Introduction: Why Portland cement

This lecture delves into the reasons behind the widespread use of 'Portland' cement in today's construction industry, with over 99.99% of cement production being based on this material. The name 'Portland' was chosen to highlight its resemblance to Portland Stone, a renowned building material. The dominance of Portland cement is a result of the limited availability of raw materials on Earth. The lecture also explores the chemistry of cement, the process of how cement works when mixed with water, and the different oxides involved. It discusses the hydraulic minerals in the Cao-SiO₂-Al₂O3 system and the chemical CO₂ emissions associated with them. Additionally, it touches on the robustness of Portland cement and the potential for future cements based on Portland clinker.