Abstract: The present disclosure relates more particularly to roofing granules, such as solar-reflective roofing granules, and to methods for making and using them in roofing products. Provided are, for example, a collection of solar-reflective roofing granules having a solar reflectivity of at least 70%, (e.g., at least 80 wt % or even at least 90 wt %) of the solar-reflective roofing granules of the collection having a major aspect ratio of at least 4 and a minor aspect ratio of at least 3. Also provided is a roofing product that includes a substrate; a bituminous material coated on the substrate, the bituminous material having a top surface; and a collection of solar-reflective roofing granules as described herein disposed on the top surface of the bituminous material, thereby substantially coating the bituminous material in a region thereof.

Abstract: A system for rendering a building material comprising a database including an adjustable parameter relating to a characteristic of a contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to provide a rendered image of the contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to be used in conjunction with manufacturing of the building material, and wherein the rendered image has a ?E, as measured according to a Color Test with respect to the building material, of less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or even less than 1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to wallboards, for example, suitable for use in constructing internal walls. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a wallboard and a method that provides simplified high-quality surface finishing. The wallboard includes a wall panel having a front surface and a rear surface. A sandable coating is disposed on the front surface of the wall panel. The method includes positioning wallboards adjacent to one another, applying sandable joint compound over joint formed between the wallboards, and sanding the joint compound and the sandable coating of the wallboards.

Abstract: A system for visualization of a building material on a building, the system adapted to provide a rendered image having a ?E, as measured according to a Color Test, of less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or even less than 1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to roofing granules, such as solar-reflective roofing granules having one or more of low crystalline silica content, high stain resistance and algae resistance. The present disclosure provides a mineral roofing granule having a mineral outer surface having a surface porosity of no more than about 10%. The present disclosure also provides a mineral roofing granule having at its mineral outer surface a first fired mixture comprising an aluminosilicate clay, the first fired material having no more than 2 wt % crystalline silica. The present disclosure also provides a mineral roofing granule having a mineral body and a mineral outer surface, the mineral roofing granule having at its mineral outer surface a first fired material, the first fired material being a first fired mixture comprising an aluminosilicate clay; one or more of a feldspar, a sodium silicate and a nepheline syenite; and, optionally, a zinc source.

Abstract: A system for visually enhancing a surface. For example, the system may include an assembly that may be configured to project a laser line across at least a portion of the surface. Versions of the laser line may be projected at an angle of incidence relative to a plane defined by the surface. For example, the angle of incidence may be in a range of about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees. In one version, the laser line may be substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the surface. In addition, the laser line may enable enhanced, qualitative user visualization of the surface and non-planar distortion in the surface.

Abstract: An abrasive article including a core including an organic material and a first bonded abrasive body integrally bonded directly to the core, the first bonded abrasive body having abrasive particles contained within a bond material and the abrasive article having a bonding factor of at least about 60%.

Abstract: An abrasive article includes a core comprising an organic material and a first bonded abrasive body integrally bonded directly to the core, wherein the bonded abrasive body includes a bond material, and abrasive particles contained within the bond material.

Abstract: A tool includes a holder configured to couple to a dual-sided chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) pad conditioner. The holder has a magnetic material, a first magnetic field strength (H1) at a first face, and a second magnetic field strength (H2) at a second face opposite the first face. The first magnetic field strength (H1) is different than the second magnetic field strength (H2).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.