Abstract: A masonry cement is prepared by dry mixing portland cement, diatomaceous earth and a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite. Accordingly, the crushed limestone and other ingredients previously included in masonry cements for admixture with portland cement can be completely eliminated and substituted by diatomacious earth and water-swellable colloidal clay. In this manner, a combination of less than about 10% by weight of a combination of diatomaceous earth and colloidal clay replaces approximately 50% by weight crushed limestone and other ingredients from prior art masonry cement compositions while providing a masonry cement which meets ASTM specifications, particularly for air entrainment, water retention and compressive strength.

Abstract: A combustible carbonaceous briquette, having a high bond strength and good burning characteristics is formed by adding to the carbonaceous material a composition containing from about 80% to 99.9%, by weight, of sodium bentonite, from about 0.1% to 5%, by weight, of a water soluble acid polymer (i.e. having a carboxylic acid, salt thereof or anhydride thereof) and preferably from about 0.1% to 5%, by weight, of a water soluble dispersing agent. A combustible carbonaceous briquette formed from about 90% to 99% of carbonaceous material and a binding effective amount of the binding agent composition to form a briquette which has high strength, will not easily crumble or disintegrate and has good burning characteristics.

Abstract: The amount of soot and slag formed during the combustion of carbonaceous waste material is appreciably reduced by combusting said waste material in the presence of at least 0.0001%, by weight, of sodium bentonite, based on the weight of carbonaceous material being combusted. The sodium bentonite may be added directly to the waste material before entering the furnace or the sodium bentonite may be added directly to the furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for making brick from shale or a mixture of clay and shale by adding to the shale or shale mixture an additive containing sodium bentonite, a water soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymer, and, preferably, a water soluble dispersant. The additive increases the plasticity and the green strength of the shale or shale mixture so that high quality bricks can be produced from such raw material.