Abstract: A process and composition of matter for the treatment of mortar or concrete which includes fly ash containing carbon, for the purpose of increasing air entrainment. A small quantity of a soluble alkaline earth oxide is added to the mortar or concrete at the time of mixing. The material is added in form which is immediately available to inhibit the air-adsorptive properties of the carbon in the fly ash.

Abstract: A process for treating waste foundry core and/or molding sand in a manner which upgrades these scrap streams to new sand quality for entry at the core making point. The process consists of incrementally heating the sand as required up to temperatures in the 1800.degree. to 2500.degree. F range, followed by cooling. The degree of heating is chosen to achieve a desired lowering of acid demand value (ADV) from that which would result from heating only to conventional high temperatures, about 1500.degree. F. Lowering of ADV reduces the variability which would otherwise be introduced into a mixture of new and recycled sand for cores.Heating waste molding sand to the temperatures contemplated by the method of this invention also causes clay additives to fuse, become non-absorptive and thus eliminating the need for mechanical attrition which would otherwise be needed to remove the clay so that it would not absorb high quantities of resin in the core making process.

Abstract: A formable matrix used as structural material and having an admixture of reinforcing non-metallic fibers to control deterioration and improve flexural strength. The fibers are fabricated with a cross section which provides a maximum ratio of surface to cross-sectional areas and increased frictional forces between fiber and matrix when the fiber is stressed. The disclosed embodiment of the fibers has a cross-sectional shape with a plurality of arms extending radially from the center, preferably with lobes formed at their outer ends.

Abstract: A process for cooling sulfur-bearing slag while inhibiting the formation of hydrogen sulfide. An oxidant is mixed with the cooling water and the slag is brought into contact therewith, the solution cooling the slag to permit handling thereof while the oxidant inhibits the release of hydrogen sulfide.