Sorel cement

Description

A refractory cement made from of calcined magnesite (MgO) and magnesium chloride. In 1853, M.Sorel discovered a hard cement made by mixing zinc oxide and zinc chloride. Later in the 1870s, he patented a cement with similar properties made with the magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride. Also called magnesia cement, is sets quickly even under water. Sorel's cement was used for artificial stone, floor tiles, and stucco.

Synonyms and Related Terms

magnesia cement; magnesite cement; Sorel's cement; oxychloride cement

Additional Information

J.H.Wills, "Inorganic Adhesives and Cements" in Handbook of Adhesives, I.Skeist (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1977. p.117-138.

Authority

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 173

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• Irving Skeist, Handbook of Adhesives, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1977 Comment: p. 134