Abstract: Improved workability and board life in masonry mortar is achieved through the use of an alkali soluble emulsion polymer and a low molecular weight, water-soluble humectant comprising a polymer having oxyalkylene groups, polyhydric groups, or a mixture thereof. The humectant in combination with a pH-sensitive polymer which provides significant advantages over the polymer alone. Preferably, the molecular weight of the humectant is approximately 2500 or lower. Exemplary masonry mortar compositions and methods for modifying them are also disclosed.

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: Improved sprayable gypsum-based fireproofing composition comprising a lightweight aggregate and a set retarding agent in an amount effective to delay the setting of said composition for at least 24 hours and preferably for at least 72-96 hours without causing the composition to swell or shrink or to cause a salt layer to form on the composition when it is spray-applied. The fireproofing composition can retain fluidity in conventional spray hoses overnight and yet is capable of being injected with a set accelerator, such as aluminum sulfate, on the next day or on a successive day when spray-applied onto a substrate.

Abstract: Improved compositions of the present invention are made from a rubber latex component (A) and an oil carrier component (B) having hygroscopic and vulcanizing agents. Upon intermixing of the components A and B, an elastomeric composition is formed that can undergo a rheological transformation from a flowable liquid to a solidified elastomeric solid. An improved linear slope between fluidity and temperature is achieved by using naphthenic oil in the oil carrier component (B) with an organic rheology modifier, such as a modified castor oil and/or a polyamide. Further exemplary compositions comprise an inorganic rheology modifier such as an activated clay.

Abstract: Additive for cementitious compositions, comprising: at least one admixture, such a shrinkage reducing admixture, an air entraining admixture, a water reducing admixture, an inorganic salt, a corrosion inhibitor, an accelerator, a retarder, or mixture thereof; and a triblock polyoxyalkene copolymer surfactant having the formula R1O—(A1O)x—(A2O)y—(A1O)x—R2 wherein R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen, a C1-C7 alkyl group, a C5-C6 cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group; A1 represents a C2 alkyl group, A2 represents a branched or linear C3 alkyl group; “x” represents an integer of 42-133; and “y” represents an integer of 21 to 68.

Abstract: New alkanolamine additives for improving the compressive strength, etc. of set cementitious compositions such as Portland cement concrete are described as having at least one alkanolamine or the salt thereof containing at least one alkanol group, and at least one ionic functional group other than hydroxyl group.

Abstract: In the preparation of aqueous cement compositions containing a plasticizer, such as an EO/PO polymer-containing plasticizer, or EO/PO comb polymer-containing plasticizer, and further containing clay, such as a smectite clay, which expands when in contact with water, the step of providing an agent operative to modify the clay whereby the plasticizer absorbing capability of the clay is reduced. In exemplary methods of the invention, the plasticizer is an EO/PO (e.g., oxyalkylene) plasticizer and preferably an EO/PO comb polymer, and the clay-activity-modifying agent may comprise an inorganic cation, an organic cation, a polar organic molecule capable of being absorbed by the clay, a clay dispersant (such as a polyphosphate), or a mixture thereof. For clay-activity-modifying agents which comprise a cation or a polar organic molecule, the agent is preferably added to the clay before water is introduced to the clay.

Abstract: Exemplary packaging of the invention can be introduced in a sealed form directly into a mixer, whereby, upon agitation of the mixer, a cemenititous binder, an admixture or admixtures, and/or fibers can be released to make or modify, in the mixer, a castable cementitious composition within which the packaging material, which is made of a non-water-soluble, basic-medium-soluble polymeric material, can disappear from sight.

Abstract: The use of a relatively tin vermiculite coating layer, preferably spray-applied as an aqueous dispersion of delaminated vermiculite platelets, over a (primary) spray-applied hydratable cementitious fireproofing coating, has been found surprisingly to provide fireproofing protection that equals or exceeds that provided by fireproofing used alone. Accordingly, the time, effort, and costs normally incurred by the need to achieve thick coating layers in conventional fireproofing are considerably decreased.

Abstract: A composition for improving the freeze thaw durability of masonry concrete comprising (i) an alkylaryl polyether alcohol having the formula R-Ø-(OCH2CH2)xOH, wherein R is a C4-C8 alkyl group (preferably branched), Ø represents a phenol group, and “X” represents an integer in the range of 3-70; and (ii) at least one efflorescence control admixture, such as a C8-C30 fatty acid or its salt or derivative. An exemplary masonry concrete composition of the invention comprises an alkylaryl polyether alcohol having the formula R-Ø-(OCH2CH2)xOH, wherein R is a C4-C8 alkyl group, Ø represents a phenol group, and “X” represents an integer in the range of 3-70; the composition, when wet, having essentially zero slump when tested by the standard cone method for measuring slump. Methods of improving the freeze-thaw durability of masonry units are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to enhancing the compressive strength of cements after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days following hydration and to improving porosity and finished surfaces of the hardened cements and concretes made therefrom. The improved cements are prepared using certain hydroxylamine additives in amounts of up to 0.1% which preferably are added during grinding of the cement in which case the amines further act as grinding aids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and air entraining admixtures (AEAs) for achieving satisfactory levels of air entrainment in a hydraulic cementitious composition, such as concrete or mortar, in which an oxyalkylene shrinkage reduction admixture (SRA) is used with, or to be used in combination with, a water soluble salt, such as a calcium salt. Addition of exemplary polyoxyalkylene copolymers, preferably nonionic and substantially di-block in structure, and preferably having a molecular weight of at least 1,000 and more preferably at least 2,000, are described for controlling air entrainment. Increased air entrainment effect is fiber realized when such polymers are used with conventional AEAs, such as tall oils and vinsol resin.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: A masonry concrete, for use in making segmental retaining wall units, pavers, blocks, and the like, having zero slump and incorporating betaine for improving freeze-thaw durability, and optionally efflorescent control agents and/or water reducer agents. Exemplary admixtures and methods of improving the freeze-thaw durability of masonry units are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved waterproofing membrane comprising a preformed waterproofing adhesive layer, releasable sheet liner, and a string or plurality of strings operative to cut the release sheet liner into smaller portions for selective removal to expose portions of the adhesive layer for installation onto a building surface or civil engineering surface.

Abstract: A cementitious composition is disclosed whereby visible efflorescence is prevented when formed into a cement masonry concrete unit. Efflorescence is controlled by incorporation of a polymer comprising a polyacrylic acid or salt or derivative thereof having an average molecular weight in the range of 5004-9,000, and more preferably in the average molecular weight range of 1,000 to 10,000.

Abstract: A mobile system and process for manufacturing cement additives and/or concrete admixture products comprises at least two tanks each containing a different raw material for manufacturing cement additives or concrete admixtures; a frame for mounting and transporting as an integral unit at least two pumps operative to transfer the raw materials into a blender which mixes the raw materials together to provide a cement additive or concrete admixture for dispensing at the destination site, which could be the manufacturer's new or remote manufacturing site, or even a customer's site such as a cement plant or a ready-mix concrete plant. The frame can be placed upon or attached to wheels, as in a truck or trailer frame, and the tanks may also be placed on or secured to the truck or trailer frame. A preferred skid-mounted system comprises pumps, valves, meters, and a computer processor unit which can control the equipment and permit adjustments to be made at the destination site.

Abstract: An exemplary process for grinding cement clinker using rollers comprises introducing cement clinker into grinding contact with rollers operative to grind the clinker into particles; and introducing to the clinker and/or rollers, in an amount of 0.001-0.5 percent based on the dry weight of clinker, a binding-densifying agent comprising at least one polymer having an average molecular weight of 50,000-500,000. The clinker may be ground alone or in combination with other agrillaceous or pozzolanic materials.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: Mortar cement additives provide workability while retaining strength by employing a multi-stage polymer comprising a hydrophobically-modified, ionically-soluble polymer stage, the polymer being soluble at a pH of 6 and above; and an air-entraining agent. The additives also employ, as optional ingredients, set retarding agents and superplasticizers. Examplary methods of the invention involve addition of the multi-stage polymer and an air entraining agent to the mortar cement, preferably during intergrinding of Portland cement in the mill. Cement compositions comprising the polymer and an air-entraining agent are also disclosed.