Differences between cement and concrete
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Cement:
- Definition: Cement is a binder manufactured from a mixture of iron, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and other substances found in limestone, shells, chalk, clay, iron ore, and silica sand.
- Process: These ingredients are heated to a very high temperature, creating a rock-like substance that is then ground into an extremely fine powder.
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Usage:
- Cement is infrequently used on its own.
- It is primarily an ingredient in concrete.
- It can be mixed with water and used as a grout.
- It is combined with plaster and water to create a smooth surface on masonry.
- Invention: Modern cement was invented in the kitchen of an English bricklayer in the early 19th century.
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Concrete:
- Definition: Concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregate (such as sand, stone, and gravel), and water.
- Strength and Durability: Concrete is stronger and more durable than cement.
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Applications:
- Concrete is widely used in residential and commercial construction.
- It forms the foundation for structures like roads, bridges, dams, sidewalks, and patios.
- Chemical Reaction: Concrete owes its strength and versatility to the chemical reaction that occurs when cement, aggregate, and water mix.
- Note: You cannot use cement alone as a construction material.
While cement is an essential component, concrete is the finished product that we encounter in our daily lives!