Lime, an Ancient Material as a Renewed Option for Construction

Abstract

In this research the transitions of the materials of the cycle of lime were studied. Samples of calcium carbonate were obtained from a bank at the surroundings of Bernal, Querétaro. The calcium carbonate is the raw material to obtain calcium oxide aft er a process of calcination, and calcium hydroxide following a hydration. As a final stage of the lime cycle, the calcium hydroxide interacts with the carbon dioxide of the air to form calcium carbonate all over again. The changes during the cycle were described through X-ray diffraction by powders, for the identification of the crystalline phases. Scanning electron microscopy was done to review the morphology, topology, structure and crystalline growth habit. To obtain the particles sizes distribution of the calcium hydroxide, dynamic dispersion of light was used. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy was done to identify molecules and atomic connections. These results are a contribution to the field of the construction industry, as much as a starting point to new applications of the calcium hydroxide for the current engineering activities, and in conservation and restoration processes of the historical patrimony.