Question

Explain giving reasons:

Gypsum is used in the manufacturing of cement.

Answer 1

1. Gypsum is a mineral called hydrated calcium sulphate (${\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$).
2. During cement manufacture, gypsum is added in small amounts during the final grinding process.
3. It is added in cement to slow down the process of setting of cement to provide shape as cement immediately gets hard when mixed with water.
4. It decreases the hydration process of cement.

Therefore, gypsum is used in the manufacturing of cement.