Abstract: A method for providing a polymer-modified fiber-cement composite by forming an aqueous composition including admixing an aqueous dispersion comprising a water dispersible ionomer and an ethylene elastomer, an ethylene dicarboxyl copolymer, an ethylene ester copolymer or a grafted copolymer, cement, cellulosic fibers, siliceous material, and water; forming a composite precursor by removal of at least some of the water; and curing/drying the composite precursor at a temperature at least 10° C. higher than the Tg of the polymer is provided. Polymer-modified fiber-cement composites formed by the method and articles therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A method to form an aqueous dispersion is provided. The aqueous dispersion comprises or is produced from a blend composition, which in turn comprises or consists essentially of about 75 to about 99.9 weight % of an ionomer composition and about 0.1 to about 25 weight % of an ethylene elastomer or an ethylene dicarboxyl copolymer. The method comprises mixing the solid blend composition with water heated to a temperature of from about 80 to about 100 ° C. Further provided are the dispersible blend compositions, the aqueous dispersions, and articles produced from the aqueous dispersions.