In an embodiment, a multifunctional material system is provided and can include a variable-permeability layer, a desiccant containing layer, and a vapor-permeable supporting layer. The variable-permeability layer can have a vapor permeability that increases with increasing relative humidity. The desiccant containing layer can be adjacent the variable-permeability layer. The vapor-permeable supporting layer can be positioned adjacent at least one of the variable-permeability layer and the desiccant containing layer. Water moves in a first direction from the variable-permeability layer to the desiccant layer when relative humidity is greater adjacent the variable-permeability layer than the desiccant layer. Water moves a second, opposing direction, from the desiccant containing layer to the variable-permeability layer when the relative humidity is greater adjacent the desiccant containing layer than the variable-permeability layer. The rate of water motion in the first direction is greater than the second direction when the humidity gradient is reversed.

A continuous flexible cement sheet roll for coating construction slabs, is disclosed. The sheet comprising a flexible cement layer, which has a thickness of between 0.3 to 6 mm, such as between 0.5 and 5 mm, and which comprises a) essentially inorganic mortar and b) up to 15% polymeric binder. When the amount of a component in a mixture is expressed in % units, the weight % of the component relative to the weight of the whole mixture is intended. The flexible cement sheet roll of the invention comprises, a reinforcing layer of a thickness lower than the thickness of said cement layer, selected from films of a nonwoven fabrics, layers of organic or inorganic fibers, polymer webs, chop strand mat, and fiberglass mats, among others.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to roofing systems. In some embodiments, the roofing system includes a deck, a roofing material, and an underlayment configured to be positioned between the roofing material and the deck. In some embodiments, the underlayment comprises a foil layer and an adhesive layer that is attached to the foil layer and configured to be attached to the deck. Methods of manufacturing roofing systems are also disclosed.

A process for making a card includes the steps of forming a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, disposing an uncured decorative ceramic layer of ceramic particles disposed in a resin binder over the first surface of the core layer, such as by spray coating, and curing the uncured decorative ceramic layer to form a cured decorative ceramic layer. Card products of the process may have a core layer of metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof that form a bulk of the card.

A process for making a card includes the steps of forming a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, disposing an uncured decorative ceramic layer of ceramic particles disposed in a resin binder over the first surface of the core layer, such as by spray coating, and curing the uncured decorative ceramic layer to form a cured decorative ceramic layer. Card products of the process may have a core layer of metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof that form a bulk of the card.

An exterior sheathing cementitious panel which prevents water penetration and air leakage is provided. Methods for manufacturing exterior sheathing cementitious panels with a highly efficient integrated air/water barrier sheet are also provided. An exterior sheathing system employing the exterior sheathing cementitious panel is provided.

A dual lap high strength adhesive for sheet membrane application, having reflectivity granular particle layer to fully bond to concrete/shotcrete, and a method of making, and using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses a below grade, blind side, waterproofing sheet membrane with an inventive high strength adhesive, and having at least one layer of reflectivity granular particle layer that are partly embedded into the adhesive layer, and where the average reflectivity of the exposed granular particles is below 55 percent reflectivity on a standard reflectivity scale. The innovative reflectivity granular particle layer system that is securely bonded to concrete or shotcrete can be used along a wall, a floor, a ceiling, or along any structure which requires water or moisture proofing. The inventive high strength adhesive is along at least one edge of the sheet membrane, and could also be used to embed the reflectivity granular particle.

Articles are provided including at least one polyurethane prepared from: (a) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; (b) about 0.005 to about 0.35 equivalent of at least one polycaprolactone polyol; (c) about 0.01 to about 1.0 equivalent of at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,2-ethanediol, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, dodecane diol, octadecanediol, cyclopentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, xylene glycol, hydroxybenzyl alcohol, dihydroxytoluene, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, 1,4-bis(hydroxyethyl)piperazine, N,N′,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oxamide and mixtures thereof; and (d) about 0.01 to about 0.5 equivalent of at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, tetramethylolmethane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, sorbitan, and mixtures thereof, each based upon the about 1 equivalent of the at least one polyisocyanate, wherein the article has a Gardner Impact strength of at least about 400 in-lb according to ASTM D-5420-04.

Articles are provided including at least one polyurethane prepared from: (a) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; (b) about 0.005 to about 0.35 equivalent of at least one polycaprolactone polyol; (c) about 0.01 to about 1.0 equivalent of at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,2-ethanediol, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, dodecane diol, octadecanediol, cyclopentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, xylene glycol, hydroxybenzyl alcohol, dihydroxytoluene, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, 1,4-bis(hydroxyethyl)piperazine, N,N′,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oxamide and mixtures thereof; and (d) about 0.01 to about 0.5 equivalent of at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, tetramethylolmethane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, sorbitan, and mixtures thereof, each based upon the about 1 equivalent of the at least one polyisocyanate, wherein the article has a Gardner Impact strength of at least about 400 in-lb according to ASTM D-5420-04.

A method for making an accessory cladding element for use in architecture and design. The method provides preparing an elastically deformable support element, including a first outer surface, in particular a decorated surface, a second outer surface and a plurality of spacer elements placed between the two surfaces. An impermeable and removable layer is applied on the first outer surface to protect at least a part thereof. Then a fluid cement mixture is prepared and introduced into the support element to obtain a cement-based composite structure in a deformable state. The excess fluid cement mixture is removed from the support element. The cement-based composite structure in the deformable state is positioned in a forming device which gives it the desired shape. The composite structure is solidified and after the removable layer is removed.