Home

Joseph Aspdin (1778-1855) was a well-known cement manufacturer in Great Britain. On 21 October, 1824 he obtained the patent for Portland cement. It derived its name from the best Portland stone, which was a very prestigious material at that time. This product mainly focused on the architectural precast moulding and stuccoes. A fast setting low strength cement was required at that time. The burning temperature was not very high and there was absence of alite.
Joseph Aspdin used Pennine Carboniferous Limestone while making the Portland cement. There was a tough competition of Parkers Roman Cement. He used the double burning process. The limestone is burnt at the first stage, and then it is mixed with clay. After this, it is slaked and burnt for a second time. He struggled a lot during his career and was forced to make a patent for obtaining limestone. His son William proved to be more innovative and he mixed higher limestone content at a greater temperature. This finally resulted in making the modern Portland cement.