Disclosed are methods for incorporating core materials such as phase change materials or admixtures into building materials like concrete. The methods use cenospheres, which are then etched and loaded with the core material. The composition can also be coated with a thin film. Compositions containing cenospheres loaded with the various core materials are disclosed, as are building materials containing such compositions.

Disclosed are methods for incorporating core materials such as phase change materials or admixtures into building materials like concrete. The methods use cenospheres, which are then etched and loaded with the core material. The composition can also be coated with a thin film. Compositions containing cenospheres loaded with the various core materials are disclosed, as are building materials containing such compositions.

Disclosed are methods for incorporating core materials such as phase change materials or admixtures into building materials like concrete. The methods use cenospheres, which are then etched and loaded with the core material. The composition can also be coated with a thin film. Compositions containing cenospheres loaded with the various core materials are disclosed, as are building materials containing such compositions.

Disclosed are methods for incorporating core materials such as phase change materials or admixtures into building materials like concrete. The methods use cenospheres, which are then etched and loaded with the core material. The composition can also be coated with a thin film. Compositions containing cenospheres loaded with the various core materials are disclosed, as are building materials containing such compositions.

The present invention relates to a novel method for the production of an encapsulated system for the self-healing of cracks formed within the matrix of building materials, preferably cementitious materials, such as concrete, mortar or render. Further, the invention refers to a novel encapsulated system comprising a cement-based active core and a hydrated cement-based protective shell, and to the use of said encapsulated system for the self-healing of cementitious materials such as concrete or mortar.

The present invention relates to a novel method for the production of an encapsulated system for the self-healing of cracks formed within the matrix of building materials, preferably cementitious materials, such as concrete, mortar or render. Further, the invention refers to a novel encapsulated system comprising a cement-based active core and a hydrated cement-based protective shell, and to the use of said encapsulated system for the self-healing of cementitious materials such as concrete or mortar.

A lightweight aggregate for use in forming lightweight cementitious mixes and/or concrete is formed by encapsulating a plurality of hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., expanded polystyrene particles) in an encasement having a first layer of a cementitious material and a second layer of a pozzolan or mineral. The lightweight aggregate can be included as at least part of the aggregate component of a cementitious mix to form a lightweight cementitious mix. The lightweight aggregate and/or lightweight cementitious mix can be used to form lightweight concrete. The encasement of the lightweight aggregate allows the cement of the cementitious mix or concrete composition to bond to the lightweight aggregate, thereby promoting strength and durability of the concrete mixture.

A lightweight aggregate for use in forming lightweight cementitious mixes and/or concrete is formed by encapsulating a plurality of hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., expanded polystyrene particles) in an encasement having a first layer of a cementitious material and a second layer of a pozzolan or mineral. The lightweight aggregate can be included as at least part of the aggregate component of a cementitious mix to form a lightweight cementitious mix. The lightweight aggregate and/or lightweight cementitious mix can be used to form lightweight concrete. The encasement of the lightweight aggregate allows the cement of the cementitious mix or concrete composition to bond to the lightweight aggregate, thereby promoting strength and durability of the concrete mixture.

A method of coating a surface of a concrete structure in situ, which comprises the step of applying to the surface of the concrete of the concrete structure a liquidous coating of a modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) material in an air dryable solution comprising: a PVDF or a PVDF co-polymer or a combination of PVDF and PVDF copolymer to form a blend with a compatible acrylic and/or other compatible polymer that is fluorinated to between about 30% to about 75% by weight excluding any solvent; the PVDF or PVDF co-polymer or blend thereof having at least about 45% PVDF molecular structure by weight when dried; the PVDF or PVDF co-polymer having a polymer crystallinity of at least about 30% by weight; and a solvent.

Embodiments relate to preparation of expandable particulates and their use in fracturing operations. An embodiment provides a method for treating a subterranean formation comprising: introducing a treatment fluid comprising expandable particulates into the subterranean formation, wherein the expandable particulates each comprise a particulate substrate, a swellable material coating the particulate substrate, and an exterior coating comprising a resin; and depositing at least a portion of the expandable particulates in the subterranean formation.