Portland cement is a complex mixture of calcium silicates and aluminates. Which of the following sta — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Tricalcium silicate is the major component. Tricalcium aluminate hydrates very rapidly causing an undesirable 'flash set'. Gypsum is added specifically to *delay* this setting, not accelerate it. The overall setting process of cement via hydration of these silicates is highly exothermic, not endothermic.