Proportions and preparation of cement milk

In order to improve the strength and longevity of concrete, cement milk is a crucial component in many building projects. The quality of your work can be greatly improved by knowing the proper ratios and how to prepare it.

For the cement milk to function as planned, the mixture must be perfected. The basic idea is to make a thin, slurry-like substance by combining cement and water. After that, this mixture can be used to fill in spaces or enhance adherence on a variety of surfaces.

We’ll go over all the necessary procedures for making cement milk in this tutorial, including the ideal cement to water ratios and any advice on how to get the greatest results. Gaining the most out of your cement milk will be made easier if you grasp these fundamentals whether you’re working on a new construction or repair project.

Why do you need to remove cement milk

You must first comprehend what cement milk is.

Portland cement, sand, and water are combined to create a solution that is used to pour concrete. The composition is deemed ideal if all the ingredients were chosen in the appropriate ratios and combined until a homogenous mass was achieved. Nevertheless, the mixtures are frequently prepared too dryly, which is the reason the concrete mass starts to delaminate during the vibration compaction and laying processes. The cement film, also known as milk, is the dirty white suspension that forms on the surface when heavier components push cement and water to the outside.

Practical! On occasion, chemical reactions in the concrete mass (caused by alkali metals) result in the formation of CM. Furthermore, ash and other waste materials are frequently mixed with concrete, which also causes a milky film to form.

Given that CM films have glossy textures and extremely low strength characteristics, they typically have an undesirable appearance. As a result, the top layer of the concrete surface becomes less adherent. The finishing layer will start to peel off after a few years if you paint such a screed. This occurs as a result of CM preventing paint from penetrating the mass of sand and cement.

For this reason, even before the screed has fully set, it is crucial to remove cement milk during the concreting process.

How to remove CM

You can use one of the techniques for getting rid of unwanted film to accomplish this:

• Mechanical. In this case, the film formed on the surface is removed using shot or sandblasting machines. This technology is considered expensive and very labor-intensive. In addition, it is difficult to remove milk from hard-to-reach places using machines. It is most convenient and cheapest in this case to use water-air equipment. Also, mechanical cleaning can be done using ordinary metal brushes, but this will take a lot of time.
• Chemical. In this case, special acid solutions based on hydrochloric or acetic acid are used to remove CM, which allow you to get rid of unwanted plaque in the shortest possible time. However, it is worth considering that such compositions not only dissolve the film, but also negatively affect the concrete itself. This method is used extremely rarely.

Practical! It is essential to neutralize the composition with concentrated alkali before chemically removing a film with a hydrochloric acid solution. Once the solution has been applied, the surface is thoroughly cleaned.

Even with all of CM’s drawbacks, these compositions are frequently utilized for specific kinds of work.

Application of CM in construction

The purpose of the milk varies depending on the type of base.

• sealing small cracks in the base;
• pouring expanded clay when installing a heat-insulating layer of screed;
• ironing of bases;
• strengthening the underlying layers (sand and cement) during the construction of foundations;
• repair of old concrete (sealing cracks and chips);
• processing of metal containers (thanks to CM, corrosion protection increases);
• surface leveling.

The amount of milk that is prepared varies based on the solution’s potential applications.

How to prepare CM

Building codes do not regulate these kinds of compositions because it all depends on the particular circumstance. As a result, there are numerous recipes available for making this combination:

• To seal cracks, a solution of water and cement is prepared in a ratio of 2:1.
• When strengthening the screed, the proportion of cement should be up to 30% of the total mass.
• When laying the underlying layer under the foundation, the components are mixed in equal proportions.
• To impregnate expanded clay with cement mortar, it is recommended to prepare a more liquid solution – add 2-3 parts of water to 1 part of PC.
• For interior or exterior wall finishing, it is necessary to mix 3 parts of cement and 1 part of water.

Therefore, CM can be liquid dough, suspension, or suspension-like. In light of this, the mixture is either poured onto the filler (such as an expanded clay layer) or rubbed into the concrete as it hardens. Preparing a thicker mass of PC and water (3:1) is more convenient if the installation must be done by hand. It is preferable to use 1.5 shares of cement if you intend to use a special grater or lath.

Sifting the Portland cement is required in order to remove any lumps or debris before preparing the solution. It is advised to mix the ingredients with a drill equipped with a mixer attachment to prevent clots in the finished milk. Slaked lime should be added to the CM solution to improve its plasticity and produce a lighter shade of the solution.

The smallest granules of the material will start to rise to the top and the heavier ones will sink to the bottom if the CM is not poured when laying and filling the expanded clay layer with cement-sand mortar. The overall structure’s density and strength will be greatly impacted by this. Expanded clay needs to be moistened in the milk to cover each granule with a liquid solution in order to stop this kind of stratification. This will cause the material to glue together to form a strong, homogenous mass.

In this instance, the layer’s thickness will determine how much CM is consumed.

A vital ingredient in concrete construction is cement milk, which is frequently applied to bridge small spaces or strengthen the bond between layers. Proper preparation and measurement are crucial for producing an effective cement milk. This post will walk you through the easy process of making cement milk in the proper proportion of cement to water, giving your concrete projects a smoother, more workable consistency. Gaining an understanding of these fundamentals will help you perform better and steer clear of typical blunders.

Consumption and cost of cement milk

The amount of milk consumed per square meter varies based on the intended use of the composition, as there are no GOSTs in nature that govern the proportion of ingredients or the consistency of the milk. But compared to ironing concrete, processing expanded clay typically calls for a little bit more composition.

Consequently, the ratio of components in the CM also directly affects the solution’s cost:

• If the composition contains 1 part cement and 3 parts water, then it will cost about 2,800 rubles per 1 m3 .
• With a ratio of cement and water of 1:2, you will have to pay about 3,000 rubles.
• If 1.5 parts water are used for 1 part PC, then such a solution will cost about 3,500 rubles.
• With an equal ratio of components, you will have to pay 4,500 rubles per cubic meter of milk.
• If the volume of cement is 2 times greater than the water content, then the price of the mixture increases to 5,500 rubles.

Of course, creating the solution yourself is far more advantageous.

Cement milk works best when prepared and proportioned precisely, which is important for construction projects. The mixture will reach the appropriate consistency and strength if you adhere to the suggested cement to water ratios. The overall strength and quality of the concrete are enhanced by this careful balancing.

Recall that consistency is essential. While using too little water can make the cement milk difficult to apply, using too much water can weaken it. To get the best results, always measure your ingredients precisely and stir them well.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently prepare cement milk that satisfies the requirements of your project and guarantee a sturdy and dependable finish for your building work. Time and money will be saved, and your concrete applications will perform better, if you prepare properly.

Video on the topic

Cement milk.

Preparation of cement mortar M300

Pouring expanded clay with cement milk (part 1)

What is cement milk?

pouring expanded clay with cement milk

Pouring expanded clay with cement milk. Device