slaked lime

Lime is a very versatile binder that has been used since ancient times in construction, but still used for different purposes. From prehistory to ancient Egypt, up to the Romans, this material was also widely used for decorative purposes. There are different types of lime and each has its own use. Here we see which ones are used in construction , such as slaked lime.

Slaked lime, quicklime, lime in construction

There is not just one type of lime. This particular building binder has different compositions which make it suitable for different processes and uses. The different types of lime can be grouped into two main categories: air lime and hydrated (or slaked) lime . Air lime hardens only in contact with air, while hydrated lime hardens in water.

Quicklime is not widely used in construction, so it is slaked in water. Calcium oxide is rapidly hydrated and calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime, also known as milk of lime, is obtained . 

Characteristics of slaked lime

Slaked lime is a very strong base and depending on the amount of water added to it, it can form a more or less consistent paste. If the water added is very abundant, slaked lime is formed from the slaked lime, a dense and greasy paste. 

Slaked lime is mainly used for the production of mortars , architectural finishes, mortars and can be found on the market both in powder and paste form.

Uses of hydrated lime

Among the uses of slaked lime, in addition to construction, there is the tanning one, in fact it is used for the tanning of leather, but also to treat water that is used in the food industry, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

Obviously the uses of hydrated lime in construction are the best known and most common , given that it has been used since ancient times, while the other uses, particularly in the industrial production of personal care products, are much more recent.