Provided is a method for altering properties of tension programmed fibrous shape memory polymer. The method can include applying a protective coating to the tension programmed shape memory polymer, then applying a supportive coating to the tension programmed shape memory polymer to form a coated fiber. The protective coating avoids contact between the shape memory polymer and chemicals used in the supportive coating that can decompensate the shape memory polymer.

A process for making a layered multi-material structural element having controlled mechanical failure characteristics. The process includes the steps of: supplying a cementitious layer and forming a polymer layer on the cementitious layer by additive manufacture such that the polymer layer has a first thickness and the cementitious layer has a second thickness, wherein the polymer layer comprises a polymer and the cementitious layer comprises a cementitious material; and allowing the polymer from the polymer layer to suffuse into the cementitious layer for a period of time to obtain a suffused zone in the cementitious layer such that the suffused zone has a third thickness that is less than half the second thickness.

A process for making a layered multi-material structural element having controlled mechanical failure characteristics. The process includes the steps of: supplying a cementitious layer and forming a polymer layer on the cementitious layer by additive manufacture such that the polymer layer has a first thickness and the cementitious layer has a second thickness, wherein the polymer layer comprises a polymer and the cementitious layer comprises a cementitious material; and allowing the polymer from the polymer layer to suffuse into the cementitious layer for a period of time to obtain a suffused zone in the cementitious layer such that the suffused zone has a third thickness that is less than half the second thickness.

In general, the present invention is directed to a building panel, such as a gypsum board, comprising a core having a first side and a second side opposing the first side and at least one facing material having a coating comprising at least one fungicide, at least one polymeric binder, and at least one pigment. The panel satisfies at least one of the following: the board exhibits a rating of 2 or less when tested in accordance to ASTM G21-15 or the board exhibits a rating of at least 8 when tested in accordance to ASTM D3273-16. The panel may also exhibit at least a Level 3 finish.

In general, the present invention is directed to a building panel, such as a gypsum board, comprising a core having a first side and a second side opposing the first side and at least one facing material having a coating comprising at least one fungicide, at least one polymeric binder, and at least one pigment. The panel satisfies at least one of the following: the board exhibits a rating of 2 or less when tested in accordance to ASTM G21-15 or the board exhibits a rating of at least 8 when tested in accordance to ASTM D3273-16. The panel may also exhibit at least a Level 3 finish.

This document describes systems and processes for forming synthetic molded slabs, which may be suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

This document describes systems and processes for forming synthetic molded slabs, which may be suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

A method for forming a super-insulating material for a vacuum insulated structure for an appliance includes disposing hollow glass spheres within a rotating drum, wherein a plurality of interstitial spaces are defined between the hollow glass spheres. An anchor material is disposed within the rotating drum. The hollow glass spheres and the anchor material are rotated within the rotating drum, wherein the anchor material is mixed with the hollow glass spheres to partially occupy the interstitial spaces. A silica-based material is disposed within the rotating drum. The silica-based material is mixed with the anchor material and the hollow glass spheres to define a super-insulating material, wherein the silica-based material attaches to the anchor material and is entrapped within the interstitial spaces. The silica-based material and the anchor material occupy substantially all of an interstitial volume defined by the interstitial spaces.

A method for forming a super-insulating material for a vacuum insulated structure for an appliance includes disposing hollow glass spheres within a rotating drum, wherein a plurality of interstitial spaces are defined between the hollow glass spheres. An anchor material is disposed within the rotating drum. The hollow glass spheres and the anchor material are rotated within the rotating drum, wherein the anchor material is mixed with the hollow glass spheres to partially occupy the interstitial spaces. A silica-based material is disposed within the rotating drum. The silica-based material is mixed with the anchor material and the hollow glass spheres to define a super-insulating material, wherein the silica-based material attaches to the anchor material and is entrapped within the interstitial spaces. The silica-based material and the anchor material occupy substantially all of an interstitial volume defined by the interstitial spaces.

An electrical grounding assembly includes an electrically conductive metal grounding substrate that is electrically connectable to a structure to be electrically grounded. A corrosion-protective jacket is on the grounding substrate. The jacket is electrically conductive and water impermeable, and includes a polymeric matrix and a particulate carbonaceous material dispersed in the polymeric matrix.