History
F.M. Lea, one of the most respected researchers of cement history, came to conclusion that the word "cement" was first used in old latin or Old French. But it did not relate to the material which we call cement, but to the artificial pozzolan. However, when it comes to the name "Portland cement" we owe it to one of the inventors of this material, Joseph Aspdin. It has been used as the bound material that resembled the color of Portland stone.
It was Joseph Aspdin who patented the first method for the production of cement by burning ground chalk and clay in 1824. But many researchers claim that competent designer, Isaac Johnson, chose the correct proportions of clay and limestone, and established a kiln at a higher temperature, corresponding to the current temperature of the clinker burning - 1400-1500oC.
Fifth of the world's cement factory was established in Poland, in Grodziec in 1857.
Already in the late nineteenth century, changes were made in the cement production process, which made Portland cement resembling what we know today. These changes include:
- Development of rotary kilns,
- the use of gypsum as a time of setting regulator,
- the introduction of ball mill grinding of Portland cement clinker and raw materials.
Only those changes have given an advantage over other cement binders: achieved adequate strength and setting time allowed for the use of Portland cement in industrial conditions.
The U.S. industry has been dominated by the Rosendale cement, produced from dolomite, also known as natural cement. However, due to a long maturation period, after World War I it was made obsolete by the Portland cement.