Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Cutting apparatuses and methods of use thereof are discussed. For example, the cutting apparatus may include a chassis with one or more substrate interfaces and a scribe guide. The cutting apparatuses also may include a plurality of support pistons, a deformable support, a locking mechanism, and/or an anchor extension. The support pistons may be adjustable to generally conform to a substrate, such as a non-planar substrate.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The foam can include (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; and (b) a filler. The amount of filler in the foam can be from 50 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the foam. The filler can include a plurality of fibers and/or a particulate filler. The polyurethane foams described herein are made without adding a surfactant to the reaction mixture. The density of the polyurethane foam can be at least 5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Cutting apparatuses and methods of use thereof are discussed. For example, the cutting apparatus may include a chassis with one or more substrate interfaces and a scribe guide. The cutting apparatuses also may include a plurality of support pistons, a deformable support, a locking mechanism, and/or an anchor extension. The support pistons may be adjustable to generally conform to a substrate, such as a non-planar substrate.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The foam can include (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; and (b) a filler. The amount of filler in the foam can be from 50 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the foam. The filler can include a plurality of fibers and/or a particulate filler. The polyurethane foams described herein are made without adding a surfactant to the reaction mixture. The density of the polyurethane foam can be at least 5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: Composite panels and methods of preparation are described herein. In some embodiments, the composite panel can include a first fiber reinforcement, a polyurethane composite having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface is in contact with the first fiber reinforcement; and a cementitious material adjacent the first fiber reinforce-opposite the polyurethane composite. The polyurethane composite can be formed from (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (ii) one or more polyols, and (iii) a particulate filler. The fiber reinforcement can be formed from a woven or non-woven material, such as glass fibers. The composite panel can further include a material, such as a second fiber reinforcement and a cementitious layer, in contact with the second surface of the polyurethane composite. Articles comprising the composite panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions such as concrete compositions are described for use in building materials and products. The composition may comprise an aggregate composition comprising a particulate suppressing component and a cement. The composition may have an impact resistance of at least Class 1 as measured under ANSI/FM 4473. Methods of preparing and using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming a cured cement or concrete object is described that includes printing a carbonatable material and a CO2 source; and hardening the printed carbonatable material by a carbonation reaction. Associated cured and uncured objects, as well as related methods are also described.

Abstract: Composite panels and methods of preparation are described herein. In some embodiments, the composite panel can include a first fiber reinforcement, a polyurethane composite having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface is in contact with the first fiber reinforcement; and a cementitious material adjacent the first fiber reinforcement opposite the polyurethane composite. The polyurethane composite can be formed from (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (ii) one or more polyols, and (iii) a particulate filler. The fiber reinforcement can be formed from a woven or non-woven material, such as glass fibers. The composite panel can further include a material, such as a second fiber reinforcement and a cementitious layer, in contact with the second surface of the polyurethane composite. Articles comprising the composite panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Building cladding systems with changeable appearances and methods of use are described. The building cladding system may include a substrate and a coating comprising a switchable material. Varying a voltage, temperature, or wavelength of light on or applied to the coating may change an appearance of the building cladding system.

Abstract: Building cladding systems with changeable appearances are described. The building cladding system may include a plurality of panels, a substrate, and a controller configured to move the plurality of panels relative to the substrate to change the appearance of the building cladding system, while protecting the substrate. Moving the plurality of panels to change the appearance of the building cladding system may include rotation.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The foam can include (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; and (b) a filler. The amount of filler in the foam can be from 50 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the foam. The filler can include a plurality of fibers and/or a particulate filler. The polyurethane foams described herein are made without adding a surfactant to the reaction mixture. The density of the polyurethane foam can be at least 5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: Dust suppression agents and methods of use, e.g., to reduce operator exposure to particulate matter released during machining of a material, are described. The method may include providing a retained dust suppression agent proximate to a surface of the material and machining the material at the surface with a tool having a mechanized motion. The mechanized motion of the tool may release at least a portion of the retained dust suppression agent to reduce operator exposure to respirable particulate matter from the material as compared to machining the material at the surface absent the retained dust suppression agent.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The foam can include (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; and (b) a filler. The amount of filler in the foam can be from 50 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the foam. The filler can include a plurality of fibers and/or a particulate filler. The polyurethane foams described herein are made without adding a surfactant to the reaction mixture. The density of the polyurethane foam can be at least 5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites comprising non-silane treated glass fibers and methods of manufacturing are described herein. The polyurethane composites can include (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 filler; and (c) non-silane treated glass fibers. In some instances, none of the glass fibers in the polyurethane composites are silane treated. The polyurethane composites comprising the non-silane treated glass fibers can have a flexural strength that is greater than the flexural strength of an identical composition wherein the non-silane treated glass fibers are replaced with silane-treated glass fibers. Articles comprising the polyurethane composites are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Cutting apparatuses and methods of use thereof are discussed. For example, the cutting apparatus may include a chassis with one or more substrate interfaces and a scribe guide. The cutting apparatuses also may include a plurality of support pistons, a deformable support, a locking mechanism, and/or an anchor extension. The support pistons may be adjustable to generally conform to a substrate, such as a non-planar substrate.