Sorel cement

Sorel cement is a hydraulic cement mixture of magnesium oxide (burnt magnesia) with magnesium chloride with the approximate chemical formula Mg₄Cl₂(OH)₆(H₂O)₈, corresponding to a weight ratio of 2.5-3.5 parts MgO to one part MgCl₂.^[1] This material, which is also called "magnesia cement," is usually combined with filler materials such as sand or crushed stone. A variant uses zinc oxide with zinc chloride instead of the magnesium compounds.

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Sorel cement was developed since the middle of the 19th century. It is used for grindstones, tiles, artificial stone (cast stone), cast floors, and even artificial ivory (e.g. for billiard-balls). Magnesia cement floors are credited a high resistance to wear. Its chief drawback is its poor water resistance, making it unsuitable for construction applications.

References

1. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.