Various examples are provided for in situ growth of subsurface structures using bioinspired mineralization. In one example, among others, a method for growth of a subsurface structure includes introducing a first aqueous mineral salt reactant and a second aqueous mineral salt reactant comprising a polymeric additive into a soil substrate. The first and second aqueous mineral salt reactants can combine to form a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) phase that initiates in situ mineralization in the soil substrate. Solidifying the mineralization can form a subsurface structure in the soil substrate. Multiple applications of aqueous mineral salt reactants can be introduced to adjust the thickness of the mineralization or for layers of coatings.

Various examples are provided for in situ growth of subsurface structures using bioinspired mineralization. In one example, among others, a method for growth of a subsurface structure includes introducing a first aqueous mineral salt reactant and a second aqueous mineral salt reactant comprising a polymeric additive into a soil substrate. The first and second aqueous mineral salt reactants can combine to form a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) phase that initiates in situ mineralization in the soil substrate. Solidifying the mineralization can form a subsurface structure in the soil substrate. Multiple applications of aqueous mineral salt reactants can be introduced to adjust the thickness of the mineralization or for layers of coatings.

A binder composition that includes cement, optionally calcium sulfate, at least one zinc salt and at least one alkylamine, and to a dry-mortar mixture that includes said binder composition. The present invention further relates to the use of a composition composed of a zinc salt and an alkylamine for achieving high early strengths in a binder composition.

A binder composition that includes cement, optionally calcium sulfate, at least one zinc salt and at least one alkylamine, and to a dry-mortar mixture that includes said binder composition. The present invention further relates to the use of a composition composed of a zinc salt and an alkylamine for achieving high early strengths in a binder composition.

Cementitious mixtures, compositions for use in cementitious mixtures, and methods of producing cementitious mixtures wherein the compositions are suitable for modifying or improving certain properties of the cementitious mixtures. The compositions include a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) hydrogel having a macromolecular network structure, and at least one pozzolanic material that is chemically incorporated into the macromolecular network structure of the SAP hydrogel.

What are described are a process for producing 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. Likewise described are 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.

In one aspect of the present invention, a dental cement contains a glass powder, wherein the glass powder contains zinc, silicon, and fluorine and does not substantially contain aluminum.

There is provided a two part hardenable composition comprising a powder first part and a liquid second part. The parts are operable to form a glass ionomer cement which hardens to a solid mass upon mixing of the parts together. The composition comprises an inorganic glass and/or salt in the powder first part, an aqueous carrier in the liquid second part and an acid-functional polymer in the powder first part and/or the liquid second part. The composition also comprises an at least partially water-miscible additive in the first and/or second parts. The additive is operable to extend the working time of the glass ionomer cement upon mixing of the first and or second parts. The composition is operable to form a glass ionomer cement which, once hardened to a solid mass, has a plane strain fracture toughness of at least 0.7 MPa.Math.m.sup.1/2 as measured at 24 hours from mixing. Also provided is a method of producing a glass ionomer cement.

There is provided a two part hardenable composition comprising a powder first part and a liquid second part. The parts are operable to form a glass ionomer cement which hardens to a solid mass upon mixing of the parts together. The composition comprises an inorganic glass and/or salt in the powder first part, an aqueous carrier in the liquid second part and an acid-functional polymer in the powder first part and/or the liquid second part. The composition also comprises an at least partially water-miscible additive in the first and/or second parts. The additive is operable to extend the working time of the glass ionomer cement upon mixing of the first and or second parts. The composition is operable to form a glass ionomer cement which, once hardened to a solid mass, has a plane strain fracture toughness of at least 0.7 MPa.Math.m.sup.1/2 as measured at 24 hours from mixing. Also provided is a method of producing a glass ionomer cement.

The present invention provides an admixture composition comprising a liquid suspension of colloidal silica, siloxane, and polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant for enhancing early age strength, finishability, and other properties in hydratable cementitious compositions such as concrete (e.g., shotcrete). An inventive method involves mixing the components together in a specific sequence, thereby to obtain a stable liquid suspension. This attainment of a stable liquid suspension is surprising and unexpected because (i) the polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant and siloxane components are incompatible and immiscible with one another; and (ii) that colloidal silica and siloxane compound are incompatible and immiscible with one another. Yet, the present inventors achieved an additive in the form of a stable liquid suspension which can be conveniently dosed into concretes and shotcrete mixtures, to enhance early age strength, and to improve workability and rheology in terms of finishability of concrete surfaces and improved rebound performance in shotcrete applications.