Abstract: The present invention discloses additive compositions, cementitious compositions, and methods for controlling air in cementitious compositions, wherein a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene polyamine defoamer is deployed in combination with one or more air-entraining agents, such as higher alkanolamines, water-reducing agents including oxyalkylene-containing superplasticizers, or other air entraining agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.

Abstract: Lightweight cementitious foams of the invention have excellent dynamic and dimensional stability due to use of foaming system comprising polycarboxylate surfactant foam generating agent, foam stabilizer (e.g., PVOH), and shrinkage reducing admixture to inhibit plastic shrinkage and micro-cracking of cement. The foaming system can be used in conventional cement mortars or concretes as well as with exemplary cementitious slurry systems of the invention, which include an expansive agent, a cross-linking agent for the foam stabilizer. Microfibers can be used in the foam, slurry, or both, to prevent micro-cracking. Cementitious foams can be made without use of autoclave or lightweight aggregates to achieve enhanced compressive strength and thermal insulation properties that compare favorably with conventional foams and insulation materials at comparable densities.

Abstract: The present invention discloses additive compositions, cementitious compositions, and methods for controlling air in cementitious compositions, wherein a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene polyamine defoamer is deployed in combination with one or more air-entraining agents, such as higher alkanolamines, water-reducing agents including oxyalkylene-containing superplasticizers, or other air entraining agents.

Abstract: A concrete admixture composition concurrently using (A) a polycarboxylic acid type water-reducing agent for concrete, (B) a hydroxycarboxylic acid type water-reducing agent for concrete, and (C) a polysaccharide type thickening agent is offered, with the view to manufacture a high-performance and multi-functional concrete excelling in high fluidity, freshness retention, early strength, pumpability, material segregation resistance and anti-washout properties under water.

Abstract: An exemplary method for set retarding the surface of a mortar or concrete material, comprising applying to the surface of a mortar or concrete, or to the inner surface of a mold for forming the mortar or concrete, a hot melt coating composition which is heated to assume a flowable or sprayable form, and allowing the hot melt coating composition to cool to ambient temperature whereby the composition forms a solidified membrane, and thereafter removing the membrane. Preferably, the hot melt coating composition contains at least one agent operative to retard the setting of the mortar or concrete, and optional finely divided particulate materials, light-reflective pigments, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An additive composition, a cement composition, and method for modifying rheology of an uncured masonry cement, comprising the use of at least one extra-cellular biopolymer, at least one anionic surfactant, and at least one cationic or amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, the biopolymer and surfactants are incorporated into the cement by incorporating the components into the grinding of clinker as part of the manufacture of the cement. Masonry cements produced by the invention have excellent workability, particularly when coarse sands are employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersants such as superplasticizers for hydratable cementitious compositions, and more particularly to methods for achieving variable degrees of longer slump life in concrete and mortar without loss of stability. This is achieved by using two admixture systems. The first admixture composition has multi-components for achieving initial-slump-enhancement, later-slump-retention, and limiting initial slump. The second admixture composition has the later-slump-enhancing component. Alternatively, conventional water reducers or superplasticizers can be employed initially, followed by the later-slump-enhancing admixture composition.

Abstract: Phosphate-containing polycarboxylate polymer dispersant compositions of the invention comprise a polymer made from polyoxyalkylene groups, acrylic acid groups, mono-ester groups, and optionally di-ester and tri-ester groups, all in specific molar ratios. The polymer dispersants of the invention achieve quick mix-in dispersibility, particularly within hydratable cementitious compositions such as concrete, in comparison with polycarboxylate polymer dispersants that do not contain phosphate groups, while having improved initial slump as well as slump retention compared to phosphate-containing polymers of the prior art.

Abstract: An exemplary surface active agent admixture composition of the invention comprises (1) a first surface active agent comprising a betaine, an alkyl or aryl or alkylaryl sulfonate, or mixture thereof; and (2) a second surface active agent comprising a nonionic oxyalkylene-containing polymer surfactant. The present invention therefore provides a system for ensuring the presence in a hydratable cementitious composition (when hardened) a sufficient air volume and sufficient air void fineness and consistency. Further exemplary admixture compositions may comprise one or more plasticizers and one or more clay activity-modifying agents. Cementitious compositions and methods for modifying cementitious compositions, which incorporate the above-mentioned surface active agent combination, are also described. The invention provides the ability to adjust and stabilize air void systems in hydratable cementitious compositions, while allowing conventional air entraining agent (AEA) dosage practices to be followed.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for dispensing fluids, such as chemical concrete admixtures, using an air-operated pump and load cell for supporting and measuring at least substantially 100% of the weight of the pump and fluid dispensed through the pump. A double-action, dual piston design of the air-operated pump allows positive air pressure to be used during both fluid-filling and fluid-expelling phases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving the use of nitrogen-containing coordinated metal compounds for stabilizing chromium VI reducing metal cations. Exemplary uses include processes for making cement, and exemplary compositions include cement additives, concrete admixtures, as well as hydratable cement and cementitous compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: An exemplary erucamide-free composition for making container closures or closure sealants includes a matrix polymer, a silicone lubricant such as poly(dimethyl)siloxane, and a slip aid comprising a saturated amide, oxidized polyethylene, or combination thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary composition for enhancing water repellency in cementitious material comprises a hydrophobic material solute that is dissolved in a glycol ether solvent. Thus, the composition is provided in the form of a non-aqueous solution or emulsion wherein water is in a noncontinuous phase. The use of such compositions to modify cementitious compositions and the cementitious materials obtained thereby are also described.

Abstract: Non-fractured, non-fibrillatable short fibers, for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, have substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional areas along their length for maximum efficiency in pull-out resistance, and two different tapering characteristics along their lengths. Preferred bi-tapered fibers of the invention have a high modulus of elasticity in the range of 5-250 Gigapascal and are preferably modulated in both tapering dimensions. Matrix materials containing the fibers, as well as a method for making the fibers, are disclosed.

Abstract: Non-fractured, non-fibrillatable short fibers, for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, have substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional areas along their length for maximum efficiency in pull-out resistance, and two different tapering characteristics along their lengths. Preferred bi-tapered fibers of the invention have a high modulus of elasticity in the range of 5-250 Gigapascal and are preferably modulated in both tapering dimensions. Matrix materials containing the fibers, as well as a method for making the fibers, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of the invention involve the use of crude intermediate fermentation broth, derived from industrial glucose fermentation processes prior to completion of purification steps, as additives and admixtures for cementitious compositions.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a concrete floor slab using sub-grade waterproofing in a manner that favors the use of water-based adhesives for affixing floor covering materials. The method comprises casting a hydratable cementitious composition onto a flooring membrane, the composition having a shrinkage reduction admixture and a water:cementitious binder ratio sufficiently low that substantially all of the water moisture is retained in the hydration reaction, and achieving a fully adhered bond with the flooring membrane.