What are the two major components in portland cement that contribute most to its final strength? What are their hydration products? Solution The chief chemical constituents of Portland cement are as follows: Lime (CaO) 60 to 67% Silica (SiO2) 17 to 25% Alumina (Al2O3) 3 to 8% Iron oxide (Fe2O3) 0.5 to 6% Magnesia (MgO) 0.1 to 4% Sulphur trioxide (SO3) 1 to 3% Soda and/or Potash (Na2O+K2O) 0.5 to 1.3% The above constituents forming the raw materials undergo chemical reactions during burning and fusion, and combine to form the following compounds called BOGUE COMPOUNDS. Compound Abbreviated designation Tricalcium silicate (3CaO.SiO2) C3S Dicalcium silicate (2CaO.SiO2) C2S Tricalcium aluminate (3CaO.Al2O3) C3A Tetracalcium alumino-ferrite (4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3) C4AF Tricalcium silicate (C3S) in cement chemist notation) is typically the most abundant. In Type I, II and III portland cement,C3S will be more than 50% of the total compounds present. C3S hydrates and hardens quickly, and consequently, influences concrete\'s setting time and early age strength significantly. Most strength gained from C3S occurs in the first four weeks Dicalcium silicate (C2S), the second most abundant compound in Portland cement, develops strength more slowly than C3S. Most of its strength is contributed after four weeks. Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) plays a major role in the characteristics of fresh concrete. It starts the hydration process quickly upon exposure to water and generates much heat during the first few days. It also contributes to the very early age strength of one to three days Tetracalcium aluminoferrite(C4AF) is primarily a result of materials used in the cement manufacturing process to lower the temperatures required in the kilns. C4AF hydrates rapidly, but contributes little actual strength Out of these four 1.LIME and SILICA contributes its final strength that is dicalcium silicate And 2.LIME , ALUMINA and IRON OXIDE are their hydration products Lime (CaO) 60 to 67% Silica (SiO2) 17 to 25% Alumina (Al2O3) 3 to 8% Iron oxide (Fe2O3) 0.5 to 6% Magnesia (MgO) 0.1 to 4% Sulphur trioxide (SO3) 1 to 3% Soda and/or Potash (Na2O+K2O) 0.5 to 1.3%.