Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) related to a dry mortar composition or an emulsion/dispersion based composition having hydrophobically modified polymer compositions. The dry mortar composition or an emulsion/dispersion based composition comprises one or more polymer emulsions and/or redispersible powders, and one or more hydrophobic, and water-resistant or water-repellent additive. The emulsion/dispersion based composition can be used as a grout, a joint filler, a mastic, a pasty, textured plaster, tile adhesive, structure-latex based render, silicate render, fine dispersion render for skim coat, dispersion based tile grout, acrylate based render, latex-based primer, and colorized latex-based renders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mortars which include a blend of cellulose ether compounds and exhibit improved pot life, water retention capability, and open time, as well as high tensile strength values. These mortars can be used in the fabrication of external insulation finishing systems (EIFS), particularly in hot environments. The cellulose ether blend includes hydroxyethylcellulose ether and methylhydroxyethylcellulose ether. Water soluble anionic polyacrylamide and hydroxypropyl starch can also be added to the mortar.

Abstract: Facing material useful in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard is surfaced treated in order to adhere an amount of seed crystals to improve the adhering affinity of the facing material for wet plaster thereby permitting the manufacture of gypsum wallboard with little or no added starch and reduced amounts of water. Various means for adhering the seed crystals to the facing material are described as well as, a method of converting the facing material and wallboards containing the facing material are also described.