Litharge cement

Description

A hard, strong cement prepared by mixing Litharge and Glycerol. Litharge cement was prepared by diluting glycerin with up to 50% water, then adding enough litharge to produce a paste. It sets in minutes. Fillers were sometimes used to slow setting time and reduce cracking. Litharge cement was used in plumbing and other building applications, such as repairing tubs, sinks, glass, stoneware and pipes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

ciment à la litharge (Fr.); glycerin litharge cement; luting; plumber's cement

Physical and Chemical Properties

Resistant to weak acids (except sulfuric) and hydrocarbons.

Resources and Citations

• Thomas Gregory, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 3rd ed., 1942

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

• 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