Abstract: A method of determining moisture content in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system is disclosed. The method includes: placing a first electrode in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system (Mixture) at a first depth, placing a second electrode in the Mixture at a second depth, applying an alternating current (AC) signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, measuring impedance, determining the frequency which yields the minimum measured impedance, recording the minimum measured impedance, repeating the above steps at a predetermined time interval until the recorded minimum impedance is about 10 times of the first recorded minimum impedance, and alerting a user that the Mixture has sufficiently cured.

Abstract: A method of determining moisture content in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system is disclosed. The method includes: placing a first electrode in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system (Mixture) at a first depth, placing a second electrode in the Mixture at a second depth, applying an alternating current (AC) signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, measuring impedance, determining the frequency which yields the minimum measured impedance, recording the minimum measured impedance, repeating the above steps at a predetermined time interval until the recorded minimum impedance is about 10 times of the first recorded minimum impedance, and alerting a user that the Mixture has sufficiently cured.

Abstract: The invention provides a cement paste composition comprising cement, cellulose nanocrystals, and optionally water. The cellulose nanocrystals can be present in an amount sufficient and effective to increase the flexural strength of cured cement prepared from the cement paste composition. The cellulose nanocrystals can also be present in an amount sufficient and effective to increase the workability of a cement paste prepared from the cement paste composition. The invention further provides a water reducing additive that reduces the amount of water required for desired workability of a cement composition. Use of the presence of the cellulose nanocrystals also results in an increased degree of hydration and cumulative heat evolution in comparison to a corresponding composition without the cellulose nanoparticles, thereby resulting in a higher total cure of the cement paste composition upon curing.

Abstract: A method of treating porous material, such as cement or concrete. In this method, fatty acid alkyl esters having 16 to 22 carbon atoms are provided. Polystyrene is dissolved in the fatty acid alkyl esters to thereby form a blend composition. The blend composition is then applied to a cementitious material, which effectively seals the cementitious material and protects it. In another embodiment, a cementitious material prepared in accordance with the method just described is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a cement paste composition comprising cement, cellulose nanocrystals, and optionally water. The cellulose nanocrystals can be present in an amount sufficient and effective to increase the flexural strength of cured cement prepared from the cement paste composition. The cellulose nanocrystals can also be present in an amount sufficient and effective to increase the workability of a cement paste prepared from the cement paste composition. The invention further provides a water reducing additive that reduces the amount of water required for desired workability of a cement composition. Use of the presence of the cellulose nanocrystals also results in an increased degree of hydration and cumulative heat evolution in comparison to a corresponding composition without the cellulose nanoparticles, thereby resulting in a higher total cure of the cement paste composition upon curing.

Abstract: A method of treating porous material, such as cement or concrete. In this method, fatty acid alkyl esters having 16 to 22 carbon atoms are provided. Polystyrene is dissolved in the fatty acid alkyl esters to thereby form a blend composition. The blend composition is then applied to a cementitious material, which effectively seals the cementitious material and protects it. In another embodiment, a cementitious material prepared in accordance with the method just described is disclosed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous blend composition for treating a porous material comprising triacylglycerides obtained from vegetable oils and containing a fatty acid component and a polystyrene dissolved in the triacylglycerides to form a blend composition, the polystyrene component being present in the blend composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 40% by weight of the fatty acid component.

Abstract: A non-aqueous blend composition for treating a porous material comprising triacylglycerides obtained from vegetable oils and containing a fatty acid component and a polystyrene dissolved in the triacylglycerides to form a blend composition, the polystyrene component being present in the blend composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 40% by weight of the fatty acid component.

Abstract: A non-aqueous blend composition for treating a porous material comprising triacylglycerides obtained, from vegetable oils and containing a fatty acid component and a polystyrene dissolved in the triacylglycerides to form a blend composition, the polystyrene component being present in the blend composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 40% by weight of the fatty acid component.

Abstract: A non-aqueous blend composition for treating a porous material comprising triacylglycerides obtained, from vegetable oils and containing a fatty acid component and a polystyrene dissolved in the triacylglycerides to form a blend composition, the polystyrene component being present in the blend composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 40% by weight of the fatty acid component.