Abstract: A cementitious veneer and laminate composition is provided. The cementitious laminate composition includes a substrate, a primer layer applied to the substrate, the primer layer comprising a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol catalyst, Portland cement, and sand; and a cementitious veneer layer applied to the primer layer, the veneer layer comprising a mixture of magnesium sulfate, filler, magnesium oxide, gypsum cement, and polyvinyl alcohol catalyst. The polyvinyl alcohol catalyst comprises a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol fibers dissolved in water and mixed with butylene carbonate. The veneer layer is applied to the substrate and primer layer by means including spraying and manual spreading. The veneer layer can be ornamentally manipulated either before or after curing of the veneer layer. The veneer composition can be formed into laminated tiles or panels for use in building applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing an improved cementitious product which includes improved surface characteristics such as skid resistance, as well as improved structural characteristics such as flexural toughness. The product is provided by the inclusion of skid-resistant particles within an uncured cement product, such that the product eventually cures with the skid-resistant particles fixed at and adjacent to the surface, providing improved skid resistance to the cement product its supporting surface, which could be a pedestrian sidewalk, steps, a vehicle roadway, handicapped ramps, or other surfaces where skid resistance is required. The product is desirably softer in structure than traditional concrete structures to allow for desirable wearing by traffic thereon to continuously expose new rubber particles, while still having integral properties which discourage pullout of the particles.

Abstract: Foamable magnesite cement, comprising a cement selected from magnesium oxychloride and magnesium oxysulphate cement, or a mixture thereof, together with one or more organic carboxylic acid(s) having a foaming coefficient lower than 1.80, and/or their anhydride(s) and/or their salt(s).

Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon fiber-reinforced cement material is here disclosed which comprises the step of using, as a reinforcing material, a carbon fiber from which a gas has been removed by replacing the gas captured in the fiber with water. This method permits providing the carbon fiber-reinforced cement material having a large reinforcing effect by the fiber.

Abstract: A modified mortar or concrete composition in which a polymeric binding material is combined with sand, cement, and fine fillers. Use of the higher than previously considered functional ratio of latex binding material to cement permits the resulting mortar or concrete composition to increase the percentage of fine fillers, and reduces the amount of voids as a result of less water loss. The latex material partially fills the voids becoming a part of the structure of the system. This leads to a higher degree of flexibility and coherence of the system.

Abstract: A device comprising a solid or powdered concrete admixture contained in a water-soluble container such that when the container and its contents are introduced into a wet mixer and agitated for a period of time, the water-soluble container is dissolved and the contents are released into the wet mixer. A separate water-insoluble receptacle is used to house and store the water-soluble container and its contents. In addition, there is disclosed a method for modifying the properties of a concrete by introducing a pre-weighed amount of solid admixture contained in a water-soluble container into a wet mixer and thereafter agitating the resulting mix.

Abstract: A latex modified mortar or concrete material in which a polymeric or latex binding material is combined with a low shrinkage (gypsum) cement and fine fillers. Use of the low shrinkage cement and a higher than previously considered functional ratio of latex binding material to low shrinkage cement permits the resulting patching composition to obtain unexpectedly good adhesion, reduced cracking tendencies, dimensional stability, and flexibility required while maintaining enhanced strength properties. The polymeric binding material may be either an elastomeric or a thermoplastic latex.

Abstract: Flowability improving agent comprising a combination of(A) a sulphonated melamine-formaldehyde resin, a sulphonated melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin or a sulphonated naphthalene-formaldehyde resin and(B) a compound of the general formulaAr O--[R.sub.1 ].sub.n --R.sub.2.

Abstract: Compositions containing crystalline, straight chain, alkyl hydrocarbons as phase change materials including cementitious compositions containing the alkyl hydrocarbons neat or in pellets or granules formed by incorporating the alkyl hydrocarbons in polymers or rubbers; and polymeric or elastomeric compositions containing alkyl hydrocarbons.