Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for providing fluid-loss control in subterranean wells. Well-completion fluids contain fine particulate additives whose glass-transition temperatures are below the anticipated bottomhole temperature. The particles soften upon injection into the well, whereupon they soften and become deformable. The particles then migrate to the borehole wall and form a seal that reduces further fluid flow from the borehole into the formation. The additive may be supplied as a powder or in the form of a liquid suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite structure with enhanced toughness, which incorporates features mimicked from nacre (mother of pearl). The structure can be used in many industrial and clinical applications, including aeronautics (aircraft skin), the defense industry (armor materials); orthopedics and medical devices (tough, biocompatible coatings on prostheses) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS; increased reliability for critical components).

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods of reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete pore solutions are provided. Such methods are useful in providing resistance to gels which form in concrete due to the alkali-silica (ASR) reaction. The methods comprise adding a salt or mixture thereof to the concrete, in aqueous or solid form, the salt or salt mixture having cations higher in valence than the anions. The methods also comprise adding an acidic phosphate or a silicon-containing alkoxide to the concrete. The methods further comprise resisting and/or inhibiting ASR in airfield runway concrete pore solutions by applying a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts in solution or a deicing salt mixture in situ to the runway concrete. All of the above methods are useful in reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete. Such methods can be used to resist ASR in fresh concrete, in concrete that is setting, or in hardened concrete.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the sequential steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1.

Abstract: The invention provides a drywall finishing method. The method may include the steps of taping one or more drywall joints with drywall tape and allowing drying; applying a coat of joint compound composition covering substantially all of the drywall tape and allowing to dry; and applying a finishing coat of joint compound composition to substantially all of a drywall surface and allowing to dry. The invention further provides a joint compound composition suitable for use in the method of finishing drywall, wherein the joint compound composition comprises a composition compatible with conventional jointing compound material and exhibits improved properties of thickness, self leveling, elasticity, durability, photographing and/or mold resistance over that of conventional joint compound compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon black granulates having an APC value, measured at a conveying speed of 8 m/s and a solid load of 27 g/kg, less than or equal to 20 and a 25 [mu]m pressure filter value of less than 5 bar cm2/g. The carbon black granulate is produced by carbon black powder being pre-granulated in a first mixing granulator with addition of a granulation liquid with or without binders and being granulated to a finished state in a second mixing granulator without further addition of granulation liquid. The carbon black granulate can be used as a filler, reinforcing filler, UV stabilizer, conductive carbon black, pigment, or reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufactured aggregate material that converts waste materials and/or recyclable materials (136) into construction material (154). By mixing waste materials (156) with a metal oxide and an acid, any harmful contaminates in the waste materials (136) are encapsulated and rendered into hard pellets (154) that are suitable for use in conglomerates or composites such as concrete. The manufactured aggregate material (154) may be adjusted for moisture content, density, heat capacity, and other parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon black having a C-14 content greater than 0.05 Bq/g and a ratio ?D50/Dmode of the aggregate size distribution of less than 0.7. The carbon black is produced by thermal oxidative pyrolysis or thermal cleavage of the carbon black raw material in that the carbon black raw material contains renewable carbon black raw materials and an oxygen deficiency is present in the pyrolysis/cleavage reaction. The carbon blacks can be used in rubber and rubber mixtures, plastic, printing inks, inks, inkjet inks, toners, lacquers, paints, paper, adhesives, batteries, pastes, bitumens, concrete, and other building materials and as reducing agents in metallurgy.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing calcium silicate-based bone cement, including the steps of mixing calcium salt with silicohydrides to form a first mixture; processing the first mixture with a sol-gel process to form a second mixture; heating the second mixture to form a dried mixture; grinding the second mixture into powder; and adding the powder to water or phosphate solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a weighting agent comprising processed taconite, and methods of applying the weighting agents during the completion of subterranean wells. The processed taconite is ground such that the particle-size distribution is comparable to and compatible with other suspended solids in fluids such as, but not limited to, drilling fluids, lost-circulation-control fluids, spacer fluids, cement slurries and temporary pills.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method for effectively increasing the hardness of a concrete surface and other cementeous materials. More specifically, increasing hardness of concrete by applying a strontium based solution to its surface, and the structure made by the method. The invention also relates to application of surfactants and/or other additives in order to improve the penetration of the hardening agent into the concrete surface and other cementeous materials, improve the water and/or oil repellant properties of the concrete, and/or improve its stain resistance.

Abstract: Compositions useful as coatings, wherein the compositions comprise a coating material and a material selected from the group consisting of: mortars and grouts in admixture with the coating material. The coatings may be water-based or solvent-based, and may be epoxies, polyurethanes, polyaspartic ester polymers and polyureas in some embodiments. Compositions according to the disclosure exhibit enhanced physical properties compared with the same compositions made in the absence of a mortar or a grout as an ingredient. Compositions according to some embodiments have at least one of a mortar or grout, and optionally both, evenly dispersed within the bulk of a coating material prior to its application to a substrate sufficiently that the particles of the mortar or grout, or both when both are selected to be present, are substantially completely surrounded by a curable reactive mixture that cures to form a polymeric material useful as a coating.

Abstract: Method of producing binders for building and building products consisting of a material of man-made and/or natural origin from solid products produced by burning of solid fuels, metallurgical slag, ground fire products, products from burnt out mining deep stock piles, glass production waste, ceramic production waste, brick and concrete construction waste, heat-activated clays, low-crystalline pyroclastic rocks, sedimentary laterite, bauxite, opalolite, allophanolite, diatomite rocks, limestones and claystones and clays. The material is subjected to physical treatment consisting in action of a power pulse, during which mechanical energy Etk is passed on to the particles of the material treated by acting of a force of the size from 50 to 3.105 N, related to 1 g of the treated material during a very short time in the range from 1.10?6 to 1.10?2 s or more.

Abstract: Methods of manufacture and use of flowable materials are provided. The flowable fill materials include a cement-based fill material with a cement component and an aggregate component that are mixed with a chemical agent and the like in water. This provides the cement-based material in a flowable state that can be controllably set over time.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a cement admixture that can form concrete having a sufficient self-healing capability and satisfactorily maintaining its self-healing capability for prolonged periods. The cement admixture of the invention contains an expanding material and an alumina-silicate with swelling properties. The cement admixture is combined with cement to form a cement composition. The cement composition is mixed with water and an aggregate to provide concrete with an excellent self-healing capability.

Abstract: A cementitious composite product that can function as a substitute for stone and solid surface materials, such as granite, marble, and engineered stone is provided. Furthermore methods for manufacturing the cementitious composite product using an extrudable cementitious composition that can be extruded or otherwise shaped into stone-like building products that can be used as a substitute for many known stone products is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cementitious composite products can be manufactured more cheaply to be as tough or tougher and more durable than stone and solid surface materials.

Abstract: In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: The present invention describes a chemical vapor-phase deposition for carbon nanotube synthesis in which cement clinker is used as a ceramic matrix for anchoring transition-metal nanoparticles. Using cement clinker as nanoparticle anchoring base of transition metals allows carbon nanotubes to be generated on cement clinker particles and grains, in this way producing a kind of cement that is nanostructured with carbon nanotubes. By this process, the carbon nanotube synthesis and integration to clinker are carried out in just one continuous and large-scale stage. The process described herein can be applied to conventional cement industry whose production may be rated as tons per day. The present invention also proposes—as part of the carbon nanotube synthesis on cement clinker—several enrichment alternatives of cement clinker by using transition metals for producing such nanostructured composite, which may or not be integrated to the conventional cement industry.

Abstract: A method of controlling release of an admixture in a cement-based composition involves intercalating an admixture (e.g. an accelerator, a set retarder, a superplasticizer) for the cement-based composition into a layered double hydroxide or mixture thereof. A cement-based composition prepared in such a manner and containing a cement-based material (e.g. cement, mortar or concrete) has better workability, especially in respect of slump-loss characteristics.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: A mixture of material for providing at least a portion of a travelled surface. The mixture includes an aggregate with a plurality of particles. The mixture also includes a hydrocolloidal agent adapted to swell upon exposure to water to form a resilient and flexible binder, for substantially binding the particles of the aggregate together. The aggregate and the hydrocolloidal agent have an initial pH. The mixture also includes an agent for elevating the initial pH to a predetermined pH, and a hydrophilic agent.

Abstract: A joint compound or wall repair composition and the method of making the same is disclosed that reduces the amount of airborne dust emitted during traditional sanding processes. Generally, such a reduction can be achieved by combining a first binder that has a high glass transition temperature and a second binder that has a low glass transition temperature with conventional joint compound compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a composition includes a sealant composition containing a wellbore treatment fluid and a set modifier component. The sealant composition can be placed into the wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the setting of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monophase amorphous hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium and oxygen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of at least Q1, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or no more than 45 atomic percent of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]y+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2)·(M[6]x+Ox/2)]:[SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.2 to 1.5, and the binder having less than 3.5% by weight of water, as well as a mixture containing this binder.

Abstract: A system and method for treating tailings from a bitumen froth treatment process such as TSRU tailings. The tailings are dewatered and then combusted to convert kaolin in the tailings into metakaolin. Calcined fines and heavy minerals may be recovered from the combustion products, namely from the flue gas and bottom ash.

Abstract: The shaped article is obtained via a cementitious reaction of a particulate composition reactive with water, whereby said reaction is obtained between said composition and an aqueous, liquid or gaseous phase. The particles of the shaped article are present in the form of interlocked particles, whereby the interlocking of said particles is obtained in a 100% water-saturated atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method of cementing comprising providing a cement composition comprising water, a hydraulic cement, and an additive comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a stevia retarder and inulin; placing the cement composition in a subterranean formation; and permitting the cement composition to set in the formation.

Abstract: A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A process of decontamination of sediment particles to reduce active pollutant components through particle size reduction and stabilization treatment.

Abstract: A cement composition is made from a heat activated chemical salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, and calcium oxide and mixtures thereof. This activated salt is the mixed with hydraulic cement in an amount of 2½ to 3½ parts activated salt to one part hydraulic cement and the resulting mixture of hydraulic cement and activated salt is mixed with water and aggregate.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat using a grout that has been optimized for heat transfer includes a heat conductive particulate mixed with the grout. The grout and particulate mixture includes enough particulate to form connections to create heat conductive paths. A method of treating grout so that it is resistant to the caustic environment existing at the bottom of a well, mixing an aggregate with the grout to form a mixture having a PH opposite to the caustic environment at the bottom of the well.

Abstract: Provided is a protective concrete for weaken the intensity of proton radiation, and it is prepared by mixing 525# cement 500-700 Kg; barite sand 1000-1400 kg, barite stone 1500-1800 Kg, lead powder 180-200 Kg and water 170-180 Kg. The barite that can absorb the proton radiation is used, so the present concrete is much better than conventional concretes in weakening the proton radiation, and 1.5 m-thick wall without lead plates which is prepared with the present concrete can achieve the same effect on weakening the proton radiation with a conventional 2 m-thick wall covering with lead plates.

Abstract: Described herein is a photocatalytic composite comprising a titanium dioxide supported on metakaolin. In comparison to known embodiments of the sector, the composite of the present invention makes it possible to obtain binders and derived products with high photocatalytic efficiency, even when using photocatalyst quantities which are lesser than those present in products of prior technical art.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic cementitious article with one or more pre-formed shaped regions. The shaped regions are generally channels that extend through a portion of the article or span the full article. The article includes one or more openings at least one of its ends. The article has a low apparent density with a high strength as well as high performance characteristics. The article when manufactured is suitable for use as a building product, such as siding, panel, trim, fascia, roofing, crown moulding, decking, and fencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability.

Abstract: A structural component on the basis of a mineral, crystalline binder matrix composed of hardened cement and/or construction lime and/or gypsum, wherein the matrix can have aggregates and/or additives and/or admixtures, forms a surface that receives light, in its usability or use, on which surface photocatalytically active particles are situated. The particles are situated and fixed in place only on the surface of the structural component. The remainder of the structural component body does not have the particles. A method for production of the structural components is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing materials containing binder systems derived from amorphous silica and bases as well as the materials prepared by the method. Relative to known methods, the present invention allows for a continuous production of material as the two components of the binder are brought onto into contact where the binder system is to be applied. The product achieved by the invention has a broad range of applications, such as for construction materials, insulating materials, fire proof materials, reinforcement materials etc. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing materials containing binder systems derived from amorphous inorganic material and bases as well as the materials prepared by the method.

Abstract: Mercury adsorbed from combustion gas by activated carbon can be sequestered in concrete containing air entraining admixtures. The activated carbon may be made by providing a carbon char made from anthracite or low-volatile bituminous coal that was devolatilized and carbonized in an oxygen-depleted environment and activating this char in the presence of steam to provide an activated carbon with an acid blue 80 index of less than about 30 milligrams per gram of carbon. The activated carbon may also be made by providing a carbon char that was devolatilized and carbonized in an oxygen-depleted environment and activating this char in the presence of oxygen to provide an activated carbon. The carbon may be injected into a combustion gas stream containing fly ash and mercury and may then be removed with fly ash from the gas stream. The resulting composition may be used as a partial substitute for cement in air-entrained concretes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monophase hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium, oxygen and hydrogen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of higher than Q1.5 and silanol groups, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or a part of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]Yy+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2) (M[6]x+Ox/2)]: [SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.2 to 2.0, and the binder having an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight, as well as a mixture containing this binder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting wet synthetic gypsum from a flue desulphurization process (FGD) to easily handled and metered briquettes by mixing a hydraulic additive such as by-pass dust from a cement kiln with synthetic gypsum and allowing the heat from the resulting hydraulic reaction to reduce the water content of the mixture to a formable consistency without adding external heat to the mixture as it is formed into briquettes.

Abstract: Method for cementing a well comprising a hydraulic cement, water, carbon fiber and graphite are provided. The synergy achieved from combining fibers and particulates into the same sample results in a composite slurry with improved electrical properties and easy-to-optimize rheologies. Method for measuring resistivity through casing thanks to the nature of the cement composition is also provided.

Abstract: A building product incorporating synthetic microspheres having a low alkali metal oxide content is provided. The synthetic microspheres are substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The building product can have a cementitious matrix such as a fiber cement product. The synthetic microspheres can be incorporated as a low density additive and/or a filler for the building product and/or the like.

Abstract: CO2 sequestering soil stabilization compositions are provided. The soil stabilization compositions of the invention include a CO2 sequestering component, e.g., a CO2 sequestering carbonate composition. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2 sequestering soil stabilization composition. The invention also comprises the method of stabilizing soil and producing a soil stabilized structure utilizing such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monophase hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium, oxygen and hydrogen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of no more than Q1.5 and silanol groups, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or a part of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]y+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2)·(M[6]x+Ox/2)]:[SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.75 to 2.75, and the binder containing an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight, as well as a mixture containing this binder.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.

Abstract: A method for reducing hexavalent chromium in cement comprising the addition, to said cement, of antimony (III) compounds as reducing agents.

Abstract: The use of silicate as a retarder enhancer at appropriate levels to enhance the retarding effect of retarders at high temperatures encountered downhole while accelerating the set of cement at lower temperatures encountered near to the surface.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a fibre-reinforced concrete with high strength and low volume weight. The concrete mixture has greater mechanical strength properties than those of a standard concrete and a lower volume weight. The invention comprises a matrix of cement, water and fibres, preferably glass-fibre waste, to reinforce the stone aggregates. The formulation comprises a type of concrete that is different from those currently available, owing to the formulation, mixture and novel mechanical behaviour thereof.