Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and novel additive compositions and use thereof in a wide range of concrete production for improving properties of concrete materials, such as durability and aestheticity. The methods and compositions of the invention may be applied in a variety of cement and concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.

Abstract: Carbonatable calcium silicate-based cements and concretes are presented, which result in concrete compositions that have an improved aesthetics. A cement product includes a plurality of particles of a carbonatable calcium silicate cement and a first additive; wherein, the first additive is a hydrophobic organic acid, or a salt thereof, or a silane, or a polysiloxane.

Abstract: The invention provides novel aerated composite materials made from a carbonatable calcium silicate composition, and formulations and methods of manufacture and use thereof, in particular, the use of novel additive mineral compositions in the form of magnesium, magnesium salts or magnesium oxides, to improve physical chemical properties of low density concrete materials. The low density, aerated material is comprised of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and silica (SiO2), as cured products of carbonatable calcium silicate compositions.

Abstract: Synthetic pozzolans are produced using local materials to provide a cementitious material that is uniform in chemistry and properties independent of the location where the materials are obtained. Two methods of production are described. One is a high temperature process in which materials are processed in a semi-molten or molten state. The second process is a low temperature aqueous process.

Abstract: Calcium silicate-based cements and concretes are disclosed, which result in concrete compositions that have an increased durability. A cement product includes a plurality of particles of a carbonatable calcium silicate cement and a hydrophobic organic acid, or a salt thereof, or a silane, or a polysiloxane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for curing composite compositions that react with CO2. The apparatus in general includes an easily transportable and easily assembled curing structure, such as a plastic sheet housing supported by gas pressure and/or by mechanical supports. Apparatus for providing reagent CO2, for measuring water content and for removing water, and for controlling temperature, flow rates and flow directions through the curing structure. Examples of curing procedures and examples of cured materials in desired shapes are described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and novel additive compositions and use thereof in a wide range of concrete production for improving properties of concrete materials, such as durability and aestheticity. The methods and compositions of the invention may be applied in a variety of cement and concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel apparatus and processes for gas flow and conditioning to achieve optimal CO2 curing of articles of composite materials (e.g., precast objects made of carbonatable calcium silicate-based cements), with solid interior or having hollow interior ducts, channels and chambers or otherwise being hollowed out, as well as the precast objects so made, which are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

Abstract: The invention provides novel aerated composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of aerated concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

Abstract: The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

Abstract: The invention provides novel aerated composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of aerated concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

Abstract: The invention encompasses equipment used to condition a recirculating gas stream in order to cure a CO2 Composite Material (CCM) and processes that use such equipment to cure the CCM. The gas conditioning equipment allows for a process that controls, reduces or eliminates the rate-limiting steps associated with water removal during the curing of a composite material. The equipment may include, but will not be limited to, control over the temperature, relative humidity, flow rate, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration within the system; which includes the conditioning equipment, any vessel containing the CCM, and the material itself. Flow rate control can be used as a means to achieve uniformity in both gas velocity and composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel, steam-assisted production methodology and associated compositions and methods of use in the manufacture of carbonatable or non-carbonatable metal silicate or metal silicate hydrate (e.g., calcium silicate or calcium silicate hydrate) compositions. These metal silicate compositions and related phases are suitable for use hydraulic, partially hydraulic or non-hydraulic cement that sets and hardens by a hydration process, a carbonation process or a combination thereof, and may be applied in a variety of concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.

Abstract: The invention provides novel, microstructured clinker and cement materials that are characterized by superior grindability and reactivity. The disclosed clinker and cement materials are based on carbonatable calcium silicate and can be made from widely available, low cost raw materials via a process suitable for large-scale production. The method of the invention is flexible in equipment and processing requirements and is readily adaptable to manufacturing facilities of conventional Portland cement.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions that mitigate the occurrence of hazing of products made from carbonatable calcium silicate-based cements. The methods and compositions of the invention may be applied in a variety of cement and concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides a curing system that is useful for curing materials that consume carbon dioxide as a reagent. The system has a curing chamber that contains the material to be cured and a gas that contains carbon dioxide. The system includes apparatus that can deliver carbon dioxide to displace ambient air upon loading the system, that can provide carbon dioxide as it is needed and as it is consumed, that can control carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and humidity in the curing chamber during the curing cycle and that can record and display to a user the variables that occur during the curing process.

Abstract: A method of preparing and rapidly curing a composite material having a thin cross section. The composite material includes a mixture of solid particles, at least some of which are a material that reacts with CO2, such as a silicate, for example Wollastonite. The green material is prepared by mixing the solid components with a liquid such as water to form a slurry, and forming green bodies by placing the slurry in forms. The green bodies are reacted with CO2 to form cured composite materials having thin sections, in the range of 10 to 15 mm. Curing in periods of 6 hours has been demonstrated.

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).