What does a cementitious mixture combined with water form?

When a cementitious mixture is combined with water, it forms a slurry. This is a semi-liquid mixture consisting of cement particles suspended in water, which allows for the material to be applied easily during construction. The water activates the cement particles, facilitating a chemical reaction known as hydration. This reaction is essential for the cement to harden and ultimately develop strength.

A slurry is specifically characterized by its flowable nature, making it ideal for applications such as spray-applied fireproofing, where it needs to be easily applied to surfaces. This quality differentiates it from the other options, which either do not accurately describe the product of this mixture or refer to different states of matter. For example, a paste typically implies a thicker consistency and may not have the same flowability that a slurry exhibits.