Potential of Utilizing Limestone from Northern Mindanao, Philippines as Filler Material in a Cement-Based Skim Coat Production

Abstract

Introduction:  Limestone is used in various industrial industries, specifically in construction, to build houses, roads, railways, dams, and other infrastructures vital for economic growth. Of the increased demand for construction industries, specifically in the Philippines is one of the rapidly developing economies of Southeast Asia, coupled with its high population growth, and along with government reform, economic expansion is increasing, the demand for new residential and commercial buildings is high and will lead to an increase in the demand for limestone. With the abundant source of limestone in Northern Mindanao, this study attempts to use this locally available material to produce high-value products, specifically cement-based skim coats.

Objectives: This paper aims to assess the potential of limestone in as filler material in cement-based skim coat production. The physical and chemical test were conducted. A sample cement-based skim coat using the limestone in Northern Mindanao was then developed with various mixtures varying the limestone: white cement ratio, the particle size of limestone and water demand.  Finally, assessment was then conducted in terms of ease of mixing, workability, setting time, trimming, and adhesion, by visual and actual inspection.

Methods: The research methodology of this study includes determining the physical and chemical properties of limestone in Northern Mindanao, developing the cement-based skim coat with various mixtures, and assessing the performance of the developed cement-based skim coat through visual and actual inspection with pass or fail criteria.

Results: Results from this study show that the limestone in Northern Mindanao, specifically located in Barangay Tagpangi Cagayan de Oro City, with a content of 93.3% Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), is suitable for use as filler material in a cement-based skim coat production. Also, based on the assessment of the developed cement-based skim coat using the sampled limestone, the limestone has huge potential for use as filler material for cement-based skim coat. 

Conclusions: Limestone sourced from Northern Mindanao, Philippines, particularly from Barangay Tagpangi, Cagayan de Oro City, contains properties suitable as filler material in cement-based skim coats. This vast tract of limestone covers an expansive area of 3,766.04 hectares. It presents a compelling opportunity for further assessment and development, offering potential as filler material for cement-based skim coat production.