Page 214 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

CALCIUM SILICATE

Interesting Facts

• One of the most common set of chemical reactions
building materials in use occur in which calcium
today is Portland cement, silicates are among the
made from a mixture of major products formed.
oxides, including lime These calcium silicates
(calciumoxide),sand(silicon are responsible for the
dioxide), and aluminum, great strength for which
iron, and magnesium Portland cement products
oxides. When these are known.
components are mixed and
water is added, a complex

used as a filler in the manufacture of paper and some types
of plastics, where it gives body to the final product.
Other applications of the calcium silicates include the
following:
• As an absorbent for liquids and gases in industrial
processes;
• As a food additive, where it absorbs moisture and pre-
vents a product from ‘‘caking’’ (becoming compacted);
• In road construction;

• As a refractory material in industrial furnaces;
• For the insulation of pipes and conduits;
• In the manufacture of paints and other types of coating
materials;

• In the preparation of certain types of cosmetics;
• In some fertilizers and insecticides; and
• In some pharmaceutical products, such as antacids.
There have been no reports of calcium silicate’s being
hazardous or harmful to humans or experimental animals. As
with all chemicals, overexposure to large amounts of the
compound could result in irritation of the skin, eyes, and
respiratory system.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 163