Abstract: A refractory material is made of plant fibers, refractory granules, and inorganic cement materials in a predetermined proportion, wherein the refractory granules are evenly mixed with the inorganic cement materials, so that it can penetrate between the plant fibers and cover the surface of the plant fiber, the refractory property of the porous refractory granule can effectively strengthen the refractory capability of the inorganic cement material and plant fiber, so that the mixture can stand a burning temperature higher than traditional partition materials, the plant fibers are evenly mixed to effectively enhance the tenacity of the partition material such that the partition material can stand a high-temperature burning for a long time and will not crack into pieces or powder easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to hemp mortars or concretes, that is, mortars and concretes comprising one or more components of hemp in their formulation, ones in which the binder is at least in part made up of what is termed “rich” lime, in particular burnt lime in different forms such as a paste, a powder, or, in the case of quicklime, rock itself.

Abstract: An admixture comprising a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having an average particle size of 120-500 &mgr;m is suited for hydraulic compositions. The admixture does not form clumps even in the presence of a large amount of water. The hydraulic composition having a proper amount of the admixture added is effectively extrudable.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of water-soluble polysaccharide derivatives as dispersing agents for mineral binder suspensions. A partially hydrolyzed cellulose containing carboxyl groups and optionally hydroxyalkyl and/or sulfate groups and/or a partially hydrolyzed amylose-rich starch which also has sulfoalkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms is used as the polysaccharide derivative. These polysaccharide derivatives have a low viscosity and an excellent plasticizing effect in mineral binder suspensions, especially in those based on cement, lime and/or gypsum.

Abstract: Methods of cementing in subterranean zones, improved cement compositions and improved additives are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and an additive for providing improved rheology, fluid loss control and set retardation comprised of carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose having in the range of from about 0.62 to about 2.21 moles of hydroxyethyl substitution and in the range of from about 0.44 to about 0.52 degrees of carboxymethyl substitution and a 2% by weight aqueous solution of the carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose has a Höppler viscosity in the range of from about 55 mPa.s to about 359 mPa.s.

Abstract: A building product incorporating synthetic microspheres having a low alkali metal oxide content is provided. The synthetic microspheres are substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The building product can have a cementitious matrix such as a fiber cement product. The synthetic microspheres can be incorporated as a low density additive and/or a filler for the building product and/or the like.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a portland cement substitute which shows no deterioration of various characteristics (e.g., bending strength) even when incorporated with chips or wastes discharged from a hard cemented chip board production process at 20% by weight or more to reutilize them, method for producing the same easily and economically, hard cemented chip board comprising the same, and method for producing hard cemented chip boards comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced cement based or cementitious material, and process for making, where the reinforcing fiber is a chemically treated cellulose or non-cellulose fiber. The fiber reinforced cementitious material includes (i) cement, (ii) optionally, sand, aggregate, or sand and aggregate, and (iii) chemically treated fibers having a polyvalent cation content of from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5.0 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers. The present invention further provides for a fiber reinforced cementitious material having a weak acid content of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thickened aqueous solution, or gel solution, for use in providing fiber to a cement composition. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for mixing fibers with cement.

Abstract: Methods of cementing in subterranean zones, improved cement compositions and improved additives are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and an additive for providing improved rheology, fluid loss control and set retardation comprised of carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose having in the range of from about 0.62 to about 2.21 moles of hydroxyethyl substitution and in the range of from about 0.44 to about 0.52 degrees of carboxymethyl substitution and a 2% by weight aqueous solution of the carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose has a Höppler viscosity in the range of from about 55 mPa.s to about 359 mPa.s.

Abstract: Dry mortar formulations comprising a) from 0.5 to 80% by weight of hydraulic binder, b) from 0 to 97% by weight of fillers, c) from 0 to 3.5% by weight of thickeners, d) from 1.0 to 80% by weight of redispersible polymer powder, and e) from 0.0001 to 1.0% by weight of antioxidants exhibit improved tensile strength and other set mortar properties, particularly after storage of the dry mortar composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are cementitious mortar additives comprising a hydroxyalkyl guar derivative having a molar substitution of from about 0.7 to about 3. Also disclosed are dry cementitious mortar compositions including from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of the additive and cured cementitious mortars obtained by addition of water to the dry cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using cellulose fibers that are treated with inorganic and/or organic resins to make the fibers more hydrophobic, as well as other chemical treatments. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulations, methods and the final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, and improved rot and UV resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness. In some cases the physical and mechanical properties are improved.

Abstract: A physical and chemical mixture of aggregative material, chemical products, mineral fillers and/or special pigments in dispersion, with metallic effect, designed to be added to aqueous-phase paint products having a monochromatic-flocculate or multichromatic-flocculate base (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of aqueous-phase Multicolor, Antiche Terre Fiorentine and/or the like), or aqueous-phase paint products without flocculate components (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of Arteacqua glazings and/or the like) in order to obtain a newly devised single-color and multicolor mural-coating decorative paint product both, with and without metallized effect, which can be applied using a spatula, paintbrush, glove and/or roller or the like, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using the loaded cellulose fibers. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulation, method and final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, reduced chemical dissolution and re-deposition, and improved rot and fire resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness.

Abstract: Disclosed are cementitious mortar additives including at least a hydroxyalkyl guar derivative. Also dislcosed are dry cementitious mortar competitions including from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of the additive and cured cementitious mortars obtained by addition of water to the dry cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: Environmentally acceptable well cement fluid loss control additives, cement compositions including the additives and methods of using the compositions are provided. The environmentally acceptable fluid loss control additives are comprised of ethoxylated hydroxyethylcellulose having a reduced molecular weight.

Abstract: A physical and chemical mixture of aggregative material, chemical products, mineral fillers and/or special pigments in dispersion, with metallic effect, designed to be added to aqueous-phase paint products having a monochromatic-flocculate or multichromatic-flocculate base (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of aqueous-phase Multicolor, Antiche Terre Fiorentine and/or the like), or aqueous-phase paint products without flocculate components (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of Arteacqua glazings and/or the like) in order to obtain a newly devised single-colour and multicolour mural-coating decorative paint product both, with and without metallized effect, which can be applied using a spatula, paintbrush, glove and/or roller or the like, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions comprise at least one aldopentonic acid, such as xylonic acid; and further comprise a lignin, a lignosulfonic acid or its salt, an additional sugar acid such as a aldohexonic acid or salt, a conventional admixture (such as a polyacrylate superplasticizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a set retard, a set accelerator, etc.), or a mixture thereof. Exemplary methods for obtaining microbiologically or enzymatically converted sugar acids are also described herein.

Abstract: A cementitious mix for preparing a building block wherein the mix includes the ingredients; sand, cement, sawdust and water; wherein said sawdust comprises the greater proportion of the mix constituents; and wherein the dry density of the mix ranges between 700 kg/m3 and 1500 kg/m3.

Abstract: An admixture comprising a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having a transparency of 35-89 % in a 2 wt % aqueous solution at 20° C. is suited for hydraulic compositions. The hydraulic composition comprising the admixture and a less amount of pulp fibers is extrudable into a hardened part having a satisfactory flexural strength and surface smoothness.

Abstract: An admixture comprising a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having an average particle size of 120-500 &mgr;m is suited for hydraulic compositions. The admixture does not form clumps even in the presence of a large amount of water. The hydraulic composition having a proper amount of the admixture added is effectively extrudable.

Abstract: An admixture comprising (A) a nonionic water-soluble hydroxyethyl cellulose and/or hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose having a viscosity of at least 500 mPa•s as measured in a 1 wt % aqueous solution at 20° C., and (B) another nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having a viscosity of at least 1,500 mPa•s as measured in a 1 wt % aqueous solution at 20° C. is suited for use in extrudable hydraulic compositions, because the hydraulic compositions comprising the admixture are effectively extrudable into hardened products having improved surface properties, minimized spring-back and good dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about one or more light weight additives and one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 75 to about 300.

Abstract: An additive for elaboration of ecological permeable concretes. The additive containing from about 24.5% to 28.2% by weight.of a mixture made of dispersing agents, from about 3.3% to 3.8% by weight of a humectant agent, from 0 to about 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, from 0 to about 3% by weight basis of a bactericidal agent, from about 3.3% to 3.8% by weight of hydroxypropylethyl or methylcellulose from 0 to about 0.3% by weight of an antifoaming agent and from about 55.8% to 64.2% by weight of a highly reactive non-crystalline calcinated silica aluminant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming permeable cement sand screens in well bores are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a particulate cross-linked gel containing an internal breaker which after time causes the gel to break into a liquid and water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: A concentrated one-coat mortar prepared for the application on a concrete based surface on the exterior or interior of a concrete building or other structure. The mortar is especially suited for application in high and low humidity and high and low temperature environments. As the mortar dries, its composition prevents the formation of cracks that commonly occur in commercially available mortars.

Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

Abstract: Methods of agglomerating hydraulic cement powder to improve its flow and handling characteristics are provided. One embodiment of the methods of the present invention is comprised of the steps of forming a mixture of the hydraulic cement powder with a particulate solid disintegrating agent, the disintegrating agent having the property of causing the break up of the agglomerated cement powder upon contact with water. Thereafter, the mixture is compressed into agglomerated pellets.

Abstract: A fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material is made by soaking wood chips in water to provide substantially saturated wood chips, combining the saturated wood chips with a slurry of Portland cement to provide a wood chip/cement slurry, mixing a slurry of monomagnesium phosphate (“MOP”) with the wood chip/cement slurry to provide a quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition, and compressing the quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition to make the fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material. The inventive composition combines the best properties of cement and wood, yet uses recycled materials to make an environmentally-friendly building material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using cellulose fibers that are treated with inorganic and/or organic resins to make the fibers more hydrophobic, as well as other chemical treatments. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulations, methods and the final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, and improved rot and UV resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness. In some cases the physical and mechanical properties are improved.

Abstract: A dry masonry render mixture comprising, in concentrations which can be varied to achieve different finishes, Portland cement, river sand, graded stones, plasterers lime, the ingredients being mixed in the presence of lightweight filaments and silica-based catalyst. The dry render masonry mixture is mixed with a liquid solution of water and a latex polymer of various concentrations to form a slurry. The invention includes several methods of application of varying concentrations of the slurry to obtain different textured finishes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming permeable cement sand screens in well bores are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, an acid soluble particulate solid, a liquid hydrocarbon solvent soluble particulate solid, a particulate cross-linked gel containing an internal breaker which after time causes the gel to break into a liquid, water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam and a mixture of foaming and foamed stabilizing surfactants.

Abstract: A fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material is made by soaking wood chips in water to provide substantially saturated wood chips, combining the saturated wood chips with a slurry of Portland cement to provide a wood chip/cement slurry, mixing a slurry of monomagnesium phosphate (“MOP”) with the wood chip/cement slurry to provide a quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition, and compressing the quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition to make the fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material. The inventive composition combines the best properties of cement and wood, yet uses recycled materials to make an environmentally-friendly building material.

Abstract: The invention concerns buccodental formulation characterized in that it comprises at least a thickening agent comprising cellulose nanofibrils, said cellulose nanofibrils being substantially amorphous, having a crystallinity index not more than 50%. The invention also concerns said cellulose nanofibrils as thickening agent and/or flavour enhancer in buccodental formulations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stable hydrocolloid composition in which preferably welan gum is uniformly dispersed in a superplasticizer solution such as sulfonated naphthalene, sulfonated melamine, modified lignosulfate, their derivatives and mixtures thereof. The solution is wet milled to form an extremely fine particle size distribution of the gum. The composition is rapidly hydratable and useful as a stabilizing additive in many cement and drilling fluid applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising essentially amorphous cellulose nanofibrils, at least one additive chosen from carboxycellulose with a degree of substitution of more than 0.95, a natural polysaccharide, a polyol, and optionally at least one co-additive, the content of additive and of optional co-additive being less than or equal to 30% by weight relative to the weight of nanofibrils and of additive and of optional co-additive. Similarly, a subject of the invention is a process for preparing such compositions, which consists in adding the additive and the optional co-additive to a suspension of essentially amorphous nanofibrils, and then in drying the suspension thus supplemented. The compositions obtained are readily redispersable and conserve their initial rheological properties.

Abstract: A biocidal film-forming composition, preferably a paint, is disclosed, comprising hydrated lime and a non-ionic polyolefinic latex resistant to hydrated-lime induced coagulation and phase separation. Also disclosed is the method of making certain such composition wherein hydrated lime is admixed with a non-ionic polyolefinic ester latex with agitation and continuing such agitation until hydrolysis of the ester is substantially completed and rheology of the composition is stabilized.

Abstract: A binder adjuvant used in engineering includes in aqueous solution, a mixture of a water-soluble cellulose ether and of an antifoaming agent.

Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the removal of chloride ions from reinforced concrete includes passing a direct current between (i) an anode in electrical contact with the adherent coating containing a water retaining adhesive material, and an aqueous electrolyte applied to an external surface of the concrete and (ii) a cathode which is located internally in the concrete. According to the process, chloride ions are caused to migrate to the anode. In order to reduce the production of chlorine gas, the coating contains, as a chlorine scavenger, solid calcium hydroxide or barium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The chlorine scavenger is most preferably present in an amount of at least 8%, and more preferably 20 to 50%, by weight based on the dry weight of the water retaining material.

Abstract: The present invention prolongs the biocidal activity of hydrated lime in a paint or coating by using a sufficient amount of a binder in the paint or coating to block carbon dioxide from reacting with the hydrated lime while still producing a coating that is durable and adhesive upon drying and not unduly friable due to the amount of hydrated lime in said coating.

Abstract: The invention concerns compositions containing essentially amorphous cellulose nanofibrils, carboxyl cellulose with a degree of substitution not more than o.95 as additive, and optionally at least one co-additive, the content in additive and optional co-additive being less than 30 wt. % relative to the weight of nanofibrils and additive and optional co-additive. The invention also concerns a method for preparing such compositions, consisting in adding to a substantially amorphous nanofibril suspension, the additive and optionally the co-additive(s), then in drying the suspension thus additivated. The resulting compositions are easily redispersable and preserve all their rheological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising essentially amorphous cellulose nanofibrils, at least one additive chosen from carboxycellulose with a degree of substitution of more than 0.95, a natural polysaccharide, a polyol, and optionally at least one co-additive, the content of additive and of optional co-additive being less than or equal to 30% by weight relative to the weight of nanofibrils and of additive and of optional co-additive. Similarly, a subject of the invention is a process for preparing such compositions, which consists in adding the additive and the optional co-additive to a suspension of essentially amorphous nanofibrils, and then in drying the suspension thus supplemented. The compositions obtained are redily redispersable and conserve their initial rheological properties.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stable hydrocolloid welan gum in which a hydrocolloid, preferably welan gum, is uniformly dispersed in a superplasticizer such as sulfonated naphthalene, sulfonated melamine, modified lignosulfate, their derivatives and mixtures thereof. This is then dispersed in a rheological control agent which is a microbially-produced cellulose fiber composition. The composition is rapidly hydratable and useful as a stabilizing additive in many cement and drilling fluid applications, insulation fluids and de-icer compositions.

Abstract: Biodegradable dispersing and fluid loss control additives for well cements, well cement compositions including the additives and methods of using the well cement compositions are provided. The well cement compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, water in an amount sufficient to form a slurry and a dispersing and fluid loss control additive comprised of casein. A second agent which also provides fluid loss control can optionally be included in the additive.

Abstract: A process for solidifying and stabilizing waste, the process comprising (a) combining bagasse and a liquid medium having a pH below about 4 or above about 10 to form a mixture, (b) heating the mixture, (c) separating the mixture into solid matter and filtrate and washing the solid matter with a liquid in which sugar is soluble, (d) substituting the solid matter for the bagasse in (a) and repeating steps (a) through (c) until the filtrate is substantially colorless under ambient light conditions, thereby producing washed solid matter, (e) combining at least a portion of the washed solid matter with at least (1) the waste, (2) water, and (3) a cement, so as to form a cement slurry, and (f) curing the cement slurry. Cementitious products formed by processes of this invention.

Abstract: An admixture for enhancing the durability of concrete to repeated freeze-thaw cycles is disclosed. The admixture comprises as an essential element a natural polymer material derived from millet. The admixture further comprises smaller quantities of naphthenic sulfate salt, triethanolamine and formaldehyde. In addition the admixture can improve concrete's impermeability and chloride ion binding capability.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stable hydrocolloid composition in which preferably welan gum is uniformly dispersed in a superplasticizer solution such as sulfonated naphthalene, sulfonated melamine, modified lignosulfate, their derivatives and solution thereof. The mixture is wet milled to form an extremely fine particle size, from about 3 microns to about 500 microns distribution of the gum. The composition is rapidly hydratable and useful as a stabilizing additive in many cement and drilling fluid applications.

Abstract: A polysaccharide derivative prepared by replacing all or part of the hydroxyl hydrogen atoms of a polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative by (A) a hydrophobic substituent having a C.sub.8 -C.sub.43 hydrocarbon chain as the partial structure and (B) an ionic hydrophilic substituent having at least one member selected from the group consisting of sulfonic, carboxyl phosphoric, and sulfate groups and salts thereof as the partial structure, wherein the average degree of replacement by the substituent (A) is 0.0001 or above but below 0.001 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by Zeisel's method or the diazomethane method and that by the substituent (B) is 0.01 to 2.0 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by colloidal titration. This polysaccharide derivative is useful as the admixture for hydraulic materials and can give stable hydraulic compositions excellent in dispersion.