Abstract: The present invention pertains to the discovery that short chain aliphatic fatty acids, such as potassium sorbate, can be used in liquid-additive grinding compositions in the amount of at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 30%, to mill carbonate materials into smaller particle size. The carbonate material can optionally be combined with another inorganic material in the grinding operation, such as limestone, lime, dolomites, talc, titanium dioxide, alumina, and kaolin, ceramics, and cement clinker. The use of the particularly described grinding additive composition are food-grade or food-contact approved, and are believed by the present inventors to resist the humectant behavior of the resultant ground particles which could in herently otherwise decrease efficiency of the particulate grinding process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the discovery that short chain aliphatic fatty acids, such as potassium sorbate, can be used in liquid-additive grinding compositions in the amount of at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 30%, to mill carbonate materials into smaller particle size. The carbonate material can optionally be combined with another inorganic material in the grinding operation, such as limestone, lime, dolomites, talc, titanium dioxide, alumina, and kaolin, ceramics, and cement clinker. The use of the particularly described grinding additive composition are food-grade or food-contact approved, and are believed by the present inventors to resist the humectant behavior of the resultant ground particles which could in herently otherwise decrease efficiency of the particulate grinding process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the present invention comprise the use of at least one alkoxylated fatty compound comprising at least one propylene oxide group, the alkoxylated fatty compound having a turbidity most preferably greater than 1000 NTU (as measured in a 0.2 weight percent aqueous solution) and carbon dispersing compound (e.g., lignosulfonate) to reduce carbon spotting in mortars and concretes containing a carbon-bearing fly ash having a methylene blue (MB) value of at least 1 mg/g or greater (as 10 determined according to ASTM C1777-13). The compositions may, for example, be combined as dry powder with the carbon-bearing fly ash where the fly ash is produced, or in aqueous liquid composition form, such as would be suitable for dispensing at a concrete ready-mix plant. Exemplary additive or admixture compositions may further comprise air entraining agents, alkanolamines, or both.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein polycarboxylate comb polymers are used as grinding additives. The comb polymers contain a carbon-containing backbone and pendant groups wherein oxyalkylene pendant groups contain one or more ether linkage groups for providing robustness to the polymer for resisting degradation during grinding and hence sustaining workability and strength of hydratable cementitious materials, such as cements, pozzolans, limestone, and other cementitious materials.

Abstract: Method for suppressing antagonistic hydration reactions in Portland fly ash cement involves the use of unponded fly ash that is pre-hydrated, preferably as an aqueous slurry wherein fly ash, preferably having an alkaline earth metal oxide of at least 10% by weight, is soaked, whereby the hydration reaction of the resultant mixed fly ash and cement is accelerated when these components are mixed together with water to hydrate the cement. Blended Portland cement/fly ash compositions of the invention will also have higher early strength as well as shorter set time compared to untreated blends.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein air entrained in cementitious materials at least one air-entraining cement additive is detrained using an ethoxylated, propoxylated fatty alcohol or alkylphenol having robustness for withstanding the harsh temperature and mechanical shearing effects of cement grinding mills. Exemplary air-entraining cement additives include a tertiary alkanolamine, a lignosulfonic acid or salt thereof, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, melamine sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, a glycol, a glycerin, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein air entrained in cementitious materials at least one air-entraining cement additive is detrained using an ethoxylated, propoxylated fatty alcohol or alkylphenol having robustness for withstanding the harsh temperature and mechanical shearing effects of cement grinding mills. Exemplary air-entraining cement additives include a tertiary alkanolamine, a lignosulfonic acid or salt thereof, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, melamine sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, a glycol, a glycerin, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Method for suppressing antagonistic hydration reactions in Portland fly ash cement involves the use of unponded fly ash that is pre-hydrated, preferably as an aqueous slurry wherein fly ash, preferably having an alkaline earth metal oxide of at least 10% by weight, is soaked, whereby the hydration reaction of the resultant mixed fly ash and cement is accelerated when these components are mixed together with water to hydrate the cement. Blended Portland cement/fly ash compositions of the invention will also have higher early strength as well as shorter set time compared to untreated blends.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein air entrained in cementitious materials at least one air-entraining cement additive is detrained using an ethoxylated, propoxylated fatty alcohol or alkylphenol having robustness for withstanding the harsh temperature and mechanical shearing effects of cement grinding mills. Exemplary air-entraining cement additives include a tertiary alkanolamine, a lignosulfonic acid or salt thereof, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, melamine sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, a glycol, a glycerin, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein polycarboxylate comb polymers are used as grinding additives. The comb polymers contain a carbon-containing backbone and pendant groups wherein oxyalkylene pendant groups contain one or more ether linkage groups for providing robustness to the polymer for resisting degradation during grinding and hence sustaining workability and strength of hydratable cementitious materials, such as cements, pozzolans, limestone, and other cementitious materials.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions comprise at least one aldopentonic acid, such as xylonic acid; and further comprise a lignin, a lignosulfonic acid or its salt, an additional sugar acid such as a aldohexonic acid or salt, a conventional admixture (such as a polyacrylate superplasticizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a set retard, a set accelerator, etc.), or a mixture thereof. Exemplary methods for obtaining microbiologically or enzymatically converted sugar acids are also described herein.