A building material comprising an inorganic binder a reactive silicon source a reactive calcium source.

Disclosed herein are fire resistant compositions and articles, for example, in the form of boards, insulation, sheeting, blocks, panels and similar materials of construction. Also disclosed are methods of preparing fire resistant compositions and articles and methods of use thereof.

Disclosed herein are fire resistant compositions and articles, for example, in the form of boards, insulation, sheeting, blocks, panels and similar materials of construction. Also disclosed are methods of preparing fire resistant compositions and articles and methods of use thereof.

A composition for forming moulded mantels, columns and other decorative enhancement to fireplace openings is formed of a mixture of alpha hemihydrate gypsum plaster, cement, filler and milled fiber. By using this composition with water and acrylic binder a mixture is formed which sets and gains strength quickly and is an ideal material for manufacturing architectural and decorative structures. Advantageously, a casted piece can be removed from a mould within two to three hours after casting. The finished product has a desired finish that is similar to a casted gypsum cement, referred to sometimes as a honed finish which can withstand high heat, discoloration and cracking while maintaining suitable strength when exposed to typical temperatures of a fireplace surround in indoor applications.

A composition for forming moulded mantels, columns and other decorative enhancement to fireplace openings is formed of a mixture of alpha hemihydrate gypsum plaster, cement, filler and milled fiber. By using this composition with water and acrylic binder a mixture is formed which sets and gains strength quickly and is an ideal material for manufacturing architectural and decorative structures. Advantageously, a casted piece can be removed from a mould within two to three hours after casting. The finished product has a desired finish that is similar to a casted gypsum cement, referred to sometimes as a honed finish which can withstand high heat, discoloration and cracking while maintaining suitable strength when exposed to typical temperatures of a fireplace surround in indoor applications.

A method for the manufacture of a high alumina hydraulic binder comprising hydrating a source of aluminium ions with a source of calcium ions in the presence of water to form mineral hydrates and subsequently heating said mineral hydrates to form said high alumina hydraulic binder.

PCE-type copolymers in powder form can be obtained by spry-drying and are easily re-dispersed in water. The fineness and the anti-caking properties of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form, as well as their water reduction potential and influence on slump life are improved. A production process of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form is by a spray-drying method, and PCE-type copolymers can be used for the improvement of mineral binder compositions and especially dry mortars.

PCE-type copolymers in powder form can be obtained by spry-drying and are easily re-dispersed in water. The fineness and the anti-caking properties of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form, as well as their water reduction potential and influence on slump life are improved. A production process of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form is by a spray-drying method, and PCE-type copolymers can be used for the improvement of mineral binder compositions and especially dry mortars.

In one aspect, a pottery plaster formulation with increased water absorption, comprising alpha stucco, continuously-calcined-in-a-kettle stucco, and a combination of Rochelle salt and one or more of the following: potassium sulfate and/or a phosphate compound. In another aspect, pottery plaster molds with increased water absorption and methods of making and using the pottery plaster molds for slip casting ceramic items.

The invention relates to a method of producing a binder comprising the steps of preparing (20) a residual material comprising amorphous alumina-rich and/or aluminium hydroxide-rich constituents, heating (30) the residual material to produce a fired material, the heating (30) of the residual material being at a temperature of >800° C.