Clinker
Summary
Clinker - Clinker forms the majority of Portland cement.
Technical Information
To produce the clinker, limestone and alumino-silicate materials are fused in a kiln. After the clinker has left the kiln, gypsum is added. It is then ground into very fine particles. The grinding process is controlled so that the cement particles are relatively well graded.
There are four main constituents of cement clinker, each affecting the concrete in different ways. They are:
- Alite (C3S) – early strength.
- Belite (C2S) – long term strength.
- Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A) – initial setting
- Tetracalcium Aluminoferrate (C4AF) – controls melting in kiln
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