1. Context

The term lime is generic. It refers to calcium oxide and/or hydroxide, and calcium magnesium oxide and/or hydroxide, produced by the thermal decomposition (calcination) of calcium carbonate (e.g. limestone, chalk, shells), or calcium magnesium carbonate (e.g. dolomitic limestone, dolomite).

Air lime meets this general definition, which owes its name and popularity to the properties it confers on construction mortars (mortars for masonry and rendering):

• After mixing, it forms a paste that improves the workability and water retention of fresh mortars;

• Subsequently, the fixation of carbon dioxide present in the air by calcium hydroxide and calcium-magnesium hydroxide leads to the formation of carbonates, which contribute to the mechanical strength and durability of hardened mortars....