View source for Portland cement

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[[File:Portland cement sample.jpg|thumb|300px|Sample of old Portland cement.]]
'''Portland cement''' is the most common type of [[cement]] in general use around the world, used as a basic ingredient of most construction materials, such as concrete or mortar. It can also be used as a desiccant, though its effectiveness varies.

==Properties==
===Chemical===
Portland cement reacts with water forming various hydrates that harden into a solid mass. The reaction process is fairly complex.

===Physical===
Portland cement is a white-gray to slight bluish-gray solid fine powder. It is insoluble in water and all solvents, but will react with the former to form a very hard solid mass. It has an average density of 1.506 g/cm<sup>3</sup><ref>http://www.rfcafe.com/references/general/density-building-materials.htm</ref>, with a specific or (relative) density of 3.15<ref>http://www.aso-cement.jp/en/products/product_ordinary.html</ref>.

==Availability==
Portland cement is sold by most construction and home improvement stores, usually in large bags.

==Preparation==
Since the production process is extremely energy intensive and is cheaply available in bulk, Portland cement is best purchased rather than made.

==Projects==
*Construct stuff
*Dry solvents
*Immobilize toxic wastes

==Handling==
===Safety===
Portland cement is caustic, and contact with naked skin will cause strong dehydration and even chemical burns. Cement powder is a strong irritant and exposure may harm the eyes, nose and lungs. As it made directly from mineral sources, with no purification, Portland cement may contain hexavalent chromium which is carcinogenic and due to its fine form, it will also have lots of crystalline silica which is also hazardous to health.

===Storage===
Portland cement is best stored in dry places, away from any moisture, preferably in sealed bags.

===Disposal===
Portland cement should be mixed with water before disposal. As the final product is not dangerous to environment, it can be dumped almost anywhere.

==References==
<references/>
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
*[https://www.sciencemadness.org/whisper/viewthread.php?tid=6716 pH indicator for portland cement.]

[[Category:Materials with no specific chemical formula]]
[[Category:Granular materials]]
[[Category:Insoluble compounds]]
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
[[Category:Desiccants]]
[[Category:Cements]]