Introduction
Lime is a traditional construction material used from thousands of years in the entire world. It's a natural material obtained by burning calcarous rocks at high temperatures followed by watering them down. Lime is an extremely versatile and useful material being used in a variety of applications from building and historical monuments to production of pigments and protection against insects.
Lime history
Lime was used as a building material since prehistoric times. First example of it's usage can be found in early neolitic remains going back aproximatively 7500 years. During the times of ancient civilizations, lime was used on a large scale to build temples and palaces, but also for fresco and mural paintings. In the medieval period lime was used in the construction of castles and fortifications as well as in protecting stone walls against humidity and other corrosive agents.
Physical and chemical properties of lime
Lime is an alkaline material with a pH of aproximatively 12-13. It's water soluble which makes it easy to apply and work with. Lime is an extremely versatile material and can be used to finish a variety of surfaces like walls, ceilings, wood or concrete. Once applied, lime dries and becomes a porous stratum which allows it to absorb and release water thus allowing the walls to breath and stop mold.
Uses of lime
Lime has multiple applications, from buildings and historical monuments, up to production of pigments and protection against insects. In construction work, lime is used to protect surfaces against humidity and corrosive agents. It is also used in restoration of historical monuments and buildings thanks to its natural properties and durability.
In the paint industry lime is used to produce pigments, giving light and durable colors. It is also used to protect wood and other materials against insects thanks to its antibacterial and fungi prevention properties. In paper making industry it's primary use is to whiten the paper and increase it's durability.
