Nowadays, in the construction market, there are various cheap analogs of cement that are not of good quality. Of course, manufacturers try to make their product as similar as possible to the original, but often their attempts end in failure.
Fortunately, Rice University engineers have made a breakthrough. They found a great alternative to cement used in concrete making.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that ash can be used instead of cement, since it has a high hydraulic activity. In general, ash has a number of advantages. For example, this mixture is heat resistant and durable. Thanks to the addition of ash to the solution, material costs for repairs are significantly reduced. It also acts as an environmentally friendly filler that improves the structure of the finished mixture.
This mortar is suitable for the manufacture of ash bricks, since the ash contains calcium oxide, which demonstrates excellent cementitious properties.
The result is a reliable, high-quality, durable mixture that can be used for various purposes, including brickwork. The service life of such masonry is hundreds of years.
So it turns out that our great-grandfathers also used this "innovative" invention. It's just that over the years the technology was forgotten, and after a while it found a second life.
Ash solution recipe
I note that cement mixed with ash is many times better than the popular Portland cement. And it is prepared quite simply: no expensive technologies and ingredients are needed.
The curing of the ash solution is fast. After being applied to the work surface, it adheres securely to it.
The solution consists of the following ingredients:
- 6 liters of wood or coal ash;
- 5 liters of liquid slaked lime;
- about 850 grams of ordinary salt (fine or coarse fraction).
Before you start mixing, I recommend sifting the ash, otherwise debris will come across in the solution. The same should be done with salt. Then mix the salt and ash thoroughly.
Be sure to wear gloves as safety is paramount in any construction work.
Add liquid lime to a dry mixture of salt and ash. Do not do anything abruptly, try to act smoothly and accurately. You should end up with a cement-like mortar.
It is suitable for laying tiles, plastering, filling cracks, etc. By the way, when filling cracks in fireplaces or stoves, you need to do it on a hot surface, then the solution will last longer.
In addition, the fly ash solution is suitable for sealing gaps. If you are afraid that the mixture will shrink over time, add fine sand to it.
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