Product Introduction

Grey Cement

Egyptian grey Portland and Portland-limestone cement in the 42.5 strength class, conforming to EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022, for concrete, masonry and infrastructure across Africa and Europe.

Grey cement is the foundation of modern construction. Our range offers three 42.5 N/R grades, pure Portland cement for conventional concrete and a Portland-limestone option for a lower-carbon footprint, so buyers can match performance, programme and price to each project.

CEM I 42.5 NNormal early strength CEM I 42.5 RRapid early strength CEM II/A-L 42.5 RRapid strength, lower carbon

EN 197-1:2011 | ES 4756-1/2022 | Soluble chromium (VI) ≤ 2 ppm | Bagged, jumbo-bag and bulk supply

Grey Cement

The dependable binder for everyday construction and demanding projects

Why ATHER Grey Cement

Proven strength

Certified 28-day strengths of 47.6 – 52.9 N/mm², above the 42.5 N/mm² class minimum in every grade.

Standards conformity

Batch Certificates of Conformity to EN 197-1:2011 and the Egyptian standard ES 4756-1/2022.

Low chloride

0.047 – 0.048%, less than half the 0.10% limit, suited to reinforced concrete.

Low soluble chromium (VI)

1.10 – 1.30 ppm against a 2.0 ppm limit, supporting worker safety and EU compliance.

Stable and sound

Soundness expansion of only 0.5 – 1.0 mm (limit 10 mm) and initial setting of 160 – 180 minutes (minimum 60).

Flexible supply

Bagged, jumbo-bag and bulk shipment to match distributors, ready-mix plants and project buyers.

Product Range at a Glance

Product
EN 197-1 type
2-day strength (min / certified)
28-day strength (min / certified)
Initial setting (certified)
Best for
CEM I 42.5 N
Portland cement (CEM I)
10 / 21.0
42.5 / 50.2
180 min
General concrete, blocks, plaster and masonry
CEM I 42.5 R
Portland cement (CEM I)
20 / 26.2
42.5 / 52.9
165 min
Precast, fast-track and cold-weather work
CEM II/A-L 42.5 R
Portland-limestone cement
20 / 22.6
42.5 / 47.6
160 min
General construction, finishes, low-carbon projects

Strength values in N/mm² (EN 196-1). "R" denotes rapid early strength and "N" normal early strength; 42.5 is the minimum 28-day strength class. Certified results are from the latest factory Certificates of Conformity and vary by batch.

Strength Development

Compressive strength (EN 196-1) at 2, 7 and 28 days from recent factory Certificates of Conformity. Results vary by batch.

Which Grade Should I Choose?

If your priority is…
Choose
Everyday structural concrete, blocks, plaster and masonry
CEM I 42.5 N
Early strength, fast formwork stripping and quicker programmes
CEM I 42.5 R
Lower carbon footprint, smooth workability and finish, and value
CEM II/A-L 42.5 R
Highest certified 28-day strength in the range
CEM I 42.5 R (52.9 N/mm²)

Where It Performs

Market
Typical demand
Africa
Housing and urban development, roads, ports and infrastructure, ready-mix and block production, and retail bagged cement supply through distributors.
Europe
Precast and prefabricated products, mortars and renders, and projects that favour low-carbon cements and EN 197-1 conformity.

Grey Portland Cement | EN 197-1:2011 | Normal early strength

CEM I 42.5 N

The all-round workhorse. CEM I 42.5 N is pure Portland cement with steady, predictable strength gain and a comfortable working time, the standard choice for general concrete, blocks, plaster and masonry.

50.2 MPa 28-day strength (certified)
21.0 MPa 2-day strength (certified)
0.048% Chloride (limit 0.10%)
1.28 ppm Soluble Cr (VI) (limit 2.0)

Key Strengths

Strong and predictable: certified 28-day strength of 50.2 N/mm², comfortably above the 42.5 N/mm² class minimum.

Comfortable working time: initial setting of 180 minutes (minimum 60) gives time to place, compact and finish.

Low chloride content: 0.048%, less than half the 0.10% limit, suited to reinforced concrete.

Volume stable: soundness expansion of 0.5 mm against a 10 mm limit.

Low soluble chromium (VI): 1.28 ppm against a 2.0 ppm limit.

Pure Portland cement (CEM I): 95 – 100% clinker for consistent, well-understood performance.

Applications and Uses

Ready-mix and site-mixed concrete

Foundations, columns, beams, slabs and general structural work

Concrete blocks, pavers and kerbs

Consistent strength and finish in block and paving production

Masonry mortars, plasters and renders

Good workability and bonding for walling and finishing

Screeds and flooring

Reliable strength and durability for floors

Precast elements

Pipes, lintels, slabs and other general precast products

Roads and infrastructure

Base layers, drainage structures and general civil works

Technical Specifications

CEM I 42.5 N

CEM I 42.5 N: Technical Specification

Composition: Portland cement clinker 95 – 100%; minor additional constituents 0 – 5%.

Parameter
EN 197-1 requirement
Certified result (June 2025)
28-day compressive strength
42.5 ≤ N ≤ 62.5 N/mm²
50.2
7-day compressive strength
—
35.7
2-day compressive strength
≥ 10 N/mm²
21.0
Initial setting time
≥ 60 min
180 min
Final setting time
—
227 min
Soundness (expansion)
≤ 10 mm
0.5 mm
Fineness (Blaine)
—
3,550 cm²/g
Water consistency
—
25.0%
Sulphur trioxide (SO₃)
≤ 3.5%
2.71%
Chloride
≤ 0.10%
0.048%
Loss on ignition
≤ 5.0%
3.70%
Insoluble residue
≤ 5.0%
0.55%
Water-soluble chromium (VI)
≤ 2.0 ppm
1.28 ppm

Chemical Composition (% by mass)

Oxide
%
Oxide
%
Oxide / parameter
%
SiO₂
19.03
Al₂O₃
5.02
Fe₂O₃
4.00
CaO
62.90
MgO
1.72
Na₂O
0.37
K₂O
0.26
Na₂O equivalent
0.54
7-day strength
35.7 N/mm²

Source: factory Certificate of Conformity, June 2025, tested to EN 196 methods and certified to meet EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022. Reports are valid for 3 months from date of issue.

Standards and Handling

Item
Detail
Standards
EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022
Test methods
EN 196-1, 196-2, 196-3, 196-6 and 196-10
HS code (indicative)
2523.29 (Portland cement)
Storage
Keep dry and moisture-free, off the ground; use older stock first

Grey Portland Cement | EN 197-1:2011 | Rapid early strength

CEM I 42.5 R

Our fast-strength Portland cement. CEM I 42.5 R develops strength quickly, so formwork can be stripped sooner and projects keep moving, without giving up high 28-day performance.

52.9 MPa 28-day strength (certified)
26.2 MPa 2-day strength (certified)
0.047% Chloride (limit 0.10%)
1.30 ppm Soluble Cr (VI) (limit 2.0)

Key Strengths

Rapid early strength: 2-day strength of 26.2 N/mm² against a 20 N/mm² minimum, for earlier formwork stripping and faster turnaround.

High ultimate strength: certified 28-day strength of 52.9 N/mm² against a 42.5 N/mm² class minimum.

Finer grind: Blaine fineness of 3,589 cm²/g supports early hydration and a smooth finish.

Balanced setting: initial setting of 165 minutes (minimum 60) for good placing time.

Low chloride and chromium (VI): 0.047% chloride and 1.30 ppm soluble Cr (VI), both well inside limits.

Pure Portland cement (CEM I): 95 – 100% clinker for consistent performance.

Applications and Uses

Precast concrete

Slabs, beams, columns and wall panels where rapid strength speeds up production

Fast-track construction

Early formwork removal and quicker floor-to-floor cycles

Cold-weather concreting

Faster strength gain when low temperatures slow hydration

Roads, pavements and slabs-on-grade

Earlier opening to traffic and loading

High-rise structures

Columns, cores and slabs on tight programmes

Repair and rehabilitation

Rapid return to service for structural repairs

Technical Specifications

CEM I 42.5 R

CEM I 42.5 R: Technical Specification

Composition: Portland cement clinker 95 – 100%; minor additional constituents 0 – 5%.

Parameter
EN 197-1 requirement
Certified result (January 2026)
28-day compressive strength
42.5 ≤ N ≤ 62.5 N/mm²
52.9
7-day compressive strength
—
40.0
2-day compressive strength
≥ 20 N/mm²
26.2
Initial setting time
≥ 60 min
165 min
Final setting time
—
210 min
Soundness (expansion)
≤ 10 mm
1.0 mm
Fineness (Blaine)
—
3,589 cm²/g
Water consistency
—
26.1%
Sulphur trioxide (SO₃)
≤ 4.0%
2.66%
Chloride
≤ 0.10%
0.047%
Loss on ignition
≤ 5.0%
3.40%
Insoluble residue
≤ 5.0%
0.44%
Water-soluble chromium (VI)
≤ 2.0 ppm
1.30 ppm

Chemical Composition (% by mass)

Oxide
%
Oxide
%
Oxide / parameter
%
SiO₂
19.31
Al₂O₃
5.16
Fe₂O₃
3.90
CaO
63.13
MgO
1.76
Na₂O
0.40
K₂O
0.19
Na₂O equivalent
0.53
7-day strength
40.0 N/mm²

Source: factory Certificate of Conformity, January 2026, tested to EN 196 methods and certified to meet EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022. Reports are valid for 3 months from date of issue.

Standards and Handling

Item
Detail
Standards
EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022
Test methods
EN 196-1, 196-2, 196-3, 196-6 and 196-10
HS code (indicative)
2523.29 (Portland cement)
Storage
Keep dry and moisture-free, off the ground; use older stock first

Grey Portland-Limestone Cement | EN 197-1:2011 | Rapid early strength

CEM II/A-L 42.5 R

Strength with a lighter carbon footprint. CEM II/A-L 42.5 R replaces part of the clinker with limestone, improving workability and finish while still delivering rapid early strength and reliable 28-day performance.

47.6 MPa 28-day strength (certified)
22.6 MPa 2-day strength (certified)
6–20% Limestone content (EN 197-1)
1.10 ppm Soluble Cr (VI) (limit 2.0)

Key Strengths

Rapid early strength: 2-day strength of 22.6 N/mm² against a 20 N/mm² minimum.

Lower carbon footprint: less clinker per tonne (80 – 94% clinker) reduces CO₂ emissions compared with pure Portland cement.

Better workability and cohesion: limestone fines improve flow, pumpability and surface finish.

Fine grind: Blaine fineness of 4,050 cm²/g for smooth plasters and renders.

Lowest chromium (VI) in the range: 1.10 ppm against a 2.0 ppm limit.

Cost-effective: a more economical binder for everyday construction.

Applications and Uses

General construction and concrete

Residential, commercial and infrastructure projects

Ready-mix and pumped concrete

Improved workability and cohesion

Masonry mortars, plasters and renders

Smooth, easy-to-apply finishes

Concrete blocks and precast

Consistent surface quality and good early strength

Screeds and flooring

Workable mixes with reliable strength

Sustainable building projects

Lower-carbon cement for green-building and low-CO₂ specifications

Technical Specifications

CEM II/A-L 42.5 R

CEM II/A-L 42.5 R: Technical Specification

Composition: Portland cement clinker 80 – 94%; limestone 6 – 20%; minor additional constituents 0 – 5% (EN 197-1, CEM II/A-L).

Parameter
EN 197-1 requirement
Certified result (January 2026)
28-day compressive strength
42.5 ≤ N ≤ 62.5 N/mm²
47.6
7-day compressive strength
—
38.3
2-day compressive strength
≥ 20 N/mm²
22.6
Initial setting time
≥ 60 min
160 min
Final setting time
—
210 min
Soundness (expansion)
≤ 10 mm
0.5 mm
Fineness (Blaine)
—
4,050 cm²/g
Water consistency
—
24.8%
Sulphur trioxide (SO₃)
≤ 4.0%
2.45%
Chloride
≤ 0.10%
0.047%
Loss on ignition
—
7.2% (limestone addition)
Insoluble residue
—
0.51%
Water-soluble chromium (VI)
≤ 2.0 ppm
1.10 ppm

Chemical Composition (% by mass)

Oxide
%
Oxide
%
Oxide / parameter
%
SiO₂
17.11
Al₂O₃
4.86
Fe₂O₃
3.87
CaO
62.05
MgO
1.78
Na₂O
0.39
K₂O
0.17
Na₂O equivalent
0.50 (calc.)
7-day strength
38.3 N/mm²

Source: factory Certificate of Conformity, January 2026, tested to EN 196 methods and certified to meet EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022. Reports are valid for 3 months from date of issue.

Standards and Handling

Item
Detail
Standards
EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022
Test methods
EN 196-1, 196-2, 196-3, 196-6 and 196-10
HS code (indicative)
2523.29 (Portland cement)
Storage
Keep dry and moisture-free, off the ground; use older stock first

Flexible supply for distributors, ready-mix plants and project buyers

Packaging, Shipping and Handling

Supply Formats

Format
Details
Bagged cement
25 kg, 40 kg and 50 kg bags, palletised and shrink-wrapped, ideal for retail distribution and small contractors
Jumbo bags
1.5 tonne bags for ready-mix plants and larger buyers, with or without pallets
Bulk
Bulk shipment by vessel for grinding stations, silos and large projects
Customisation
Packaging and branding can be agreed to suit market requirements

Storage and Handling

  • Store in dry, moisture-free conditions, off the ground and away from damp walls.
  • Cement is alkaline. Avoid prolonged skin contact, wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask, and rinse eyes and skin thoroughly with water if contact occurs.

Documents Available on Request

  • Certificate of Conformity (chemical and physical analysis) for each batch
  • Commercial export documentation for each shipment

To Receive a Quotation, Please Provide

  • Grade (CEM I 42.5 N, CEM I 42.5 R or CEM II/A-L 42.5 R) and quantity
  • Packaging preference (50 kg bags, jumbo bags or bulk)
  • Destination port or country and preferred Incoterm (CFR / CIF)
  • Target shipment window (indicative for repeat orders)

Values shown are certified results from recent batches and vary by shipment; contractual specifications are those on the Certificate of Conformity issued for each shipment. Application guidance is general; consult the relevant national standards and a qualified engineer for structural design.

Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ATHER for Trade supply under Grey Cement?

Egyptian grey Portland and Portland-limestone cement in the 42.5 strength class, conforming to EN 197-1:2011 and ES 4756-1/2022, for concrete, masonry and infrastructure across Africa and Europe.

What are the key figures for Grey Cement?

CEM I 42.5 N Normal early strength; CEM I 42.5 R Rapid early strength; CEM II/A-L 42.5 R Rapid strength, lower carbon

How can I request a quotation for Grey Cement?

Send the product, specification, quantity and destination port through the contact page. ATHER quotes to the project specification and ships with the quality documentation your buyer requires.

Where is Grey Cement supplied from?

It is supplied from Egypt by ATHER for Trade, a Cairo-based trading and export company working with Egyptian manufacturers, with export shipping documentation for importers and distributors.