Provided are: a borehole cement slurry additive that is capable of suppressing the generation of free water from cement slurries in any environment, whether cold regions, mild regions, or hot regions; and a method for storing the same. The borehole cement slurry additive contains: an aqueous dispersion of silica having an average particle size of 3-200 nm as determined via dynamic light scattering; and a compound having an alcoholic hydroxyl group as a dispersion stabilizer, the compound being included in an amount of 1-30 mol per 1,000 g dispersion medium in the aqueous silica dispersion.

Provided are: a borehole cement slurry additive that is capable of suppressing the generation of free water from cement slurries in any environment, whether cold regions, mild regions, or hot regions; and a method for storing the same. The borehole cement slurry additive contains: an aqueous dispersion of silica having an average particle size of 3-200 nm as determined via dynamic light scattering; and a compound having an alcoholic hydroxyl group as a dispersion stabilizer, the compound being included in an amount of 1-30 mol per 1,000 g dispersion medium in the aqueous silica dispersion.

A system and method for manufacturing building materials made of volcanic material includes gathering of molten volcanic material that is collected by catching the molten volcanic material after the molten volcanic material flows off an edge of land, cooling the volcanic material by immersing the mold containing the volcanic material into a body of ocean water, and shaping the volcanic material into shapes that may be used in construction.

A system and method for manufacturing building materials made of volcanic material includes gathering of molten volcanic material that is collected by catching the molten volcanic material after the molten volcanic material flows off an edge of land, cooling the volcanic material by immersing the mold containing the volcanic material into a body of ocean water, and shaping the volcanic material into shapes that may be used in construction.

An insulating product for the refractory industry or an insulating material as intermediate for production of such a product, and a corresponding insulating material/insulating product are provided. Likewise the use of a matrix encapsulation process in the production of an insulating product for the refractory industry and a corresponding insulating product and/or an insulating material as intermediate for production of such a product are provided.

An insulating product for the refractory industry or an insulating material as intermediate for production of such a product, and a corresponding insulating material/insulating product are provided. Likewise the use of a matrix encapsulation process in the production of an insulating product for the refractory industry and a corresponding insulating product and/or an insulating material as intermediate for production of such a product are provided.

A lost circulation material (LCM) is provided having an alkaline nanosilica dispersion and an ester activator. The alkaline nanosilica dispersion and the ester activator may form a gelled solid after interaction over a contact period. Methods of lost circulation control using the LCM are also provided.

A lost circulation material (LCM) is provided having an alkaline nanosilica dispersion and an ester activator. The alkaline nanosilica dispersion and the ester activator may form a gelled solid after interaction over a contact period. Methods of lost circulation control using the LCM are also provided.

A lost circulation material (LCM) is provided having an alkaline nanosilica dispersion and an ester activator. The alkaline nanosilica dispersion and the ester activator may form a gelled solid after interaction over a contact period. Methods of lost circulation control using the LCM are also provided.

A premixed photoluminescent composition and related hardened form and method of forming joints for pavers or stones. The premixed photoluminescent composition comprises solid aggregates; a photoluminescent particulate component adapted to emit light when photoexcited; and a binder. When in contact with an activator, oxygen or water, the binder is adapted to harden into a water-resistant binder matrix that bonds the solid aggregates and embeds the photoluminescent particulate component. In use, the water-resistant binder matrix has a transparency allowing transmission of at least a portion of the light emitted by the photoluminescent particulate component.