Abstract: A composition capable of pretreating surfaces of equipment for use with an uncured cementitious material, such as uncured concrete includes an aqueous solution with colloidal silica. Pretreatment of a surface with such an aqueous solution may reduce or eliminate adhesion of uncured cementitious material to the surface. A composition capable of cleaning hardened and/or cured cementitious material from the surfaces of such equipment also includes an aqueous composition with colloidal silica. Hardened and/or cured cementitious material may be removed from equipment surfaces by wetting the hardened and/or cured cementitous material with the aqueous solution to soften the cementitious material, and optionally abrading the softened cementitious material to mechanically remove the same from the equipment surfaces.

Abstract: A composition for pretreating surfaces of equipment for use with an uncured cementitious material, such as uncured concrete, and/or for cleaning cured cementitious material from the surfaces of such equipment includes an aqueous solution with colloidal silica. Pretreatment of a surface with such an aqueous solution may reduce or eliminate adhesion of uncured cementitious material to the surface. Cured cementitious material may be removed from equipment surfaces by wetting the cured cementitous material with the aqueous solution to chemically soften the cured cementitious material, along with abrading the cured cementitious material to mechanically remove the same from the equipment surfaces. Systems for removing cured cementitious material from the surfaces of equipment configured to use with uncured cementitious material include an abrasive element and an aqueous solution with colloidal silica.

Abstract: A composition for pretreating surfaces of equipment for use with an uncured cementitious material, such as uncured concrete, and/or for cleaning cured cementitious material from the surfaces of such equipment includes an aqueous solution with colloidal silica. Pretreatment of a surface with such an aqueous solution may reduce or eliminate adhesion of uncured cementitious material to the surface. Cured cementitious material may be removed from equipment surfaces by wetting the cured cementitious material with the aqueous solution to chemically soften the cured cementitious material, along with abrading the cured cementitious material to mechanically remove the same from the equipment surfaces. Systems for removing cured cementitious material from the surfaces of equipment configured to use with uncured cementitious material include an abrasive element and an aqueous solution with colloidal silica.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating concrete, which includes the steps of wetting a surface of concrete with a colloidal silica; cutting the softened surface to provide a cut surface; and polishing the cut surface.

Abstract: A composition for hardening concrete that has a pH of less than 10, and may have a pH of 8 or less. Thus, the hardening composition may be free of or substantially free of alkaline materials. The hardening composition is water-based and includes silica particles and stabilizer, which may be present on portions of the surfaces of the silica particles. The stabilizer may be aluminum-based (e.g., it may comprise alumina, etc.). In use, the hardening composition is applied to the surface of concrete, either alone, with curing compounds, or as part of a polishing process. Any residue that remains on the treated surface may simply be swept, blown, or sprayed away.

Abstract: A composition for hardening concrete that has a pH of less than 10, and may have a pH of 8 or less. Thus, the hardening composition may be free of or substantially free of alkaline materials. The hardening composition is water-based and includes silica particles and an aluminum-based (e.g., alumina, etc.) stabilizer, which may be present on portions of the surfaces of the silica particles. In use, the hardening composition is applied to the surface of concrete, either alone, with curing compounds, or as part of a polishing process. Any residue that remains on the treated surface may simply be swept, blown, or sprayed away.

Abstract: A composition for hardening concrete that has a pH of less than 10, and may have a pH of 8 or less. Thus, the hardening composition may be free of or substantially free of alkaline materials. The hardening composition is water-based and includes silica particles and an aluminum-based (e.g., alumina, etc.) stabilizer, which may be present on portions of the surfaces of the silica particles. In use, the hardening composition is applied to the surface of concrete, either alone, with curing compounds, or as part of a polishing process. Any residue that remains on the treated surface may simply be swept, blown, or sprayed away.