Abstract: Disclosed herein are composite building materials having at least one textured surface. The textured surface includes at least a plurality of particles. The textured surface closely mimics conventional building materials. The building materials can contain an image printed using ink jet printing methods with inks optimized for enhanced color stability.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The polyurethane composites can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols, (b) an inorganic filler, (c) an inorganic fiber, and (d) an organic fiber. Suitable organic fibers can include polyester fibers. The weight ratio of the inorganic fiber to the organic fiber can be from 1:1 to 20:1. Articles comprising the polyurethane composites described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composite building materials having at least one textured surface. The textured surface includes at least a plurality of particles. The textured surface closely mimics conventional building materials. The building materials can contain an image printed using ink jet printing methods with inks optimized for enhanced color stability.

Abstract: A panel is configured for attachment to a mounting surface of a building structure. The panel includes a first end surface and a second end surface, spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis; a top edge surface and a bottom edge surface, spaced from each other and offset from the longitudinal axis; and an inner surface and an outer surface, opposed to each other and extending from the first end surface and the second end surface. The inner surface includes a contact portion and a contour portion. The contact portion is disposed on a reference plane. The contour portion is contoured toward the outer surface, away from the reference plane, such that the contour portion defines a channel. The channel extends along at least a portion of a length of the panel, between the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions and methods for producing the cementitious compositions are described herein. The methods can include mixing a compound of the general formula MaSibXcOd, MaSibXcOd(OH)e, MaSibXc(OH)e, or MaSibXc(OH)e, (H2O)f, wherein M comprises a metal that can react with carbon dioxide in a carbonation reaction to form a carbonate, Si forms an oxide during the carbonation reaction, X is an element other than M or Si, a, b, d, e, and f are greater than zero, and c is zero or greater, with a rapid setting hydraulic cement to produce a cementitious mixture. The methods can further include hydrating the cementitious mixture and carbonating the cementitious mixture. Carbonating the cementitious mixture can occur simultaneously with hydrating the cementitious mixture or subsequent to hydrating the cementitious mixture. In some embodiments, the non-hydraulic cement can comprise wollastonite. The hydraulic cement can be in an amount of from 5 wt % to 80 wt % of the cementitious composition.

Abstract: A panel is configured for attachment to a mounting surface of a building structure. The panel includes a first end surface and a second end surface, spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis; a top edge surface and a bottom edge surface, spaced from each other and offset from the longitudinal axis; and an inner surface and an outer surface, opposed to each other and extending from the first end surface and the second end surface. The inner surface includes a contact portion and a contour portion. The contact portion is disposed on a reference plane. The contour portion is contoured toward the outer surface, away from the reference plane, such that the contour portion defines a channel. The channel extends along at least a portion of a length of the panel, between the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials can comprise a polyurethane and an absorptive filler. The polyurethane can be formed from the reaction of at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and combinations thereof, and one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers. The one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers can comprise at least one polyol and a first isocyanate-reactive monomer which includes one or more isocyanate-reactive functional groups and a moiety configured to associate with the absorptive filler.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions and methods for producing the cementitious compositions are described herein. The methods can include mixing a compound of the general formula MaSibXcOd, MaSibXcOd(OH)e, MaSibXc(OH)e, or MaSibXc(OH)e.(H2O)f, wherein M comprises a metal that can react with carbon dioxide in a carbonation reaction to form a carbonate, Si forms an oxide during the carbonation reaction, X is an element other than M or Si, a, b, d, e, and f are greater than zero, and c is zero or greater, with a rapid setting hydraulic cement to produce a cementitious mixture. The methods can further include hydrating the cementitious mixture and carbonating the cementitious mixture. Carbonating the cementitious mixture can occur simultaneously with hydrating the cementitious mixture or subsequent to hydrating the cementitious mixture. In some embodiments, the non-hydraulic cement can comprise wollastonite. The hydraulic cement can be in an amount of from 5 wt % to 80 wt % of the cementitious composition.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The methods of making the polyurethane composite can include mixing (1) at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (2) at least one polyol, (3) an inorganic filler, and (4) an evaporative coolant in an extruder to form a mixture. The method also include extruding the mixture into a mold cavity, generating heat in the mold cavity from the reaction of the at least one isocyanate and the at least one polyol, and allowing the evaporative coolant to migrate to an interface between the mixture and the interior mold surface. The temperature of the mixture causes evaporation of the evaporative coolant at the interface thereby removing heat at the interface. Suitable evaporative coolants for use in the methods of making the polyurethane composites include hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The polyurethane composites can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols, (b) an inorganic filler, (c) an inorganic fiber, and (d) an organic fiber. Suitable organic fibers can include polyester fibers. The weight ratio of the inorganic fiber to the organic fiber can be from 1:1 to 20:1. Articles comprising the polyurethane composites described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparing polyurethane composites are described herein. The polyurethane composite can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols; (b) fly ash comprising 50% or greater by weight, fly ash particles having a particle size of from 0.2 micron to 100 microns; and (c) a coarse filler material comprising 80% or greater by weight, filler particles having a particle size of from greater than 250 microns to 10 mm. The coarse filler material can be present in the composite in an amount of from 1% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite. The weight ratio of the fly ash to the coarse filler material can be from 9:1 to 200:1.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The polyurethane composites can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols, (b) a particulate filler having a bulk density of 1 g/cm3 or greater, (c) optionally a fiber material, and (d) a lightweight filler having a bulk density from 0.01 g/cm3 to less than 1 g/cm3. In some examples, the lightweight filler can be selected from expanded perlite, expanded clay, foamed glass, and combinations thereof. Articles such as building materials comprising the polyurethane composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: Proppants and methods for their preparation are described herein. The proppants can be prepared by a process comprising (a) directing a molten glass material on to an atomizing apparatus to output the molten glass material in the form of atomized droplets, and (b) projecting the droplets of the molten glass material towards a receiver, wherein a substantial portion of the droplets at least partially solidifies in flight. In some embodiments, the molten glass material can include molten slag. The atomizing apparatus can be a spinning disc, for example a rotary atomizing disc. Methods for hydraulic fracturing of a well in a subterranean formation having a fracturing stress are also described herein.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials can comprise (a) a polyurethane and (b) from 35% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite, of a particulate filler dispersed in the polyurethane. The polyurethane can be formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols. The one or more polyols that form the polyurethane comprise a high hydroxyl number polyol having a hydroxyl number of at least 250 mg KOH/g. In some cases, the one or more polyols that form the polyurethane can have a weight average equivalent weight of from 200 to 1100 amu.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of forming a joint between a relatively hardened strip of material, such as a molded and cured conveyor belt strip, and an adjacent material that is in the process of curing. The curing material shrinks during the curing process, pulling away from the edge of the relatively hardened strip. The method includes moving the relatively hardened strip of material toward the curing, adjacent material strip to compensate for the shrinkage. An apparatus, for example, grips the relatively hardened strip of material and maintains a constant pressure at the interface between the relatively hardened strip of material and the curing material strip while the latter cures and shrinks.

Abstract: Methods for producing building materials comprising a reinforced substrate are described herein. The method can include providing a substrate having a first surface and an opposed second surface, applying a fabric material to the first surface of the substrate, applying a hydrophobic polymeric woven mesh to the fabric material, applying a coating to the hydrophobic polymeric woven mesh thereby allowing the coating to penetrate the hydrophobic polymeric woven mesh and fabric material, removing the hydrophobic polymeric woven mesh, and curing the coating thereby bonding the fabric material to the first surface of the substrate. The substrate can include a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the substrate can include a polyurethane foam. The substrate can further include a filler. The hydrophobic polymeric woven mesh used in the building materials can be derived from alkylene monomers.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials can comprise a polyurethane and an absorptive filler. The polyurethane can be formed from the reaction of at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and combinations thereof, and one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers. The one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers can comprise at least one polyol and a first isocyanate-reactive monomer which includes one or more isocyanate-reactive functional groups and a moiety configured to associate with the absorptive filler.

Abstract: Polymeric composites and methods for preparing the composites are described herein. The polymeric composites can comprise a polymer, an inorganic filler, and a plurality of short length fibers. The polymer in the composites can include homopolymers and copolymers and can also include plastics, resins, elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, and hot melts. The inorganic filler can be fly ash. The short length fibers can have an average length of 650 ?m or less. Methods for making the polymeric composites are also described.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer/organic polymer composites and methods for their preparation are described herein. The inorganic polymer/organic polymer composites comprise a first layer comprising an inorganic polymer and a second layer adhered to the first layer comprising an organic polymer. The inorganic polymer is formed by reacting, in the presence of water, a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder comprises 85% by weight or greater fly ash and less than 10% by weight portland cement. Also described herein are building materials including the composites.