Disclosed is a composite gypsum board comprising a board core and a concentrated layer of substantial thickness (e.g., at least about 0.02 inches). The concentrated layer includes a higher weight percentage of an enhancing additive than the board core. The board core has a thickness greater than the thickness of the concentrated layer and forms the bulk of the board volume. The concentrated layer has a higher density (e.g., at least about 1.1 times greater) than the density of the board core. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a composite gypsum board.

Embodiments of a system and a method for continuously measuring cementitious board during the continuous manufacture thereof can be used in connection with the manufacture of various cementitious products, including gypsum wallboard, for example. Embodiments of a system and a method for continuously measuring cementitious board during its continuous manufacture can be used online in a continuous manufacturing process to effectively determine the degree to which cementitious slurry has set (e.g., expressed as percent hydration) at a predetermined location, such as, near a cutting station, for example. A height measuring system can be used to determine the relative amount the cementitious board sags as it passes over an unsupported span disposed between the forming station and the cutting station and to correlate the measured sag distance with a value of percent hydration of the cementitious slurry of that particular portion of the cementitious board.

Embodiments of a system and a method for continuously measuring cementitious board during the continuous manufacture thereof can be used in connection with the manufacture of various cementitious products, including gypsum wallboard, for example. Embodiments of a system and a method for continuously measuring cementitious board during its continuous manufacture can be used online in a continuous manufacturing process to effectively determine the degree to which cementitious slurry has set (e.g., expressed as percent hydration) at a predetermined location, such as, near a cutting station, for example. A height measuring system can be used to determine the relative amount the cementitious board sags as it passes over an unsupported span disposed between the forming station and the cutting station and to correlate the measured sag distance with a value of percent hydration of the cementitious slurry of that particular portion of the cementitious board.

DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum is provided with alpha-like properties and obtained by spray-coating the synthetic caclined gypsum with DTPA. Cementitious compositions comprising DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum and low water demand are provided as well. Methods for controlling an open time of a cementitious slurry by increasing or decreasing the amount of DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum in the slurry are provided as well.

DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum is provided with alpha-like properties and obtained by spray-coating the synthetic caclined gypsum with DTPA. Cementitious compositions comprising DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum and low water demand are provided as well. Methods for controlling an open time of a cementitious slurry by increasing or decreasing the amount of DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum in the slurry are provided as well.

DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum is provided with alpha-like properties and obtained by spray-coating the synthetic caclined gypsum with DTPA. Cementitious compositions comprising DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum and low water demand are provided as well. Methods for controlling an open time of a cementitious slurry by increasing or decreasing the amount of DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum in the slurry are provided as well.

Aspects of the invention include a method of producing a cement material comprising step of: first reacting a calcium-bearing starting material with a first acid to produce an aqueous first calcium salt; second reacting the aqueous first calcium salt with a second acid to produce a solid second calcium salt; wherein the second acid is different from the first acid and the second calcium salt is different from the first calcium salt; and thermally treating the second calcium salt to produce a first cement material. Preferably, but not necessarily, during the second reacting step, reaction between the first calcium salt and the second acid regenerates the first acid.

The present disclosure relates more particularly to calcium sulfate-based slurries useful, for example, in making gypsum boards for building construction, as well as methods for using them, e.g., to make gypsum boards, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a calcium sulfate slurry composition comprising calcium sulfate present substantially in the form of one or more hydrates, the calcium sulfate being present in an amount in the range of 70-99.8 wt % on a dry basis, calculated as stucco; and a cationic starch present in an amount of 0.10-10 wt % of the amount of calcium sulfate as stucco on a dry basis, the cationic starch being substituted with amine and/or ammonium groups and having a % N value in the range of 0.10 wt. % to 2 wt %, and an RVA viscosity value of at least 100 cP at 65 C. and 16 wt %; and water, in an amount sufficient to form a slurry. The disclosure also provides gypsum-based materials useful as building materials, e.g., for use as building boards in construction of walls and ceilings of buildings.

A gypsum board provided with a foamed gypsum core layer, a facing sheet over the foamed gypsum core, and a latex polymer coating layer on an outer surface of the facing sheet. The latex polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0 to 35 F. Methods for making the board are also disclosed.

A gypsum board provided with a foamed gypsum core layer, a facing sheet over the foamed gypsum core, and a latex polymer coating layer on an outer surface of the facing sheet. The latex polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0 to 35 F. Methods for making the board are also disclosed.