Abstract: Building materials that include a structure such as a structural support are described, wherein the structure defines a plurality of cavities at least partially filled with a polymeric foam. The polymeric foam may include a hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a density less than 5 pcf and/or the structure may include a hydrophobic polymer.

Abstract: Compositions such as concrete compositions are described for use in building materials and products. The composition may comprise an aggregate composition comprising a particulate suppressing component and a cement. The composition may have an impact resistance of at least Class 1 as measured under ANSI/FM 4473. Methods of preparing and using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming a cured cement or concrete object is described that includes printing a carbonatable material and a CO2 source; and hardening the printed carbonatable material by a carbonation reaction. Associated cured and uncured objects, as well as related methods are also described.

Abstract: Composite panels and methods of use and manufacturing are described herein. The composite panels may comprise a foam composite and one or more layers of a facing material. The foam composite may have a density less than or equal to 20 pcf, and the layer(s) of facing material, e.g., inorganic facing material, may have a thickness of 1/16 inch to 1 inch covering at least the front surface of the foam composite.

Abstract: Panel systems and related methods of controlling sound transmission are discussed. For example, the panel system may include a sound control component, which may include a foam composite of a polymer and an inorganic filler. The panel system may further include an attachment mechanism, e.g., including at least one fastener, at least one bracket, and/or at least one rail or rail system. The attachment mechanism may be configured to secure the sound control component between a first wall and a second wall, such that the panel system controls sound transmission between the first and second walls.

Abstract: Composite materials that include a structural support are described, wherein the structural support defines a plurality of cavities at least partially filled with a polymeric foam. The polymeric foam may have a density less than 5 pcf and/or the composite material may have a compressive strength of at least 60 psi.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials and methods of preparation are discussed. The composite material may comprise a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in the polyurethane foam. The composite material may have moisture movement properties, such that (a) a sample of the composite material having a length of 48 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.15% along the length, and/or (b) a sample having a length of 6 inches has a moisture movement of less than 0.8% along the length, when submerged in 45° C. distilled water for 14 days.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods of use and manufacturing are described herein. The composite materials may include a substrate comprising a polymer composite, the substrate having a density of 2 pcf to 15 pcf; and a facer covering at least a portion of the substrate, the facer including a polymer and a filler, wherein the filler is present in an amount greater than or equal to 50% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the facer.

Abstract: Dust suppression agents and methods of use, e.g., to reduce operator exposure to particulate matter released during machining of a material, are described. The method may include providing a retained dust suppression agent proximate to a surface of the material and machining the material at the surface with a tool having a mechanized motion. The mechanized motion of the tool may release at least a portion of the retained dust suppression agent to reduce operator exposure to respirable particulate matter from the material as compared to machining the material at the surface absent the retained dust suppression agent.

Abstract: Cutting apparatuses and methods of use thereof are discussed. For example, the cutting apparatus may include a chassis with one or more substrate interfaces and a scribe guide. The cutting apparatuses also may include a plurality of support pistons, a deformable support, a locking mechanism, and/or an anchor extension. The support pistons may be adjustable to generally conform to a substrate, such as a non-planar substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are organic-inorganic composite materials. Also disclosed herein are organic-inorganic composite materials including polymer substrates with at least one cementitious layer comprising inorganic fibers and organic fibers. Also disclosed herein are organic-inorganic composite materials including polymer substrates with at least one cementitious layer comprising fibers of varying length and diameter. Also disclosed herein are organic-inorganic composite materials including polymer substrates with at least one cementitious layer comprising a plurality of fibers having an average diameter of 7 microns or greater. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sacrificial agents to counteract the deleterious impact of gypsum contaminants on the effectiveness of certain stucco additives, particularly, water reducing agents and foaming agents, in a stucco slurry used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sacrificial agents to counteract the deleterious impact of gypsum contaminants on the effectiveness of certain stucco additives, particularly, water reducing agents and foaming agents, in a stucco slurry used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sacrificial agents to counteract the deleterious impact of gypsum contaminants on the effectiveness of certain stucco additives, particularly, water reducing agents and foaming agents, in a stucco slurry used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The polyurethane composites can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols, (b) an inorganic filler, (c) an inorganic fiber, and (d) an organic fiber. Suitable organic fibers can include polyester fibers. The weight ratio of the inorganic fiber to the organic fiber can be from 1:1 to 20:1. Articles comprising the polyurethane composites described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions and methods for producing the cementitious compositions are described herein. The methods can include mixing a compound of the general formula MaSibXcOd, MaSibXcOd(OH)e, MaSibXc(OH)e, or MaSibXc(OH)e, (H2O)f, wherein M comprises a metal that can react with carbon dioxide in a carbonation reaction to form a carbonate, Si forms an oxide during the carbonation reaction, X is an element other than M or Si, a, b, d, e, and f are greater than zero, and c is zero or greater, with a rapid setting hydraulic cement to produce a cementitious mixture. The methods can further include hydrating the cementitious mixture and carbonating the cementitious mixture. Carbonating the cementitious mixture can occur simultaneously with hydrating the cementitious mixture or subsequent to hydrating the cementitious mixture. In some embodiments, the non-hydraulic cement can comprise wollastonite. The hydraulic cement can be in an amount of from 5 wt % to 80 wt % of the cementitious composition.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials can comprise a polyurethane and an absorptive filler. The polyurethane can be formed from the reaction of at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and combinations thereof, and one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers. The one or more isocyanate-reactive monomers can comprise at least one polyol and a first isocyanate-reactive monomer which includes one or more isocyanate-reactive functional groups and a moiety configured to associate with the absorptive filler.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions and methods for producing the cementitious compositions are described herein. The methods can include mixing a compound of the general formula MaSibXcOd, MaSibXcOd(OH)e, MaSibXc(OH)e, or MaSibXc(OH)e.(H2O)f, wherein M comprises a metal that can react with carbon dioxide in a carbonation reaction to form a carbonate, Si forms an oxide during the carbonation reaction, X is an element other than M or Si, a, b, d, e, and f are greater than zero, and c is zero or greater, with a rapid setting hydraulic cement to produce a cementitious mixture. The methods can further include hydrating the cementitious mixture and carbonating the cementitious mixture. Carbonating the cementitious mixture can occur simultaneously with hydrating the cementitious mixture or subsequent to hydrating the cementitious mixture. In some embodiments, the non-hydraulic cement can comprise wollastonite. The hydraulic cement can be in an amount of from 5 wt % to 80 wt % of the cementitious composition.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The methods of making the polyurethane composite can include mixing (1) at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (2) at least one polyol, (3) an inorganic filler, and (4) an evaporative coolant in an extruder to form a mixture. The method also include extruding the mixture into a mold cavity, generating heat in the mold cavity from the reaction of the at least one isocyanate and the at least one polyol, and allowing the evaporative coolant to migrate to an interface between the mixture and the interior mold surface. The temperature of the mixture causes evaporation of the evaporative coolant at the interface thereby removing heat at the interface. Suitable evaporative coolants for use in the methods of making the polyurethane composites include hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.