Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system, methods and compositions for attaching architectural panels to a building surface, such as a wall. In certain embodiments, the system comprises panels, each with upper, lower and side interlocking members. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower interlocking members form a modified tongue and groove joint, with a 45 degree angle interface, while the side interlocking members form a ship lap joint. The upper and lower interlocking members may be designed to press the panels against the building surface and to hide the locations of screws or other attachment devices when the interlocking members are engaged. The system provides a stronger and more secure attachment of panels to a building surface, while eliminating the problem of having to disguise the location of the attachment devices where such devices are inserted directly through the surface of the panel.

Abstract: Multi-step metal compound oxidation process to produce compounds and enhanced metal oxides from various source materials, e.g. metal sulfides, carbides, nitrides and other metal containing materials with metal oxides from secondary reaction steps being utilized as an oxidation agent in the first reactions.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in acidic environment containing liquid alkali silicate, vitreous silicate setting agent, lime containing material and inert filler and building materials made therefrom as well as the method of making such building materials. The liquid alkali silicate may include sodium silicate or potassium silicate. The vitreous silicate setting agent may include soda-lime glass powder or coal fly ash. The lime containing material refers to the materials containing more than 20% lime and may include quicklime, hydrated lime, Portland cement, blast furnace slag or steel slag. The inert fillers include ground quartz, ground ceramic, and/or clay.

Abstract: A more economical and light-color cellular concrete is provided by the replacement of Portland cement with ground glass powder in a cellular lightweight concrete mixture and the resulting method to make cellular concrete products. The use of ground glass also increases the stability of the cellular lightweight concrete mixture during the foaming or aeration process. The products are suitable for use in structural applications, insulation, and as a lightweight aggregate.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for bulk material piles and loads in transit may be formed from a slurry mixture of liquid and powder made from recycled gypsum wallboard. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a bulk material pile and/or waste pile, and/or to control erosion. The cover will harden to minimize water infiltration, wind blown dust, odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water, landfill leachate and wastewater; the powder from heated recycled gypsum wallboard may include alpha-hemihydrate and shredded paper, beta-hemihydrate and shredded paper or anhydrate and shredded paper. When clean water is used, the cover is non-toxic, non-combustible and harmless to fish, birds, plants and animals.