Abstract: A separator bead is disclosed for separating layers of manufactured concrete products, wherein the separator bead is characterized in that: the separator bead is preferably fabricated from a biodegradable bead material; the separator bead is configured with a thickness selected from 2 mm to 5 mm, a width selected from 2 mm to 10 mm, a depth selected from 2 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness-to-width aspect ratio selected from 0.2 to 0.9; the separator bead is preferably configured with one or more nodules, each with a nodule diameter selected from 0.01 mm to 2 mm; and the separator bead is characterized by a thickness compression from 5% to 50%, under a load of 60 lb per bead at a temperature of 120° F. for 5 minutes. The disclosed separator beads overcome known problems in the art of manufactured concrete products. The optimized separator beads prevent surface scratches and defects.

Abstract: In some variations, this disclosure provides a method of verifying the presence of an admixture in association with a solid base material, by combining the admixture with a stable inorganic tracer. A sample of the solid base material may be analyzed, using suitable analytical techniques, to detect the presence of the inorganic tracer in excess of any native inorganic tracer. When the inorganic tracer is positively detected, it is confirmed that the traceable admixture has been properly dosed within the base material. The inorganic tracer may comprise a rare earth metal, such as selenium, molybdenum, bismuth, and combinations, alloys, or oxides thereof, for example. The solid base material may be a cementitious material, in some embodiments. The traceable admixture may be a water-repellent admixture, in some embodiments. The principles of the invention, however, are widely applicable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved water-repellent admixtures for cementitious materials. The water-repellent admixtures are incorporated during masonry processing to improve the water resistance of the final product. Solid water-repellent admixtures may be conveniently incorporated into pre-blended dry mortar mixes. In some variations, a pre-blended dry mortar mix comprises a cementitious material, an aggregate, and a dry water-repellent admixture, wherein the water-repellent admixture contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of silanes, siloxanes, free fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, particulated polymers, and particulated copolymers, and wherein the water-repellent admixture is present in the pre-blended dry mortar mix in a dosage from about 0.01% to about 1.00% by weight of the pre-blended dry mortar mix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide cement and concrete admixtures and mixes, and CMUs made therewith that provide improved water resistance. Embodiments provide methods for making the admixtures, the mixes and the CMUs.