Abstract: Proppants and methods for their preparation are described herein. The proppants can be prepared by a process comprising (a) directing the molten slag material at a temperature above 1300° C. to an atomizing apparatus to output the molten slag material in the form of atomized droplets, (b) projecting the droplets of the molten slag material, wherein a substantial portion of the droplets at least partially solidifies in flight, (c) maintaining the at least partially solidified droplets at a temperature between 700° C. and 1300° C. to provide proppant particles having a crystalline phase; and (d) cooling the proppant particles to below 700° C. Methods for hydraulic fracturing of a well in a subterranean formation having a fracturing stress are also described herein.

Abstract: Proppants and methods for their preparation are described herein. The proppants can be prepared by a process comprising (a) directing a molten glass material on to an atomizing apparatus to output the molten glass material in the form of atomized droplets, and (b) projecting the droplets of the molten glass material towards a receiver, wherein a substantial portion of the droplets at least partially solidifies in flight. In some embodiments, the molten glass material can include molten slag. The atomizing apparatus can be a spinning disc, for example a rotary atomizing disc. Methods for hydraulic fracturing of a well in a subterranean formation having a fracturing stress are also described herein.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer compositions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The compositions include the reaction product of a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder includes fly ash, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, and less than 10% by weight portland cement. In some examples, the composition is substantially free from alkanolamines. In some examples, the ratio of water to reactive powder is from 0.06:1 to less than 0.2:1. Also described herein are building materials including the compositions.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer compositions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The compositions include the reaction product of a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder includes fly ash and a tricalcium aluminate additive. In some examples, the reactive powder comprises less than 5% by weight portland cement. The tricalcium aluminate is present in an amount of 0.5% or greater by weight of the reactive powder. Also described herein are building materials including the compositions.

Abstract: Inorganic polymer compositions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The compositions include the reaction product of a reactive powder, an activator, and optionally a retardant. The reactive powder includes fly ash, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, and less than 10% by weight portland cement. In some examples, the composition is substantially free from alkanolamines. In some examples, the ratio of water to reactive powder is from 0.06:1 to less than 0.2:1. Also described herein are building materials including the compositions.