The invention concerns a process for the for the preparation of a hardening accelerator composition by reaction of a water-soluble calcium compound with a water-soluble silicate compound, the reaction being carried out in the presence of an aqueous solution which contains a plasticizer suitable for hydraulic binders, characterized in that said reaction is being carried out in the presence of apatite and that the molar ratio of calcium to phosphor in the hardening accelerator is from 25/1 to 400/1.

A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

A method for processing incinerator bottom ash (IBA) comprises the steps of carbonating IBA aggregate material by CO2 sequestration and providing a stabilizing additive for mixing with the carbonated IBA aggregate material, wherein the additive comprises one or more components from group (b1) and one or more components from group (b2), wherein group (b1) consists of aluminium chloride and at least one other metal chloride, and wherein group (b2) consists of silica, zeolite and apatite. When the carbonated IBA and additive is mixed a stabilized IBA composition is formed, the stabilized IBA composition being suitable for use as a substitute for traditional aggregates in the manufacture of concrete and concrete products.

A method for processing incinerator bottom ash (IBA) comprises the steps of carbonating IBA aggregate material by CO2 sequestration and providing a stabilizing additive for mixing with the carbonated IBA aggregate material, wherein the additive comprises one or more components from group (b1) and one or more components from group (b2), wherein group (b1) consists of aluminium chloride and at least one other metal chloride, and wherein group (b2) consists of silica, zeolite and apatite. When the carbonated IBA and additive is mixed a stabilized IBA composition is formed, the stabilized IBA composition being suitable for use as a substitute for traditional aggregates in the manufacture of concrete and concrete products.

In order to provide a hydroxyapatite that can be used without reservation in the food industry, a hydroxyapatite powder is provided composed of primary particles. The median size of the primary particles from which the powder is made is >0.10 m and the aspect ratio of the primary particles is <5. The specific surface area of the hydroxyapatite powder is 10 m.sup.2/g, and the bulk density is >550 g/l. Also disclosed is a method with which such a hydroxyapatite powder can be obtained.

Disclosed herein are highly solar-reflective passive radiative cooling materials in powder form based on calcium phosphates. These materials can be synthesized at a low material cost approaching that of paint additives available on the market, and they are safe, non-toxic, and environmentally-friendly. These materials achieve solar reflectance values ranging from 93% to nearly 98%, making them extremely effective passive radiative cooling materials.

This disclosure is directed to an improved ballistic concrete barrier and methods of using the barrier for training with weapons using live ammunition or grenades or other fragmentation devices.

This disclosure is directed to an improved ballistic concrete barrier and methods of using the barrier for training with weapons using live ammunition or grenades or other fragmentation devices.