Properties and uses of lime

Properties

• Fat lime is white, hardens slowly and has high plasticity.
• Slakes with large heat and expansion; hydraulic lime slakes slowly.
• Sets in air (fat lime by carbonation) and under water (hydraulic lime).
• Good workability and cohesion, shrinks little and is adhesive.
• Resists weathering moderately, and is easily available and cheap.

Uses

1. Whitewashing and distempering of walls.
2. Plastering and mortar for masonry, with sand or surkhi.
3. Lime concrete in foundations and floors.
4. Manufacture of cement, lime-sand bricks and as a soil stabiliser.
5. Making putty, and use in water softening and sugar industry.