Abstract: High-temperature and high-pressure water, preferably at or above supercritical conditions for water, is injected into a high-temperature flame of a fuel combustor such as a coal-fired furnace, or boiler, or a turbine, internal combustion engine, rocket or the like. The process enhances efficiency of the combustion process, and, when used with fuels such as coal, renders ash, particularly fly ash, cementitious, so that it can be used as a substitute for conventional cement, reduces the carbon content of the ash, so that it can be used as a cement additive, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the environment.

Abstract: The properties of cement matrices are improved by one or more of the three processes which can be performed individually, sequentially, or in any desired combination. In each instance a supercritical fluid including at least one substance other than CO.sub.2 is flowed through the matrix and the matrix is contacted by the substance to change, e.g. react, constituents of the two with each other. Alternatively, the supercritical fluid can be used as a solvent, itself or by combining it with a solvent which itself may or may not be supercritical, and the fluid is infused into the matrix to carry into the matrix and there deposit the dissolved material. This step can be repeated with another supercritical fluid which has a reactant for the material dissolved so that, upon the infusion of the second supercritical fluid, the initially deposited material and the reactant react to provide the matrix with desired characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing cement/concrete mixtures with alkali-intolerant reinforcements and/or aggregate, such as uncoated, common glass filament, plastic filament, fabric and roving made therefrom by reducing the pH of the mixture while in its plastic state, and/or after it has set and cured, to about 7. With a neutral pH, the alkali-intolerant reinforcements need not be coated to protect them from degradation. In the absence of alkalinity, the reinforcement and/or aggregate material bonds with the cement mixture to form a relatively stronger mixture, which can be shaped as desired, made part of permanently poured structures, cement boards and many other small and large products. By selecting appropriate and, if desired, different materials for the reinforcements and/or aggregate, the strength, flexibility, etc. characteristics of the product can be readily changed to adapt the product to the intended use. The pH is reduced by migrating such materials as CO.sub.2 and/or CO and O.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling two cement board stay-in-place form panels for aking concrete-filled walls that is cost-effective and forms a uniform precise composite wall construction. The assembly includes a coextensive corrugated spacer panel between the form panels for maintaining a uniform distance there between. The forms and spacer panels are secured in place with a notched tie rod that penetrates the spacer and both wall panels, this assembly allows for rapid form installation. The spacer panel has two embodiments, viz. i) a preformed rigid corrugated panel and ii) a flattened unassembled panel with precut fold lines that are folded at the building site and then secured with a dowel-rod bracing component. The apparatus preferably uses fiber-glass-reinforced cement board for the stay-in-place forms. The final composite wall construction typically is made up of 4 feet wide by 8 feet high by 6.5-inch thick composite wall sections.

Abstract: Cured cement matrices are exposed to dense-phase or supercritical CO.sub.2 which enters the matrix through passages therein to neutralize the natural alkalinity of the cement so that alkali-intolerant materials can be incorporated in the cement. The CO.sub.2 converts calcium hydroxide in the cement to calcium carbonate and water, and the high pressure of the dense-phase or supercritical CO.sub.2 forms rounded, closely packed and aligned crystals with few or no visible pores or capillaries to enhance the homogeneity and strength of the cured cement and its bonding with, for example, uncoated reinforcing glass fibers. The supercritical CO.sub.2 can be used to transport other organic or inorganic materials, including pulverized metal, in solution or suspension into the interior of the cement matrix to alter its chemical and/or physical characteristics. The supercritical CO.sub.

Abstract: Wall panels are fastened to walls or to one another with pairs of identical elically-wound fastener rods which engage each other by turning. Spacer tubes are provided to maintain the desired spacing between panels, or between panels and walls, and to align the helically-wound sections of the fasteners before engaging. Guide prongs may also be used to assist in the alignment of the fasteners with each other before engaging.

Abstract: Cured cement matrices are exposed to dense-phase or supercritical CO.sub.2 which enters the matrix through passages therein to neutralize the natural alkalinity of the cement so that alkali-intolerant materials can be incorporated in the cement. The CO.sub.2 converts calcium hydroxide in the cement to calcium carbonate and water, and the high pressure of the dense-phase or supercritical CO.sub.2 forms rounded, closely packed and aligned crystals with few or no visible pores or capillaries to enhance the homogeneity and strength of the cured cement and its bonding with, for example, uncoated reinforcing glass fibers. The supercritical CO.sub.2 can be used to transport other organic or inorganic materials, including pulverized metal, in solution or suspension into the interior of the cement matrix to alter its chemical and/or physical characteristics. The supercritical CO.sub.

Abstract: A simple, environmentally benign building for on-site erection and fabrication is made of monolithic, architectural, structural walls, beams, girders, joists and panels of relatively high physical strength which exhibit great durability and resistance to fire, wind and seismic damage and which have highly desirable acoustic and thermal transfer characteristics. The wall is constructed by casting a core of flowable fibrous, foam-cement mix between two, thin panels of manufactured, exterior-grade fiberglass reinforced cement board. Particles and proteins from the core mix penetrate, migrate into and fill interstitial spaces in the cement board, forming a strong, continuous and homogenous bond between the fill material and the board itself. This imparts additional strength to the cement board by filling the interstitial voids, creating a solid, homogeneous wall. The wall, girder, etc.