually made up of heated gypsum at a high temperature.
Plaster of Paris is usually a white dry plaster powder that can be effectively worked with metal
apparatuses or even abrasive sheets and can be shaped as per requirements. The strength of
plaster of Paris is not as strong as other compounds, and it often requires external support
when a large amount is used. It is often applied in the form of a quick-setting paste with water.
Application
Since ancient times, gypsum has been used as a plaster material and as a sculpture material.
Today, gypsum is still used by many societies, for example, in construction and
agriculture. Below are four common uses for gypsum. Fertilizing crops: Since at least the
18th century, farmers have used gypsum from Nova Scotia, Ohio, Iowa, New York, and
other deposits in their fields as a fertilizer to improve crop yields. Forming drywall
materials: In drywall, gypsum and other additives are used to prevent mildew, reduce
moisture, and make a product inflammable. Using gypsum as plaster: Manufacturers
use gypsum plaster, also known as Plaster of Paris, as a white cement material that is
first dehydrated and then rehydrated with water to harden. Manufacturers also use
gypsum to slow the setting of Portland cement, a common general-use concrete.
The role of Gypsum in contemporary building construction
Gypsum has a variety of uses and is often referred to as the "wonder mineral" due to its many
applications in the construction industry. It is commonly used to make wallboards that cover
walls and ceilings, as well as to make plaster that is used in home construction. Gypsum can
also be mixed into a wallboard patching compound. You can also buy gypsum blocks, which can
be used in the same way as concrete blocks for building purposes. It can also be used as a part
of Portland cement that stops the flash setting of concrete.
Reference:
What is lime? | Different Types of lime and their Uses in construction (allaboutcivil.org)
Lime Production Line - AGICO Cement Plant
Lime Production from Limestone - Current Technology (weebly.com)
Building Material Lime - Types, Properties and Uses -BuildersMART
What are the Types and Uses of Lime in Construction? - The Constructor