Abstract: Surfactants containing a mixture of alkyl sulfate and alkyl ether sulfate in specific ratios are provided. Preferred compositions are blends of alkyl sulfate with narrow range alkoxylated alcohols are sulfonated. These compositions are used as improved foaming agent compositions and exhibit desirable foaming characteristics for use in the manufacture of gypsum board and concrete and in oil field applications.

Abstract: Process for protecting articles from shock comprising encasing such articles in a plurality of molded blocks of a composition capable of progressively and irreversibly deforming in response to such shocks, said composition comprising cellulosic fibers dispersed in a matrix of at least one non-hydrated hydraulic binder, wherein from 2.5 to 75 parts by weight of the cellulosic fibers are dispersed per 100 parts by weight of said binder, said composition, upon curing and drying, exhibiting a density between 0.15 and 0.60.

Abstract: A process for the production of a ready-mixed setting-type joint compound includes the use of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, water, and a set-retarding agent. The retarder includes a polymer composition including acrylic acid and acrylamide monomer units, for example a copolymer (or a mixture of copolymers) of acrylic acid and acrylamide or a blend of a homopolymer of acrylic acid and a homopolymer of acrylamide. The joint compound can be combined with an accelerator including a metallic salt. The joint compound of the invention can be formulated either as a lightweight joint compound or as a conventional weight joint compound. The joint compounds provide short setting times, reduced shrinkage, reduced preparation time, and beneficial application properties.

Abstract: A set control composition and/or interground blend of materials including a calcium sulfate material and magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: Water-repellent plaster compositions comprising the constituents(A) 100 parts by weight of gypsum plaster,(B) from 0.05 to 50 parts by weight of oxide or hydroxide of alkali or alkaline earth metals or a mixture thereof, and(C) from 0.05 to 20 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane which has hydroxyl and/or alkoxy groups bonded to silicon atoms.

Abstract: Plaster is rendered water-repellent by impregnation with organosiloxanes containing Si-bonded hydrogen atoms and with alkali metal silicate. In particular, the water-repellent action is improved in the case of shaped plaster articles treated at high drying temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of rendering a wallboard water-repellent comprising applying to the wallboard a water-repellent composition comprising a hydrogen siloxane component and a high molecular weight silicone.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble ionic cellulose derivatives and their use as additives for gypsum- and cement-containing compounds.

Abstract: Finishing systems and roof decks are provided which include a gypsum board having a set gypsum core faced with a fibrous mat. The gypsum core includes one or more additives which are effective in simultaneously improving the water and fire resistance of the board. In preferred embodiments, the board has sufficient water-resistant additive for absorbing less than about 10% water in an ASTM C-473 test.

Abstract: Narrow range alkoxylated alcohols are sulfonated and used as improved foaming agent compositions. These compositions exhibit desirable foaming characteristics for use in the manufacture of gypsum board and concrete and in oil field applications.

Abstract: A method for incorporating siloxane into a water-resistant, gypsum-based article is disclosed, comprising, (A) adding said siloxane to water; (B) mixing said siloxane/water mixture with calcined gypsum to form an aqueous slurry; and (C) allowing said slurry to set to form a set gypsum-based, water-resistant article.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of enhancing the later age strength of certain blended cements. Under the process of this invention, certain blended cements, in particular those made from cement clinkers containing at least 4% C.sub.4 AF, when mixed with up to 0.2% of a higher trialkanolamine exhibit a marked increase in 7 and 28-day compressive strengths. The blended cements of this invention contain between 5 and 80% fillers or clinker substitutes. The higher trialkanolamine strength enhancing additive may be admixed with the cement powder or may be interground with the cement clinker during finish milling.

Abstract: An improved water-resistant cementitious composition and products made therefrom are provided by forming an aqueous cementitious slurry, as for example of calcined gypsum and adding an organic amine preferably containing a hydroxyl functionality and a silanic hydrogen containing silicone compound. The slurry is set in conventional manner by heating and drying. The resulting product has a high degree of water-resistance and has no adverse effect upon the physical properties of the board.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of enhancing the later age strength of certain blended cements. Under the process of this invention, certain blended cements, in particular those made from cement clinkers containing at least 4% C.sub.4 AF, when mixed with up to 0.2% triisopropanolamine exhibit a marked increase in 7 and 28-day compressive strengths. The blended cements of this invention contain between 5 and 60% fillers or clinker substitutes. The triisopropanolamine strength enhancing additive may be admixed with the cement powder or may be interground with the cement clinker during finish milling.