A method of controlled hydration expansion of a smectite-containing day mineral (SCM) within an aqueous environment in a confined volumetric space, the method comprising the steps of: —introducing an amount of an SCM into said volumetric space via an inlet thereinto, and initiating the hydration expansion of the SCM to release SCM particles into the confined volumetric space, and increase the pressure therein; and —introducing a flow path modification to control said released SCM particles from undergoing a recompression, said modification thereby maintaining the pressure in the volumetric space.

A dry composition formulated to be combined with water to form a jamb spray mix, the dry composition comprising, by weight: 0.1% to 10% phosphate by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; 5% to 15% plasticizer by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; and the balance including fused silica particles and impurities.

A dry composition formulated to be combined with water to form a jamb spray mix, the dry composition comprising, by weight: 0.1% to 10% phosphate by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; 5% to 15% plasticizer by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; and the balance including fused silica particles and impurities.

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.

Methods of cementing include providing a geopolymer cement composition that includes a monophase amorphous hydraulic binder material (MAHBM), a metal silicate, an alkaline activator, and a carrier fluid, introducing the geopolymer cement composition into a subterranean formation, and allowing the geopolymer cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. The MAHBM includes silica or alumina core particulates coated with an amorphous calcium silicate hydrate.

A high temperature sag resistant lightweight wallboard. The addition of a small amount of urea (about 0.1%) significantly improves the high-temperature sag resistance on Type X gypsum wallboards. These gypsum wallboards may have a board weight of less than 2100 lbs/msf when cast to have an overall 5.8 inch thickness, and may include glass fibers and/or mineral wool. Also, methods of making the gypsum wallboard and a wall system for employing the gypsum wallboard.

A high temperature sag resistant lightweight wallboard. The addition of a small amount of urea (about 0.1%) significantly improves the high-temperature sag resistance on Type X gypsum wallboards. These gypsum wallboards may have a board weight of less than 2100 lbs/msf when cast to have an overall 5.8 inch thickness, and may include glass fibers and/or mineral wool. Also, methods of making the gypsum wallboard and a wall system for employing the gypsum wallboard.

Foundry casting elements and methods of forming the same, the methods including: forming an aqueous slurry including an inorganic binder precursor, shaping the slurry using a pattern, curing the shaped slurry using a low temperature solidification process to form a casting element, and removing the pattern from the casting element.

Foundry casting elements and methods of forming the same, the methods including: forming an aqueous slurry including an inorganic binder precursor, shaping the slurry using a pattern, curing the shaped slurry using a low temperature solidification process to form a casting element, and removing the pattern from the casting element.