High calcium hydrated lime is primarily used for its beneficial properties in the construction market and various industrial applications, including water treatment and chemical manufacturing.
Primary Applications of High Calcium Hydrated Lime
High calcium hydrated lime is a versatile and essential material, valued for its ability to enhance material properties and facilitate critical processes. Its utility spans across multiple sectors, as highlighted by Mintek Resources.
In the Construction Market
High calcium hydrated lime plays a crucial role in improving the durability and engineering properties of construction materials. Its applications in this sector include:
- Anti-Strip Agent in Asphalt: It is widely used as an additive in asphalt mixtures to improve the adhesion between the asphalt binder and the aggregate. This helps prevent stripping, a common issue where the binder separates from the aggregate, especially in the presence of water, leading to pavement degradation. By acting as an anti-strip agent, it enhances the longevity and performance of roads and other paved surfaces.
- Soil Modification and Stabilization: High calcium hydrated lime is effective in positively affecting the engineering properties of soils.
- Soil Modification: It can alter the plasticity, workability, and compaction characteristics of problematic soils, making them more manageable for construction. This is particularly useful for cohesive soils with high clay content.
- Soil Stabilization: Through chemical reactions with clay minerals, it significantly improves the strength, stiffness, and long-term durability of the soil, reducing its susceptibility to volume changes caused by moisture fluctuations. This creates a stable foundation for structures and infrastructure.
In Industrial Applications
Beyond construction, high calcium hydrated lime is integral to several industrial processes, leveraging its chemical properties:
- Water Treatment: It is a key reagent in water purification processes. It helps remove impurities, adjust pH levels, soften water by precipitating hardness-causing ions, and aid in flocculation for the removal of suspended solids. Its use ensures cleaner and safer water for various purposes.
- Chemical Manufacturing: High calcium hydrated lime serves as a fundamental building block or a reactant in the production of a wide array of chemicals. Its alkaline nature and reactivity make it valuable in synthesis, neutralization, and other chemical processes across different industries.
In summary, high calcium hydrated lime is a foundational component in enhancing the performance of construction materials and enabling essential industrial operations.
