The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

Machines, systems and methods for curing materials, including organic and nonorganic materials, are described. In particular, machines, systems and methods for machines, systems and methods for materials, such as organic plant materials or inorganic materials, including cannabis materials. In particular, the present invention relates to machines, systems and methods for an automated drying and curing chamber machine for both personal and commercial applications, wherein the machine uses customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure the optimal curing and drying environment for plant materials are described.

Provided is a cement composition that has high fluidity (for example, a 0-drop flow value of 200 mm or more) before curing and exhibits high compressive strength (for example, 320 N/mm.sup.2 or more) after curing. The cement composition includes a cement, a silica fume having a BET specific surface area of from 10 m.sup.2/g to 25 m.sup.2/g, an inorganic powder having a 50% cumulative particle size of from 0.8 m to 5 m, a fine aggregate having a maximum particle size of 1.2 mm or less, a water reducing agent, an antifoaming agent, and water. The ratio of the cement is from 55 vol % to 65 vol %, the ratio of the silica fume is from 5 vol % to 25 vol %, and the ratio of the inorganic powder is from 15 vol % to 35 vol % in the total amount of 100 vol % of the cement, the silica fume, and the inorganic powder.

The present disclosure provides a phase inversion pore-forming agent and a pore-forming method for a fly ash-based ceramic flat membrane support. The phase inversion pore-forming agent includes poly(oxyphenylene sulfone) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), and is used in a preparation process of the fly ash-based ceramic flat membrane support. Pores can be formed through phase inversion, forming straight-through pores with gradient distribution inside the ceramic flat membrane support, thus avoiding a low porosity, a poor water flux, and uneven pore formation of the existing fly ash-based ceramic flat membrane support.

Provided is a cement composition that has high fluidity (for example, a 0-drop flow value of 200 mm or more) before curing and exhibits high compressive strength (for example, 320 N/mm.sup.2 or more) after curing. The cement composition includes a cement, a silica fume having a BET specific surface area of from 10 m.sup.2/g to 25 m.sup.2/g, an inorganic powder having a 50% cumulative particle size of from 0.8 m to 5 m, a fine aggregate having a maximum particle size of 1.2 mm or less, a water reducing agent, an antifoaming agent, and water. The ratio of the cement is from 55 vol % to 65 vol %, the ratio of the silica fume is from 5 vol % to 25 vol %, and the ratio of the inorganic powder is from 15 vol % to 35 vol % in the total amount of 100 vol % of the cement, the silica fume, and the inorganic powder.

Apparatus and methods for improving the curing process of materials that cure under reaction with CO.sub.2 and that do not cure in the presence of water alone are described, and examples are given.

The invention provides novel aerated composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of aerated concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

An apparatus for curing concrete includes a multiple layer polyolefin film and an absorbent layer. The polyolefin film layer can include pH modifying components and antiskid components. The absorbent layer can also include pH modifying components. The absorbent layer can include nonwoven fabric. The apparatus can be applied to curing concrete after hydration water is applied to the curing concrete. The apparatus can also be used to enclose poured concrete members during transport of the members so as to continue the curing process during transport. The film can also be used as a barrier layer between the ground and poured concrete.

An arrangement for curing concrete products, which contains a curing chamber having several curing cells arranged in at least one column, in which curing cells are located on a vertical stack. The curing cells are formed to curing cell groups, in which one curing cell group contains at least one curing cell, advantageously 2-4 curing cells, and wherein the curing cell group is insulated in respect of other curing cell groups of the curing chamber. A method for curing concrete products in a curing chamber, which includes several curing cells arranged in at least one column, in which the curing cells are located on a vertical stack. In the method the moisture level of curing cells is controlled such that in the curing cells the temperature is desired.

A moisture control and drying apparatus includes a heating chamber having a bottom wall and a continuous upstanding side wall that together define an interior area. A heating assembly situated in the interior area of the heating chamber is configured to emit heat when actuated. A support platform is coupled to a peripheral upper edge of the heating chamber that blocks access to the interior area of the heating chamber, the support platform defining a water collection channel about an outer edge thereof. A transparent evaporation cover includes a closed top cap and a continuous side wall extending downwardly therefrom that has a lower edge removably nested in the water collection channel of the support platform and defines an open bottom. The support platform defines apertures so that heated air in the heating chamber is in fluid communication with the interior space defined by the evaporation cover.