White cement: features and application

On the shelves of hardware stores, the buyer can find not only ordinary cement, but also white finishing material. The material differs significantly from other types of cement composition of the used source components, price, quality, manufacturing technology and scope.

White cement is a type of high-quality cement mortar that has a light shade.Light tone of building material is achieved by combining certain types of components and using special production technologies. The basis - clinker with a low percentage of iron. Additional components for obtaining a light shade - refined carbonate or clay compositions (gypsum powder, kaolin, chalk, powdered lime and chloric salts).

High strength values ​​are achieved by rapidly lowering the temperature. (from 1200 to 200 degrees) after the firing process in an environment with a minimum oxygen content. The main condition for achieving such a white color during heat treatment in furnaces is the absence of soot and ash. The burners fill only with liquid and gaseous fuels. Grinding of clinker and raw materials is carried out in specialized crushers with basalt, flint and porcelain plates.

All the characteristics of white cement are significantly superior to those of standard solutions:

• fast curing process (after 15 hours gaining 70% strength);
• resistance to moisture, solar radiation, low temperature;
• high strength of structures;
• the ability to add color dye;
• high whiteness (depending on the variety);
• low level of alkalis in the composition;
• multifunctional and versatile properties;
• affordable price;
• environmental Safety;
• the use of high-quality raw materials and modern production technologies;
• high decorative qualities.

White cement is a versatile material with a wide range of applications:

• the manufacture of finishing solutions (decorative plaster, grout for joints), the time of drying depends on the type of filler;
• production of plaster, tile, decorative stone for facade work;
• making sculptures and decorative elements of the interior (fountains, columns, stucco);
• production of white concrete, reinforced concrete structures (balconies, stairs, architectural forms and fences);
• making mortar for stone and tile;

• production of white or colored finishing bricks;
• preparation of a mixture for self-leveling floors;
• marking on pavements and airfield runways.

White cement is produced according to the standards and requirements established by GOST 965-89.

Cement is made of several grades depending on the level of strength:

• M 400 - the average level of solidification, a large percentage of shrinkage;
• M 500 - medium level of hardening, low shrinkage percentage;
• M 600 - high level of solidification, minimum shrinkage.

The decorative whiteness of the material divides the mixture into three grades:

• Grade 1 - up to 85%;
• Grade 2 - at least 75%;
• Grade 3 - no more than 68%.

Manufacturers identify three ways to obtain clinker:

• Dry - without the use of water, all the components are crushed and mixed with the help of air, after firing get the necessary clinker. Advantages - cost savings of thermal energy.
• Wet - using liquid. Advantages - accurate selection of the composition of the sludge with a high heterogeneity of the components (sludge - liquid mass with a water content of 45%), the disadvantage is the high consumption of thermal energy.
• Combined The type is based on wet production technologies with intermediate clinker dewatering up to 10%.

To knead the solution at home, it is necessary to mix industrially refined quartz sand or river washed and artificial sand, crushed marble and white cement. The required proportions are 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 2 parts filler. Components to mix in a clean container without dirt and corrosion. The aggregate fraction is minimal, the color of other materials should not be gray, but only white.

Resistant pigments added to the solution will help to make partocement colored:

• manganese dioxide is black;
• escolite - pistachio;
• red iron - red;
• ocher - yellow;
• chromium oxide - green;
• cobalt blue.

The production of white cement is carried out by many foreign and domestic companies:

• Shurovsky Cement OJSC - the leader among Russian manufacturers. Dignity - fast and convenient delivery. Disadvantages - green shade of the product, which significantly reduces the scope of its application.
• Turkey - the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of white cement.Building material stores offer their customers white Turkish cement grade M-600 with the marking "Super White" and with a whiteness of 90%. The mixture is produced by the dry method and has a number of advantages, which include: reasonable price, European quality standards, atmospheric stability, smooth surface, high depravity and compatibility with various finishing materials. The main producers of Turkish cement are Adana and Cimsa. Cimsa products are most in demand in the construction markets of Europe and the CIS countries. Adana brand products is a new product of building stores, which is gaining a place in this segment of finishing materials.

• Danish cement occupies a leading position among its counterparts, has high quality, is produced by qualified specialists using innovative technologies, has the marking M700 (with high strength). Advantages - low alkali content, even whiteness, high reflective characteristics, has a huge scope. Disadvantages - high price.
• Egyptian cement - new and cheapest finishing material in the global construction market.Disadvantages - difficulties and interruptions in deliveries to specialized markets.
• Iran ranks 5th in terms of white cement production in the world. Iranian cement M600 brand is produced according to international quality standards. Physical and chemical indicators are at a high global level. Products are packaged in polypropylene bags of 50 kg, which ensures complete safety during transport.

For high-quality performance of work with use of white material, skilled builders advise to consider some features:

• To obtain a quality solution, it is necessary to use only marble chips and sand with a low percentage of iron, as well as clean water without heavy salts and impurities.
• After 20 hours, 70% hardening occurs, which will significantly reduce the time spent on repairs.
• The versatility, color fastness and aesthetic whiteness allow harmoniously combining the material with other decorative elements of the interior.
• Durability and resistance to the appearance of chips and cracks will reduce the additional cost of repair and restoration of the structure.
• Tools used for finishing work should be kept in perfect cleanliness, all surfaces should be cleaned from corrosion and contamination.
• The deepening of the reinforcement in the reinforced concrete structure to a depth of at least 3 cm will allow you to avoid corrosion of metal surfaces and the appearance of stains on the white surface.

• It is obligatory to apply a gray cement with a thickness of at least 30 mm to the iron structure.
• Plasticizers, retarders and additional additives that do not affect the color of the solution can be used in the production process.
• To increase the percentage of whiteness can be applied titanium white.
• It is necessary to dilute the solution with extreme caution, observing all safety regulations and applying personal protective equipment for the eyes, face and respiratory organs.
• Cement is stored for 12 months in intact original packaging.

Cement is the foundation of any construction process. Reliability, durability and durability of the structure depend on the quality of the selected material. The modern building material market offers a huge range of goods. Before you make the final choice, you must carefully examine all manufacturers and their proposals,to avoid the purchase of low-quality goods with low technical properties and characteristics.

To learn how to prepare a solution of white cement, see the following video.