Cementation is a geological and materials science process involving the binding together of particles or sediments by a cementing material, usually a mineral. In geology, cementation often refers to how sedimentary rocks are formed, where minerals precipitate from groundwater and fill the spaces between sediment grains, solidifying them into a coherent rock. In materials science, cementation can refer to the process of binding aggregates in concrete or other composite materials using a binder like cement.
In metallurgy, cementation also describes a process where a metal, usually iron, is treated with a carbon-rich substance to increase its carbon content, thereby altering its properties, such as hardness and strength.
Overall, the term "cementation" can describe various processes of binding or solidifying materials across different fields.