Cement in general, an adhesive of all kinds, but more narrowly a binding agent used in construction and civil engineering. This type of cement is a finely ground powder that hardens into a hard mass when mixed with water. Coagulation and hardening occur through hydration, the chemical bonding of cementitious compounds with water, resulting in submicroscopic crystals or high surface area gel-like materials. Because of their hydration properties, construction cements that harden in water are often referred to as hydraulic cements. The most important of these is Portland cement.
It is a dry, powdered substance made from lime and clay that is mixed with water to make mortar or sand, gravel, and water to make concrete. It is a binding material. Once hardened, cement provides enough strength to build large industrial structures. Cement is corrosive to metals, so all metals in contact with cement must be corrosion resistant. A common type of cement used in the construction industry is also known as hydraulic cement. This is because this powdered substance is usually mixed with water before use.
