Lime hydrate is spelled /laɪm ˈhaɪdreɪt/. The word "lime" is spelled with the "i" pronounced as /aɪ/ while "hydrate" is spelled as pronounced, with the first syllable of "hy-" pronounced as /haɪ/. Lime hydrate is a white crystalline substance also known as calcium hydroxide, commonly used in the production of cement, mortar, and plaster. Its chemical formula is Ca(OH)2, and it is produced by reacting calcium oxide (lime) with water.
Lime hydrate, also known as hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(OH)2. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. Lime hydrate is derived from quicklime, a product of the calcination of limestone or other forms of calcium carbonate.
The process of creating lime hydrate involves the addition of water to quicklime, resulting in an exothermic chemical reaction. This reaction, called slaking, causes the quicklime to break down into calcium hydroxide, releasing heat in the process. The resulting lime hydrate is commonly used in various applications due to its properties.
Lime hydrate has a wide range of uses across different industries. In construction, it is used to make concrete, mortar, and plaster. Due to its alkaline nature, it acts as a binder, providing strength and durability to the final products. Lime hydrate is also employed in the treatment of water and wastewater, as it helps to neutralize acidity and remove impurities.
In agriculture, lime hydrate is utilized as a soil amendment to raise the pH level of acidic soils. This helps to enhance nutrient availability and improve plant growth. Additionally, lime hydrate is added to some food products as a food additive for various purposes, such as preserving, enhancing flavor, and regulating acidity.
Overall, lime hydrate is a versatile compound widely used in construction, water treatment, agriculture, and food industries, applied for its alkalinity, binding properties, and ability to modify pH levels.
The word "lime hydrate" refers to a compound known as calcium hydroxide. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Lime: The term "lime" comes from the Old English word "līm", which originally referred to a sticky substance. It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic origins where it was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*leiǵ-" meaning "to stick, adhere". Over time, "lime" specifically came to be associated with calcium oxide or quicklime.
2. Hydrate: The term "hydrate" is derived from the Greek word "hudōr", meaning "water". It refers to a compound formed by the combination of water molecules with another substance. In the case of lime hydrate or calcium hydroxide, it signifies that water molecules have been added to calcium oxide during the hydration process.