The minor compounds of Cement

Minor compounds in cement make up to about 6-8% of the cement weight. Examples of the minor
compounds present are: MgO, TiO2, Mn2O3, P2O5, SO3, K2O and Na2O

Properties of the minor compounds

K2O and Na2O (known as the alkalis, makes about 0.4-1.3% by weight of cement), reacts with silica oxide
in cement to form an Alkali-silica gel during hydration which is an expansive reaction. Expansive reaction
leads to crack in concretes, resulting in loss of strength. Hence, the alkalis should be in a very small
quantity for good quality cement. The equation for this reaction is:

First step:

K2O + H2O 2KOH

Na2O + H2O 2NaOH

Second step:

2KOH + H2O + SiO2 Na2SiO3.2H2O

2NaOH + H2O + SiO2 Na2SiO3.2H2O

MgO reacts similarly like the alkalis and comes from Magnesia compounds in raw material, making up
about 4% of the cement weight.

SO3 Comes from the Gypsum which is added in the manufacturing process of cement. It makes up about
3% of the cement weight

Other minor compounds such as TiO2, Mn2O3, P2O5 represent < 1%, and they have little importance.