A cementitious binder comprises at least 90% by weight of a hydraulically-active material comprising ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and/or pulverised fuel ash (PFA), and at least 0.1% by weight of CaO in an activator composition for the hydraulically-active material. The cementitious binder does not comprise any Portland cement and is, therefore, more environmentally friendly. The binder further comprises a superplasticiser such as a polycarboxylate ether (PCE). A concrete, mortar, grout, screed or render may be formed from a mixture of the cementitious binder, aggregate particles, water and superplasticiser.

A cementitious binder comprises at least 90% by weight of a hydraulically-active material comprising ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and/or pulverised fuel ash (PFA), and at least 0.1% by weight of CaO in an activator composition for the hydraulically-active material. The cementitious binder does not comprise any Portland cement and is, therefore, more environmentally friendly. The binder further comprises a superplasticiser such as a polycarboxylate ether (PCE). A concrete, mortar, grout, screed or render may be formed from a mixture of the cementitious binder, aggregate particles, water and superplasticiser.

A method for reducing the net amount of carbon dioxide generated in the manufacture of concrete by pre-carbonating calcium rich cementitious materials prior to the addition of ordinary Portland cement is disclosed. Additionally, a composition of concrete is disclosed, which is manufactured by using a mixture of pre-carbonated cementitious materials and ordinary Portland cement.

A process for treating a substrate made of stone material, preferably in the form of slabs, is provided which process improves the mechanical, thermal and catalytic properties of the substrate. The process includes applying a protective coating to the outer surface of the substrate made of stone material and, to improve adhesion of the protective coating to the outer surface of the substrate, preliminarily subjecting the substrate to one or more pre-treatment steps that eliminate or reduce the presence of pollutants and porosity on the surface of the substrate. The pre-treatment of the substrate made of stone material comprises at least one step of treatment under vacuum conditions inside an autoclave, preferably under pressure conditions lower than 10.sup.2 mbar. Then, after having brought the substrate back to ambient pressure, it is possible to apply and effectively adhere the protective coating to the surface of the stone material.

A process for treating a substrate made of stone material, preferably in the form of slabs, is provided which process improves the mechanical, thermal and catalytic properties of the substrate. The process includes applying a protective coating to the outer surface of the substrate made of stone material and, to improve adhesion of the protective coating to the outer surface of the substrate, preliminarily subjecting the substrate to one or more pre-treatment steps that eliminate or reduce the presence of pollutants and porosity on the surface of the substrate. The pre-treatment of the substrate made of stone material comprises at least one step of treatment under vacuum conditions inside an autoclave, preferably under pressure conditions lower than 10.sup.2 mbar. Then, after having brought the substrate back to ambient pressure, it is possible to apply and effectively adhere the protective coating to the surface of the stone material.

A method of producing dispersed of high quality graphene/graphite oxides in a powder matrix to then be reacted to form a composite. Where the powders have similar hydrophobicity and the graphene/graphite oxides has minimal surface oxidation or minimal epoxy group and where the powders are sonically mixed.

A method of producing dispersed of high quality graphene/graphite oxides in a powder matrix to then be reacted to form a composite. Where the powders have similar hydrophobicity and the graphene/graphite oxides has minimal surface oxidation or minimal epoxy group and where the powders are sonically mixed.

A method of producing dispersed of high quality graphene/graphite oxides in a powder matrix to then be reacted to form a composite. Where the powders have similar hydrophobicity and the graphene/graphite oxides has minimal surface oxidation or minimal epoxy group and where the powders are sonically mixed.

Systems and methods for body-proximate recoverable capture of mercury vapor emitted during cremation of human remains having dental amalgam fillings containing mercury. In various embodiments, one or more recoverable mercury sorbent packets comprise a combination of nanoparticles of one or more chalcogens and a particulate refractory material contained in a refractory material packaging. The recoverable packets capture and contain elemental mercury vapor emitted during cremation from dental amalgam fillings containing mercury. The recoverable packets are placed external to the body and within the combustion chamber during cremation, and not within the flue or exhausts exiting the combustion chambers. In various embodiments, the recoverable packets are positioned within the casket or primary combustion chamber, and may be preferably positioned proximate the head and neck of the body with the aid of selectively-refractory containment structures. After cremation, the mercury laden recoverable sorbent packets may be removed from the ashen remains of the body, and optionally the mercury may be recovered and the sorbent packet reprocessed for reuse.

A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a settable composition comprising: water; and a cementitious component having a calculated reactive index.