Abstract: An emulsifier composition comprising (a) a non-ionic emulsifier having an HLB-value of about 10 to 20 and (b) a polyoxyalkylene-polyester of which about 5 to 50% by weight comprises polyoxyalkylene radicals. It may be used in admixture with phosphoric acid esters, serving to reduce foaming and prevent settling of aqueous suspensions such as cement and calcium sulfate slurries.

Abstract: In a mortar comprising an inorganic binder, water and a sulphonated phenol condensation product modifier therefor, the improvement wherein said condensation product comprises a formaldehyde condensation product of a phenol wherein at least about 40% of the phenolic OH groups are etherified with an alkylating agent, the condensation product being present in about 0.05 to 5% by weight of the binder. Advantageously the condensation product is of the formula ##STR1## in which R is H, C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, C.sub.1-12 -aralkyl, C.sub.1-4 -monohydroxy or dihydroxy alkyl, of C.sub.3-4 -hydroxy chloralkyl, less than 40% of the R groups being H,X is H, CH.sub.2 --SO.sub.3 M, CH.sub.2 OH, CH.sub.2 --R' or NR'.sub.4, at least about half the X groups being CH.sub.2 --SO.sub.3 M,M is Na, K, Ca/2 or Mg/2,R' is H, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.2-4 -hydroxy alkyl, or another structural unit of the formula (I)andn is at least 3.Thereby the mortar is rendered more plastic and dense while retaining its setting characteristics.

Abstract: Polycondensates of phenols and formaldehyde which contain sulphonic acid groups and salts thereof bonded to the phenol either directly or via a methylene bridge are prepared by reacting a neutralized reaction product of phenols and sulphonating agents, which contains a mixture of the starting phenol, phenolsulphonic acid and bis-(hydroxyphenyl) sulphones, with formaldehyde and a bisulphite at a pH value of 4-8.

Abstract: In the production of a floor topping by the flow method, comprising providing a water-absorbing layer on a floor to be topped, pouring a free-flowing mass comprising an inorganic binder and water onto said water-absorbing layer whereby said mass forms a level floor topping, and allowing said mass to harden, the improvement which comprises employing as said water-absorbing layer a strong porous open-cell material. The open-cell material which serves as a water absorptive underlay preferably comprises at least one of anhydrite, gypsum, cement and lime. Preferably it is formed in place by casting a foamed mass comprising an aqueous suspension of gypsum, an aluminum salt, hydrogen peroxide and a manganese compound.

Abstract: The process for the production of synthetic anhydrite of uniform quality from the residue resulting from the production of hydrofluoric acid and containing calcium sulfate and acid, comprising suspending said residue in water with vigorous agitation, neutralizing said residue, grinding the suspension and separating water from the suspension to leave synthetic anhydrite containing less than about 50% water by weight. The product is thereafter dried after the optional addition of fillers and/or additives which accelerate subsequent hydration.

Abstract: In the process for producing a plaster flooring having a flat and smooth surface by the flooding technique, in which an inorganic binder is made up into a fluid paste by the addition of water and said fluid paste is applied to a surface to be covered, the improvement which comprises providing a water-absorbent layer on said surface to be covered prior to application of said fluid paste.

Abstract: A mortar comprising an inorganic binder such as anhydrite, gypsum or cement is rendered more flowable and processible by incorporating therein a condensation product of formaldehyde with a sulfonated aromatic ether, imine or sulfone, e.g. preferably about 0.3 to 2% by weight of the binder of the condensation product of formaldehyde with sulfonated ditolyl ether. There may also be present an auxiliary such as FeSO.sub.4 . 7 H.sub.2 O, Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3. 18 H.sub.2 O or KA1(SO.sub.4).sub.2, as well as an additive such as a plasticizer, hardening accelerator, retarder, air-entraining agent, thickener, activator or anti-foam agent, and/or an aggregate such as sand, gravel, perlite, pumice or foamed plastic beads.

Abstract: A mortar comprising an inorganic binder such as anhydrite, gypsum or cement is rendered more flowable and processible by incorporating therein a sulfonic acid group-containing formaldehyde condensation product with a cycloalkanone, e.g. preferably about 0.05 to 5% by weight of the binder of the condensation product of sodium sulfite, formaldehyde and cyclohexanone. There may also be present an auxiliary such as FeSO.sub.4,7 H.sub.2 O,Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3.18 H.sub.2 O or KAl(SO.sub.4).sub.2, as well as an additive such as a plasticizer, hardening accelerator, retarder, air-entraining agent, thickener, activator, anti-foam agent or synthetic resin dispersion, and/or an aggregate such as sand, silica, perlite, pumice or foamed plastic beads.

Abstract: In a mortar comprising an inorganic binder, water and a sulphonated phenol condensation product modifier therefor, the improvement wherein said condensation product comprises a formaldehyde condensation product of a phenol wherein at least about 40% of the phenolic OH groups are etherified with an alkylating agent, the condensation product being present in about 0.05 to 5% by weight of the binder. Advantageously the condensation product is of the formula ##STR1## in which R is H, C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, C.sub.1-12 -aralkyl, C.sub.1-4 -monohydroxy or dihydroxy alkyl, of C.sub.3-4 -hydroxy .[.chloralkyl.]. .Iadd.chloroalkyl.Iaddend., less than 40% of the R groups being H,X is H, CH.sub.2 --SO.sub.3 M, CH.sub.2 OH, CH.sub.2 --R' or NR'.sub.4, at least about half the X groups being CH.sub.2 --SO.sub.3 M,M is Na, K, Ca/2 or Mg/2,R' is H, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.2-4 -hydroxy alkyl, or another structural unit of the formula (I)andn is at least 3.