Production of construction materials

Kaliumsulfat

Calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO4 • 1/2 H₂O) and anhydrite (CaSO₄) take up water while converting to plaster (CaSO₄ • 2 H₂O). This process forms crystals in the shape of intergrowing and interlocking needles, providing this construction material with the desired stability.

For the workability of the material, the setting and hardening process needs to be adapted to specific requirements by using activators or inhibitors K+S KALI potassium sulphate is one of the most effective and commonly used activators for anhydrite based floor plasters, special gypsums and gypsum plasterboards.

Magnesium salts

Aqueous mixtures of magnesium chloride or magnesium sulphate and magnesium oxide form basic chlorides such as 5 Mg (OH)₂ • MgCl₂ • 8 H₂O while hardening. This magnesia binder, also called Sorel-cement , is used as a binder for floorings, and in the production of abrasive materials and grindstones. Generally, a weight ratio of MgO : MgCl₂ = 2,5-3,5 : 1 is chosen. Magnesium chloride is added as a solution ranging from 17-30 % MgCl₂ .

Floorings made with magnesia binders are of exceptional quality, exhibit great resistance to wear and high elasticity and bending tensile strength properties. Therefore they are often used for industrial floorings.