Abstract: An accelerating admixture for concrete, containing a liquid mixture being an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion, wherein a) the liquid mixture contains 13 to 43 weight % dissolved aluminium sulfate, b) the liquid mixture contains less than 1 weight % dissolved carboxylic acid, c) the liquid mixture contains at least 31 weight % water, d) the molar ratio of dissolved aluminium to dissolved sulfate in the liquid mixture is from 0.5 to 10.0.

Abstract: A slurry rheology modifier comprises a first water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (A)] and a second water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (B)] being different from the compound (A), wherein the viscosity of an aqueous solution at 20° C. prepared by mixing an aqueous solution SA (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (A) with an aqueous solution SB (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (B) in the ratio of 50/50 by weight can be at least twice as high as the viscosity of either aqueous solution before mixed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein are directed to setting and curing accelerators for hydraulic binders, including at least one ester of a polyhydric alcohol with an acid and/or salts thereof, where the acid is a phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid or a C2 to C20 carboxylic acid. Compositions including at least one accelerator as disclosed herein can accelerate the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom, such as quick-setting cement. Methods for accelerating the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cement slurry composition, containing a hydraulic cement material, (A) a first water-soluble low molecular weight compound and (B) a second water-soluble low molecular weight compound differing from the compound (A), wherein a combination of the compounds (A) and (B) is (I) the compound (A) selected from cationic surfactants and the compound (B) selected from anionic aromatic compounds; or (II) the compound (A) selected from cationic surfactants and the compound (B) selected from brominated compounds, and in the compound (A), a ratio of compounds having a hydrocarbon group of 18 or more carbon atoms is not less than 45% by weight.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing xylonic acid from xylose with a recombinant fungal strain that is genetically modified to express a xylose dehydrogenase gene, which is able to convert xylose to xylonolactone, which is spontaneously or enzymatically hydrolysed to xylonic acid. The xylonic acid is excreted outside the host cell. Xylonate production may be coupled with xylitol production. Alternatively, if xylitol production is not desired, its production is reduced by removing the aldose reductase (or specific xylose reductase) enzyme, which converts xylose to xylitol. Expression of a heterologous lactonase encoding gene may result in higher acid concentrations. The method is suitable for producing xylonic acid from a hemicellulose hydrolysate such as hydrolysed lignocellulosic plant biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerator, preferably for sprayed concrete or sprayed mortar, which is present as an aqueous mixture, preferably dispersion, particularly preferably suspension, which contains the following: (a) aluminium in oxidation state 3, (b) sulphate, (c) fluoride, and/or (semi)metal fluoro complexes, (d) stabiliser, preferably inorganic stabiliser, particularly preferably magnesium silicate and/or kaolin and/or clay minerals and/or allophane, in particular magnesium silicate and/or bentonite, particularly preferably sepiolite, especially particularly preferably Si12Mg8O30(OH)4(OH2)4 and/or Mg4Si6O15(OH)2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a powder comprising a carrier material which is in powdery form and selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymer, a water-insoluble polymer, and an inert inorganic material, and a mixture containing at least about 5 wt. % of a compound having the formula (1-a) and at least about 5 wt. % of a compound having the formula (1-b), HO—(R2O)m—H (1-a), R1aO—(R2aO)n—H (1-b). Claimed also are a process to make the powder, its use, as well as a dry mortar formulation containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersants such as superplasticizers for hydratable cementitious compositions, and more particularly to methods for achieving variable degrees of longer slump life in concrete and mortar without loss of stability. This is achieved by using two admixture systems. The first admixture composition has multi-components for achieving initial-slump-enhancement, later-slump-retention, and limiting initial slump. The second admixture composition has the later-slump-enhancing component. Alternatively, conventional water reducers or superplasticizers can be employed initially, followed by the later-slump-enhancing admixture composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses additive compositions, cementitious compositions, and methods for controlling air in cementitious compositions, wherein a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene polyamine defoamer is deployed in combination with one or more air-entraining agents, such as higher alkanolamines, water-reducing agents including oxyalkylene-containing superplasticizers, or other air entraining agents.

Abstract: A sulphur cement pre-composition, comprising sulphur, a first organosilane and a second organosilane, and a sulphur cement product comprising sulphur, a particulate inorganic material, a first organosilane and a second organosilane are disclosed. The first organosilane comprises one or more functional groups chosen from thiol, sulphide, amine or alkenyl groups. The second organosilane does not comprise any thiol, sulphide, amine or alkenyl groups. Processes for making the sulphur cement pre-composition and the sulphur cement product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating or encapsulating phosphorus pentasulfide so that it can be safely handled, stored and transported. The treating or encapsulating involves combining the phosphorus pentasulfide with a hydrocarbon oil under high shearing conditions. The hydrocarbon oil can be a mineral oil such as a paraffinic oil. The encapsulated phosphorus pentasulfide is pumpable and, according to one embodiment, is used as a modifier/crosslinking agent in asphalt mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment dispersion and a black water-reducing agent, more particularly, to a pigment dispersion comprising a carbon black whose surface is modified with an aminosilane compound and a polycarboxylic acid-based water-reducing agent, and a black water-reducing agent using the same. The present invention is characterized in that the surface-modified carbon black with an aminosilane compound is water-dispersed by using a polycarboxylic acid-based water-reducing agent as a dispersing agent having better performance than a naphthanlene-based water-reducing agent. Therefore, the present invention can display black color of the water-reducing agent and cement at the same time and improve the flowability of cement owing to the presence of carbon black in the form of nanoparticles, which enables to manufacture ultrahigh strength concrete.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.

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: Of the many compositions provided herein, an embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising at least one swellable elastomer selected from the group consisting of acrylate butadiene rubber, polyacrylate rubber, isoprene rubber, choloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene block copolymer, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluorosilicone rubber, silicone rubber, and combinations thereof, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, gas, and water. Another embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising a block copolymer of styrene butadiene rubber, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, and gas.

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: A self-curing concrete is provided to absorb water from atmosphere from air to achieve better hydration of cement in concrete. It solves the problem that the degree of cement hydration is lowered due to no curing or improper curing, and thus unsatisfactory properties of concrete. According to the invention, high-performance self-curing agent about 0.1˜5 wt % of cement weight of the concrete is added to concrete during mixing. The self-curing agent can absorb moisture from atmosphere and then release it to concrete. The self-curing concrete means that no curing is required for concrete, or even no any external supplied water is required after placing. The properties of this self-cured concrete of this invention are at least comparable to and even better than those of concrete with traditional curing.

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: The invention relates to an accelerator, preferably for sprayed concrete or sprayed mortar, which is present as an aqueous mixture, preferably dispersion, particularly preferably suspension, which contains the following: (a) aluminium in oxidation state 3, (b) sulphate, (c) fluoride, and/or (semi)metal fluoro complexes, (d) stabiliser, preferably inorganic stabiliser, particularly preferably magnesium silicate and/or kaolin and/or clay minerals and/or allophane, in particular magnesium silicate and/or bentonite, particularly preferably sepiolite, especially particularly preferably Si12Mg8O30(OH)4(OH2)4 and/or Mg4Si6O15(OH)2.

Abstract: A method of making durable, non-vitrified masonry units comprising fly ash, the method comprising mixing fly ash comprising a minimum of 15% CaO by weight and no more than about 10% loss on ignition, water, and an air entrainment agent to form a fly ash mixture; compacting the fly ash mixture in a shaping device by applying pressure of at least 1000 psi to the fly ash mixture; and curing the compacted fly ash mixture to cause the mixture to harden and gain strength.

Abstract: A novel cement slurry composed of cement and water that can be used in cement stabilization applications. The cement slurry compound itself is chemically treated, by means of a cellulosic or other thixotropic thickening agent(s) to create a thixotropic system wherein the wetted cement remains in suspension and does not settle out prior to use even without further mixing. A chemical retarder/stabilizer is also used to prevent the slurry from prematurely setting during shipping. A novel apparatus and method for mixing the novel cement slurry is disclosed to insure the exact proportioning of all ingredients and the proper wetting of the cement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive for hydraulically setting systems based on modified polycarboxylates and water-soluble ethers of high polymeric polysaccharides, optionally containing further standard additives, characterized by a content of a) a water-soluble ether of cellulose or a cellulose-like compound with a viscosity of at least approximately 1,000 mPas, particularly at least approximately 2,000 mPas, measured as a 2% aqueous solution with a Brookfield viscosimeter at 20° C. and 20 rpm and b) a polycarboxylate, whose main chain is linked by means of ester, ether, imide and/or amide groups with polyethylene oxide-containing side chains. The invention also relates to hydraulic mixtures having a content of the above additive and the use thereof.

Abstract: A strength improvement admixture composition is provided that increases the compressive strength of cementitious compositions without negatively increasing the setting time. The admixture comprises the components of a polycarboxylate dispersant and strength improvement additive.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: A cement retarder system for use in underground wells included a borate compound, an organophosphonate salt, and a copolymer formed from AMPS and a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylamide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides the early strengthening agent for hydraulic compositions containing a compound (a) obtained by reacting (A) one or more compounds selected from polyhydric alcohols having 3 to 20 hydroxy groups and alkylene oxide adducts thereof with (B) a sulfating agent, and the additive composition for hydraulic compositions containing the compound (a).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to well bore treatments that comprise swellable particles. An embodiment includes a method that comprises introducing a fluid comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a space between a pipe string and a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the space. Another embodiment includes a well treatment composition comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle.

Abstract: A biocidal structural barrier of a raw concrete or a structure made of concrete is provided containing a specific insecticidal biocide product and/or a repellent that has been incorporated throughout the mass. The invention is particularly suitable for the building and construction sector and more particularly for concrete structures located close to the soil or in the soil (slab, foundations, buried walls, prefabricated concrete blocks, etc.). The preferred insecticide for protection against termites is chlorfenapyr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polycationic compound in combination with a hydroxycarboxylic acid or salt thereof to enhance slump retention in cements and concretes having clay-bearing aggregates, wherein the clay otherwise absorbs or diminishes the dosage efficiency of polycarboxylate superplasticizers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving the use of nitrogen-containing coordinated metal compounds for stabilizing chromium VI reducing metal cations. Exemplary uses include processes for making cement, and exemplary compositions include cement additives, concrete admixtures, as well as hydratable cement and cementitous compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, mortar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein are directed to setting and curing accelerators for hydraulic binders, including at least one ester of a polyhydric alcohol with an acid and/or salts thereof, where the acid is a phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid or a C2 to C20 carboxylic acid. Compositions including at least one accelerator as disclosed herein can accelerate the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom, such as quick-setting cement. Methods for accelerating the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rheology modifying admixture comprising a) from 80 to 99% w/w of hydroxyalkyl guar, cellulose ether, or mixture thereof; b) from 1 to 20% w/w of biopolymer selected from diutan gum and welan gum, and hydraulic compositions containing the rheology modifier admixture together with a superplasticizer.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one sacrificial agent is also included in the mixture. The sacrificial agent is a material or mixture of materials that is not required to act as an air entrainment agent but interacts preferentially with components of the fly ash that otherwise neutralize, repress or depress the activity of the air entrainment agent. The invention includes cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, and processes for selecting suitable sacrificial agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a cementitious composition for oilfield application comprising an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group. Also a method to retard cementitious composition for oilfield application is disclosed, the method comprising the unique double step of adding an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and adding copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for grinding materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of grinding solid materials. For example, the method can comprise mixing the solid material with the grinding aid, and using a grinding media such as steel balls to grind the solids. The grinding aid composition can comprise one or more glycerin by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The grinding aid composition can also comprise one or more glycerin by-products of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides. The grinding aid can be added to the grinding process as a solution.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one sacrificial agent is also included in the mixture. The sacrificial agent is a material or mixture of materials that is not required to act as an air entrainment agent but interacts preferentially with components of the fly ash that otherwise neutralize, repress or depress the activity of the air entrainment agent. The invention includes cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, and processes for selecting suitable sacrificial agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of a high-performance foamed cement material, comprising: at least one hydraulic binder, microparticles whose grain size ranges between 0.1 and 30 ?m, whose proportion ranges between 15% and 50% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, mineral particles whose grain size ranges between 1 and 500 ?m, whose proportion ranges between 10% and 35% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, the proportion of particles being lower than the proportion of microparticles, a hydrosoluble polymer thinning agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 8% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, water whose proportion is at most 40% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, a foaming agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 10% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder.

Abstract: A family of compounds has been developed containing a substantial quantity of boron in solution with other beneficial ingredients that has been heretofore unobtainable. These compounds are named and referred to herein as “Boroncitrates”. The individual Boroncitrates are: boron lithium citrate (BLiCit), boron potassium citrate (BKCit) and boron sodium citrate (BNaCit). These Boroncitrates can be used individually or in combination with one another. Alkali metals such as rubidium, cesium and francium could also be made into Boroncitrates; but, there is no advantage in using these very scarce and much more expensive alkali metals. Use of Boroncitrates provides a new and improved means for hydraulic cementitious compositions to take set faster or slower, as determined by the user and as the individual jobsite needs dictate; thereby providing the long-sought, unfulfilled flexibility required by today's rapidly expanding concrete industry.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one sacrificial agent is also included in the mixture. The sacrificial agent is a material or mixture of materials that is not required to act as an air entrainment agent but interacts preferentially with components of the fly ash that otherwise neutralize, repress or depress the activity of the air entrainment agent. The invention includes cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, and processes for selecting suitable sacrificial agents.

Abstract: An exemplary composition for enhancing water repellency in cementitious material comprises a hydrophobic material solute that is dissolved in a glycol ether solvent. Thus, the composition is provided in the form of a non-aqueous solution or emulsion wherein water is in a noncontinuous phase. The use of such compositions to modify cementitious compositions and the cementitious materials obtained thereby are also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for grinding materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of grinding solid materials. For example, the method can comprise mixing the solid material with the grinding aid, and using a grinding media such as steel balls to grind the solids. The grinding aid composition can comprise one or more glycerin by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The grinding aid composition can also comprise one or more glycerin by-products of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides. The grinding aid can be added to the grinding process as a solution.

Abstract: An admixture formulation of at least one polycarboxylate dispersant and at least one naphthalene dispersant is provided. When the polycarboxylate dispersant and the naphthalene dispersant of the admixture formulation are combined at various ratios the admixture formulation reduces the tendency for bleed and segregation in cementitious mixtures without increasing water demand, retarding setting, increasing water sensitivity, promoting high viscosity, or reducing flow retention.

Abstract: A water-based coagulating and hardening accelerator for hydraulic binding agents, comprising sulfate, aluminum and organic acid. The molar ratio of aluminum to organic acid is less than 0.65. Preferably, the molar ratio of aluminum to carboxylic acid is less than 0.60 and greater than 0.38.

Abstract: A concrete obtained through mixing a composition comprising the following constituents: a) 21 to 27% of a hydraulic binder, b) 52 to 68% of aggregate particles having a size of between 0.02 mm and 5 mm, c) 2 to 6% of pozzolanic reaction particles having a particle size of between 0.1 and 1 micron, d) up to 10% of filler having a particle size between 10 and 200 microns, e) 0.32 to 1.6% of a dispersant, f) 0.1 to 1.2% of fibres, g) 0.02 to 0.1% of a defoamer agent, and h) 7 to 10% of water, each percentage being the percentage by weight of the respective constituent relative to the sum of the weights of constituents a) to h). The concrete obtained is particularly suitable for polished flooring overlay.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry is described that includes water, a hydraulic component comprising at least 50% calcined gypsum by weight based on the dry weight of the hydraulic component, foam, a defoamer, a polycarboxylate dispersant having olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid moieties and (poly)oxyalkylene moieties, a first portion of a retarder and a second portion of a retarder. In some embodiments of the invention, the defoamer is combined with the dispersant prior to being added to the gypsum slurry. The defoamer and dispersant can be added as a physical mixture, wherein the defoamer is attached onto the dispersant polymer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a gypsum building panel is made from the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: In the invention, a hydraulic powder is prepared by a step of grinding a hydraulic compound in the presence of compound (a) that is obtained by adding an alkyleneoxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms to a compound which has no amino group, but has an active hydrogen, provided that polyethyleneglycol and polypropyelenglycol are excluded. Alternatively, the hydraulic compound can be ground in the presence of compound (a) and anti-foaming agent (b).

Abstract: Boroncitrates provide a new and improved means for hydraulic cement compositions to take set faster or slower, as determined by the user and as the individual jobsite needs dictate; thereby providing the flexibility required in the concrete industry. Boroncitrates include boron lithium citrate, boron potassium citrate, and boron sodium citrate which may be used alone or in mixtures thereof. They can be used in but not limited to Portland cement, Class C Fly Ash, blended hydraulic cements, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary composition for enhancing water repellency in cementitious material comprises a hydrophobic material solute that is dissolved in a glycol ether solvent. Thus, the composition is provided in the form of a non-aqueous solution or emulsion wherein water is in a noncontinuous phase. The use of such compositions to modify cementitious compositions and the cementitious materials obtained thereby are also described.