Abstract: A gap finishing tape for use with drywall applications includes a trim strip body extending along a central body axis, a hot melt adhesive extending along the central body axis, and a backing paper. The trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a metallic material. The backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the trim strip body. The trim strip body is at least partially embedded in the hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A fastener is provided and is configured for securing magnetized items to a wallboard panel. Included on the fastener is a fastener body having a first side and an opposite second side, and a counter-sunk throughbore extends from the first side to the second side. The body has a tapered peripheral edge. In addition, the first side is covered with wallboard joint tape.

Abstract: Self-consolidating geopolymer compositions utilizing fly ash and inorganic mineral including alkaline earth metal oxide as cementitious reactive components and include cement set retarder. The alkaline earth metal oxide is preferably calcium oxide (also known as lime or quicklime) and/or magnesium oxide. The inorganic minerals including alkaline earth metal oxide have an alkaline earth metal oxide content preferably greater than 50 wt. %, more preferably greater than 60 wt. %, even more preferably greater than 70 wt. %, and most preferably greater than 80 wt. %, for example greater than 90 wt. %. The cementitious reactive powder may optionally also include one or more aluminous cements and one or more source of calcium sulfates. The cementitious reactive powders are activated with an alkali metal chemical activator selected from alkali metal salt and/or alkali metal base. Methods for making the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite gypsum board and a method of preparing composite gypsum board. The board contains at least one set gypsum layer sandwiched between two cover sheets. The set gypsum layer is formed from at least stucco and water. The stucco material generally includes a high salt impurity content, for example, when the stucco is calcined from certain sources of low-quality synthetic gypsum. For example, in some embodiments, the salts are chloride salts, e.g., sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and/or calcium chloride (CaCl2)). At least one of the cover sheets is composed of high absorption paper, which enhances the bond between the set gypsum layer and the cover sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acid-modified flour and a method of making the acid-modified flour. The acid-modified flour is desirably prepared using a dry milling process. A starting flour is combined with a strong acid to form a mixture. The mixture is heated. A neutralizer is added to increase the pH of the mixture. If desired, the mixture can be dried and any agglomerates can be removed. The acid-modified flour can be used as a binder in a slurry for preparing one or more gypsum layers in a gypsum board.

Abstract: Disclosed are product (e.g., board), slurry, and methods relating to an uncooked starch that can be used to enhance strength in one or more gypsum layers in the board. The uncooked starch has a hot water viscosity of from about 20 BU to about 300 BU according to the HWVA method, and/or a mid-range peak viscosity of from about 120 Brabender Units to about 1000 Brabender Units.

Abstract: A layered gypsum wallboard can include: a gypsum board having opposing front and back faces, wherein the gypsum board comprises a first cover sheet material at the front face, a second cover sheet material at the back face, and a gypsum core layer comprising gypsum; an adhesive layer on the second cover sheet material of the gypsum board, the adhesive including a polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ?10° C. to 30° C.; an intermediate gypsum layer including gypsum on the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is between the second cover sheet material and the intermediate gypsum layer, wherein the adhesive layer and the intermediate gypsum layer have a combined thickness of 0.09 inches to 0.25 inches; and a third cover sheet material, wherein the intermediate gypsum layer is between and in contact with the adhesive layer and the third cover sheet material.

Abstract: A wall for a building that includes a framed wall structure including a top support, a bottom support, and opposing side supports connected together, and at least one intermediate support attached to the top support and the bottom support, and a blast panel made of a cementitious material attached to the framed wall structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite gypsum board and a method of preparing composite gypsum board. The board contains set gypsum layers sandwiched between two cover sheets. The set gypsum layers are formed from at least stucco and water. The set gypsum layers include a board core and one or more skim coat layers. The set gypsum core makes up a substantial thickness (e.g., at least about 90%, at least about 92%, at least about 95%, or at least about 97%) of the total thickness of all the gypsum layers. A first skim coat layer is included on one side of the core, facing a first (face) cover sheet. A second skim coat layer is included on the other side of the core, facing a second (back) cover sheet. At least the second skim layer is formed from a slurry that contains starch. The stucco material generally includes a high salt impurity content, for example, when the stucco is calcined from certain sources of low-quality synthetic gypsum. For example, in some embodiments, the salts are chloride salts, e.g.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry mixer output canister is provided, including a canister housing having an upper end, an opposite lower end and defining a canister interior, a cover secured to the upper end, a slurry inlet in operational relationship to the upper end, a spiral block associated with the upper end, and having a helical flow surface depending into the interior. A flow distributor is secured to the lower end and is in fluid communication with the interior, and a slurry outlet is defined by the lower canister housing end.

Abstract: Ceiling tiles and wallboards can be produced with vesicle dedusting agent. For example, a ceiling tile can comprise: a dried base mat that includes: (a) mineral wool; (b) binder; (c) a vesicle dedusting agent at about 0.01 to about 10 wt %, wherein the vesicle dedusting agent comprises vesicles; (d) optionally cellulosic fiber; (e) optionally perlite; (f) optionally glass fiber; and (g) optionally calcium sulfate dihydrate. For example, a wallboard produced from a slurry comprising: (a) calcium sulfate hemihydrate at 70 to 95 wt %; (b) a vesicle dedusting agent at about 0.01 to about 10 wt %, wherein the vesicle dedusting agent comprises vesicles; (c) optionally cellulose fibers at about 0.5 to about 3 wt %; (d) optionally at least one dispersant at about 0.01 to about 2 wt %; and (e) water at a ratio of water to dry components of about 1:6 to about 20:1.

Abstract: A slurry feed apparatus for depositing a slurry upon a moving forming web having a direction of travel, including: a headbox mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web, having a back wall, sidewalls, a concave transverse front wall, an open top, and an open bottom for directing slurry onto the forming web; a moveable dam releasably attached to the back wall, a seal attached to a bottom wall of the dam; and a headbox support system extending from opposed the sidewalls. Also disclosed is a continuous process for depositing a uniform layer of a cementitious slurry containing reinforcing fibers from the headbox onto a traveling web.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a linear polycarboxylate dispersant. The linear polycarboxylate anionic dispersant includes a first monomeric repeating unit and a second monomeric repeating unit. The first repeating unit of the linear polycarboxylate dispersant is an olefinic unsaturated carboxylic acid repeating unit or salt thereof. The second repeating unit of the linear polycarboxylate dispersant is a vinyl sulfonate. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel. Methods of making gypsum slurry and a gypsum panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

Abstract: An impact resistant exterior sheathing gypsum building panel with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh which protects against impact from projectiles such as those conveyed by hurricane force winds is provided. Methods for manufacturing these exterior sheathing gypsum building panels with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh are also provided. An exterior sheathing system employing the exterior sheathing cementitious building panel is provided.

Abstract: A non-swelling joint tape for use with drywall applications includes a tapered trim strip body extending along a central body axis and a non-swelling backing paper. The tapered trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a first dimensionally stable material. The non-swelling backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the tapered trim strip body and is at least partially constructed from a second dimensionally stable material. The tapered trim strip body is dimensioned such that a first thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the central body axis is greater than a second thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the first side and the second side.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for evaluating a joint compound specimen can be used to determine a numerical sandability value for the specimen. A moving assembly is configured to move a sanding member in a sanding direction relative to the joint compound specimen supported in a support fixture. An actuator assembly is configured to drive the sanding member into contacting relationship with the joint compound specimen such that the sanding member exerts a controlled amount of pressure against the joint compound specimen. The force gauge is configured to measure a resistance force against the sanding member in a resistance direction in opposing relationship to the sanding direction. A processor programmed with a joint compound analyzing application is configured to use a force signal from the force gauge that is indicative of the resistance force to determine the sandability value for the joint compound specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are product (e.g., panels), slurry, and methods relating to an uncooked starch having a mid-range peak viscosity (i.e., from about 120 Brabender Units to about 900 Brabender Units).

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for preparing mold-resistant paper comprising a wet scrubber assembly in fluid communication with at least one collection plenum disposed at an operational area of a paper manufacturing line. The wet scrubber assembly can be operated to draw a stream of exhaust air from the operational area of the paper manufacturing line through the wet scrubber assembly to remove particulate from the exhaust stream. Such systems and methods can be used to produce mold-resistant paper by coating a paper with an antimicrobial composition including at least one antimicrobial additive at the calendering stage. The collection plenum can be placed in proximate relationship with the calendering stack such that the amount of antimicrobial additive particulate in the air at the calendering stage is reduced. The mold-resistant paper can be used in a gypsum panel.

Abstract: An exterior sheathing cementitious panel which prevents water penetration and air leakage is provided. Methods for manufacturing exterior sheathing cementitious panels with a highly efficient integrated air/water barrier membrane are provided as well.