Abstract: A method of producing calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate is disclosed, including the steps of exposing a mixture including a calcium sulfate form selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate &bgr;-hemihydrate, water-soluble calcium sulfate anhydrite, and mixtures thereof, water, and a crystallization catalyst, to microwave radiation to produce calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate; and separating at least a portion of the calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate to provide a solid comprising calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate and a filtrate and/or remainder that can be recycled to provide at least one of a calcium sulfate form, water, a crystallization catalyst, a crystal habit modifier, and a surfactant for use in production of additional &agr;-hemihydrate.

Abstract: A method of producing calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate, including the steps of exposing a mixture including a calcium sulfate form selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate &bgr;-hemihydrate, water-soluble calcium sulfate anhydrite, and mixtures thereof, water, and a crystallization catalyst, to microwave radiation to produce calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate; and separating at least a portion of the calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate to provide a solid comprising calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate and a remainder, is disclosed.

Abstract: A static foam generating apparatus including a pipe having an inner diameter, an axis, an input end, and an output end is disclosed. A plurality of perforated discs are disposed in the pipe, the discs positioned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pipe axis. A plurality of spacer rings are disposed within the pipe, a spacer ring separating each perforated disc from each adjacent perforated disc. Additionally, a method for generating foam including the steps of providing a static foam generating apparatus including a pipe having an inner diameter, an axis, an input end, and an output end, supplying feed water to the pipe, supplying surfactant to the pipe, and supplying air to the pipe is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a cementitious composition such as joint compound includes pre-mixing at least two dry ingredients and pre-mixing at least two liquid ingredients. The ingredients are provided in a continuous mixing apparatus and at least substantially continuously blended.

Abstract: A method of preparation of gypsum wallboard, as well as a core composition suitable for use therein, are disclosed. The core composition includes a slurry of calcium sulfate hemihydrate (stucco), water, and calcium aluminum lignosulfonate and/or aluminum lignosulfonate.

Abstract: Cementitious binders include calcium sulfate beta-hemihydrate, a cement component comprising Portland cement, and either silica fume or rice-husk ash. The silica fume or rice-husk ash component is at least about 92 wt % amorphous silica and has an alumina content of about 0.6 wt % or less.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a riser comprising an elongated web having one or more folds which form at least one ridge and slopes extending away from the ridge. When in use as a riser, the web is positioned on edge so that the edge surfaces of the ridges and the slopes engage the bottommost article being supported. The web preferably includes strengthening elements located at at least the ridges. A group of risers are nestable whereby they may be compactly stacked for storage and/or shipping. The edge surfaces have a surface area sufficient to avoid forming a substantial imprint in the article. The risers may be made of a recycled material, such as wood chips, plastic and gypsum, and the risers are reusable.

Abstract: A cementitious composition useful for water-resistant construction materials, including floor underlayments, backing boards, self-leveling floor materials, road patching materials, fiberboard, fire-proofing sprays, and fire-stopping materials includes about 20 wt. % to about 75 wt. % calcium sulfate beta-hemihydrate, about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. % Portland cement, about 4 wt. % to about 20 wt. % silica fume and about 1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % pozzolanic aggregate. The Portland cement component may also be a blend of Portland cement with fly ash and/or ground blast slag.

Abstract: A cementitious composition useful for water-resistant construction materials, including floor underlayments, backing boards, self-leveling floor materials, road patching materials, fiberboard, fire-proofing sprays, and fire-stopping materials includes about 20 wt. % to about 75 wt. % calcium sulfate beta-hemihydrate, about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. % Portland cement, about 4 wt. % to about 20 wt. % silica fume and about 1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % pozzolanic aggregate. The Portland cement component may also be a blend of Portland cement with fly ash and/or ground blast slag.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives having improved color, cohesive strength and tack (are) obtained by reacting an acrylic interpolymer containing hydroxyl or carboxyl groups with a poly(metaloxane), poly(alkoxytitanoxanes) being particularly preferred.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives having improved color, cohesive strength and tack are obtained by reacting an acrylic interpolymer containing hydroxyl or carboxyl groups with a poly(metaloxane), poly(alkoxytitanoxanes) being particularly preferred.