whats the difference between cement and concrete?
Cement is what holds concrete together
Cement is the binder that is mixed with sand, aggregate (rock or gravel) and water to make concrete. Using proper proportions is important to maximize the strength of the concrete.
Cement is a binder, a substance which sets and hardens independently, and can bind other materials together.These are materials which set and harden after combining with water, as a result of chemical reactions with the mixing water and, after hardening, retain strength and stability even under water.Portland cement, which is made primarily from limestone, certain clay minerals, and gypsum, in a high temperature process is commonly used in modern construction. Concrete consists of Portland cement, construction aggregate (generally gravel and sand) and water.It does not solidify from drying after mixing and placement; the water reacts with the cement in a chemical process known as hydration. This water is absorbed by cement, which hardens, gluing the other components together and eventually creating a stone-like material. When used in the generic sense, this is the material referred to by the term concrete.
Okay, let's consolidate all this for you. Cement is an ingredient. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, etc, in different proportions depending what it is to be used for. The cement is the glue that sticks it all together. What you need by the sound of it is mortar, which is just cement and sand, no stone etc. You can get small bags of ready-mixed mortar at various DIY places. Builders sometimes use washing-up liquid in place of a proper plasticiser, it just makes the mix easier to work. You shouldn't need any. What is causing confusion is that Americans often refer to concrete as cement, it's just an expression that isn't strictly correct.
Cement is the glue that holds sand and rock together. Concrete is the finished product of cement, sand and rock when fully dry (cured).
