Why is white cement used in construction?

White cement is used in construction for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

1. **Aesthetic Appeal**: White cement provides a uniform, pristine white color that is ideal for producing a bright, clean look. This makes it popular for architectural projects where visual appearance is important, such as in precast curtain walls and facade panels, or for creating distinctive decorative concrete and terrazzo flooring.

2. **Reflectivity**: Buildings using white cement can benefit from its ability to reflect more sunlight than traditional gray cement. This reflectivity can reduce the heat island effect in urban areas and decrease cooling costs within buildings, contributing to energy efficiency.

3. **Versatility in Coloring**: White cement serves as a perfect base for adding pigments, allowing for the creation of a wide range of colored concretes. This is particularly valuable in decorative concrete applications, where vibrant colors or detailed artistic effects are desired.

4. **Enhanced Properties**: White cement has a composition that often includes a low proportion of iron and manganese, both of which are responsible for the gray color of ordinary Portland cement. This not only makes it suitable for producing a lighter color but can also contribute to improved mechanical properties like strength and durability.

5. **Special Applications**: Due to its color and properties, white cement is used in specialized applications such as tile grouting, sealants, and for fixing marble tiles and other high-end flooring materials, ensuring joints or gaps are less visible and aesthetically pleasing.

The use of white cement in construction thus not only enhances the visual aesthetics of buildings and structures but also contributes to functional advantages in terms of energy efficiency and structural integrity.