Abstract: Disclosed are wax emulsion compositions for curing or sealing concrete and cement formulations, methods for preparing and processes for using the same. The modifiers are applicable to curing or sealing membranes, used in roadways, highways, parking lots and other freshly placed or poured concrete surfaces to retain moisture and achieve high compressive strengths. This invention also relates to materials used to coat, spray, brush, roll etc. on conventional Portland cement concrete mix designs or other applied concrete mixes in formed structural shapes and transport road mix designs, providing an effective layer that controls and minimizes moisture loss from the mix to enable proper curing and achievement of desired compressive strengths. The compositions of the invention further provide for concrete and cement formulations having lower water soluble chloride content.

Abstract: Disclosed are bonding agents useful in the production of pelletized or briquetted fuels. The bonding agents may be incorporated into a feed containing the fuel material, providing both adhesion and cohesion of the fines to produce a uniform and predictable pellet or briquette. Specifically, the bonding composition contains a solubulized starch, a sugar source and/or a diol or polyol compound, and optionally a polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), PVOH copolymers, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl acetate copolymers (PVAc), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc or VAE) or any subset or combination of such polymers. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the bonding agents and to densified and/or torrefied biomass products prepared therewith.

Abstract: Composite panels may be prepared using a moisture resistance additive having a formulation that includes a triglyceride having a saponification value of at least 150 and an iodine value of at least 35. The additive may be used in the form of a water emulsion. The water emulsion may be prepared by dispersing the components of the additive formulation under conditions sufficient to at least partially saponify the triglyceride. The moisture resistance additive can impart resistance to moisture absorption and thickness swelling to composite panels prepared therewith.

Abstract: Proppant materials, and methods for making proppant materials, are provided. In one embodiment, the proppant material comprises a substrate material, a polymeric material disposed on the substrate material and a surface wettability modifier disposed on the polymeric material. Methods of making and using the proppant materials are also disclosed.