CALUMEX CSA cement explained

3. Early ettringite formation
a chemical reaction of aluminum , calcium and sulphate ions
forming calcium aluminum sulfate hydroxide ; ettringite
crystals (Aft)
tetra calcium tri aluminate sulfate (C4A3Š)
3(CaO.Al2O3.3CaSO4.32H2O)
These “ettringite crystals” are needle-rod-, hexagonal, shaped
with and average size size of 1 ~ 7 µ
By comparison;
ettrinigite crystal
~1 μ diameter
human hair
60μ diameter

4. Depending on the type of CSA it typically achieves 80% or
more of its 28 day strength in the first 24 hours!!
After 3-7 days the progression of strength development is
leveled out, but still continuous.
CALUMEX CSA cements have a lot of benefits over other
types of cement to name a few;
• improved early strength
• no loss of strength in time
• rapid drying
• binding of excess water
• shrinkage compensation through positive expansion
• light color
• increased sulphate and acid resistance
• elimination of efflorescence
• improved density
• lower alkalinity
Ecology
• reduction of carbon emissions
• lower calcination temperature
• reduced grinding cost
• possible re-use of industrial by-products

5. CALTRA Nederland bv offers 3 types of CSA cements;
1. pure ye’elimite called CALUMEX QUICK – used as
additive to Portlandcement
2. belite type called BELICEM - used as additive to-or
replacement of Portlandcement
3. And CALUMEX WHITE – a quick setting, rapid drying
high early strength decorative cement
CALUMEX QUICK is a pure ye’elimite cement.
Contains no reactive silicates nor free lime.
When mixed with Portlandcement it features all
characteristics described above.
BELICEM a straight binder. It forms also another
compound; calcium disilicate (C2S). On hydration lime is
released necessary which starts of the reaction.
CALUMEX WHITE is a stable white CSA cement
designed for decorative usage and where low alkalinity is
requiered.
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6. CALUMEX CSA cements give;
Rapid Set
CSA cements normally have an initial set of ~20 minutes
and a final set of ~30 min. at an ambient temperature of
20°C. (68°F).Because of its high solubility it even reacts
faster at low temperatures (0~5°C.) (32~41°F)
Ideal for winter construction.
Rapid Strength Gain
CSA cements achieve compressive strengths of ≥ 35 MPa
(5000 psi) at 24 hrs.
For certain applications a rapid strength gain is essential
like repair of airport runways, bridges or a damaged
motorways. Filling of potholes or anywhere else where re-
installment and quick return to service is demanded.
Low Carbon Footprint
CSA cements are “greener” than Portland cement.
The calcination temperature is significantly lower than used
for Portlandcement 1250°C. (2282°F.) versus 1550°C.
(2822°F.)
Grinding costs are reduced because of being less tough
clinker.
A large amount of limestone is replaced by bauxite giving a
lower emission of carbon dioxide. In the calcination
process of cement 90% of the CO2 emission is directly
associated with the chemical conversion of limestone.
Production of CSA cement 1000 kg (2204 lbs.) of cement
only gives ~216 kg (573 lbs.) of CO2, a reduction of about
62% compared to Portlandcement.

7. In fact, CSA cements generate the lowest carbon emission
out of nine alternative cements, including magnesia (Sorel
cements), sodium meta silicate (water glass) and calcium
aluminate cement.
Low Alkali
CSA cements do not generate free lime - all the lime is
bound in its crystal. The pH tends not to exceed 10,5~11,0
- opposed to Portlandcement where the pH is around 13.
It therefore facilitates the usage of glass fibers or glass
filler and reduces the risk of alkali silicate reaction.
Shrinkage Compensation
CSA cements are based on formation of primary ettringite
(C4A3Š) a crystal growing in volume when it hydrates.
The increase in volume compensates the shrinkage of
Portlandcement.
Normally the water demand (w/c) is higher than that of
Portlandcement (0,35 versus Portlandcement ~ 0.22-0.25)
and is bound by the ettringite crystal.
Given the correct w/c ratio no excess water is left to lead
to further cracking or curling.
Color
CSA cements normally have a buff to grey colour.
CALUMEX WHITE however is available with a consistent
white color, an excellent and cost effective alternative.
It is also favored as binder for Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete (GRC) because of its low alkalinity, giving better
protection to glass fibers. It also permits the usage of
decorative and/or recycled glass.

8. all types of cement are supplied in;
• small bags 20 kg (44 lbs.)
• super sacks 1,250 to. (2755 lbs.)
• silo truck

9. CALUMEX SC-A
Is an AMORPHOUS CALCIUM ALUMINATE cement,
frequently used as additive to Portlandcement to ;
• accelerate setting
• rapid gain in strength
• reduce shrinkage
• no loss of strength in time
• rapid drying
• quick installment
The cement is obtained through fusion whereby the clinker is
cooled rapidly to prevent formation of crystalline phases.
Main phases are C12A7 , CA and C4A3Š
The reaction with cement and water is much faster than that of
any other cement, giving a extreme fast sett and a rapid gain
in strength.
Currently two versions are available ;
• SC-A – at a ~10% replacement of OPC – set 2 min
• SC-B – at a ~10% replacement of OPC – set 10 min
set regulator DELTA2 designed as special
additive for CALUMEX SC-A is used to
extend the “working time”
Supply in;
• small bags 20 kg (44 lbs.)
• super sacks 1,250 to. (2755 lbs.)
• silo truck
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