Abstract: There is disclosed a cement plaster composition wherein an additive having from about 10% to about 75% of a silicone treated powder and from about 90% to about 25% of a pozzalanic filler is combined with a type I Portland cement and a crushed aggregate to form a water repellent coating for plastering a swimming pool surface. The additive may also include rheology modifiers, water reducing agents, or set time modifiers.

Abstract: An asbestos replacement is disclosed which includes water retention agents and finely divided mineral clays with high moisture retention capabilities. Combining the aforementioned ingredients in the correct proportions yields properties as those of asbestos when used in cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: A method for producing quick setting concrete is provided comprising hydrng a concrete dry mixture with carbonate solution to create a slurry, and allowing the slurry to cure. The invention also provides for a quick setting concrete having a predetermined proportion of CaCO.sub.3 of between 5 and 23 weight percent of the entire concrete mixture, and whereby the concrete has a compression strength of approximately 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) within 24 hours after pouring.

Abstract: High-strength, high-hardness concrete, mortar, or grout is prepared by blending portland cement, water, and aggregate with a source of reactive silica, pouring the concrete mixture into a form, allowing the concrete to cure until it reaches its conventional 28-day strength, and immersing the cured concrete in a solution of alkali metal hydroxide and aluminum nitrate at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. Alternatively, the cured concrete may be sprayed with the solution and maintained at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. A dense, hard surface layer of alkali metal aluminum silicate is formed, the compressive strength and surface hardness of the concrete is increased, and the water infiltration rate into the concrete is decreased.

Abstract: A backfill for an engineered barrier used to contain radioactive waste has a predetermined amount of clayic material and a predetermined amount of a reinforcement material with hydrophobic surface characteristics. The reinforcement material may include hydrophobic compounds selected from group consisting of organic polymers or inorganic materials on which a layer of hydrophobic compounds is formed. The hydrophobic reinforcement material results in the backfill maintaining a very low water permeability while providing high mechanical strength and other properties suitable for use in a repository of radioactive waste.

Abstract: A mortar composition based on aluminous cement which provides an attractive ceramic tile-like surface gloss and other desirable properties including superb hardness, reduced water absorption, high strength, high acid resistance, and good heat and weather resistance, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a molded article of manufacture which comprises the mortar composition, as well as fiber-reinforced mortar compositions and molded articles of manufacture made therefrom.

Abstract: Flowable, pressure-compensating material compositions are provided. The compositions are directed toward improving one or more aspects of the flowable material, such as by providing/improving flame retardancy and/or the homogeneity of the composition over time. For instance, one composition includes a liquid, a viscosity-increasing material, and beads having a preselected coating thereon to provide for a coupling interaction with at least one of the liquid and the viscosity-increasing material.

Abstract: A thin protective coating for foam surfaced objects achieving high compression and impact strengths without the need of water curing.

Abstract: An improved composition for baking stones for use in commercial ovens and a method of manufacture of the improved baking stones are disclosed. The baking stone composition is asbestos-free, non-hazardous and is ideal for commercial ovens designed for baking pizza and bread. The improved composition includes portland cement, mortar or mason sand, glass fiber strands, water and a plasticizer. A novel method of manufacture is also disclosed which includes the preferred mixing speeds, mixing times, vibrating speeds, vibrating times and cure times.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill the well as a component in the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a set-activated cementing composition comprised of water, silica fume, a dispersing agent, a set-activator, a set delaying additive and a portion of the drilling fluid, introducing the resulting set-activated cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein.

Abstract: Aqueous-based microsilica slurries having resistance to gelling and settlement of solids are provided. The slurries contain amino alcohols as stabilizing agents, the amino alcohols having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each individually hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is a linear or branched alkylene group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each individually hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched hydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms.Also provided are hydraulic cement compositions comprising a hydraulic-cement binder, microsilica, and an amino alcohol of the invention.

Abstract: Fire retardant coatings for metal structural members are obtained by spraying onto the structural members settable plaster compositions which are air-containing pumpable aqueous slurries of plaster, clay prill aggregate, cellulose and glass fiber reinforcement and foaming agent. The specially prepared clay prill aggregate has a low aspect ratio of near unity and is an acceptable substitute for the exfoliated vermiculite aggregate of prior coating compositions.