Disclosed are cementitious articles with hydrophobic finish. In some embodiments, the article is a waterproof gypsum panel that is surface reinforced with inorganic mineral fibers that face a flexible and hydrophobic cementitious finish possessing beneficial waterproofing properties. The waterproof gypsum panels of the invention are useful in many applications, such as, for example, tilebacker board in wet or dry areas of buildings, exterior weather barrier panel for use as exterior sheathing, and roof cover board having superior water durability and extremely low surface absorption. The flexible and hydrophobic cementitious finish of the invention can include Class C fly ash, film-forming polymer, silane compound (e.g., alkyl alkoxysilane), and other optional additives.

A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: forming a treatment fluid by adding a desired volume of a liquid concentrate suspension to at least a base fluid, wherein the treatment fluid comprises the liquid concentrate suspension and the base fluid, and wherein the liquid concentrate suspension comprises: (A) water; (B) an additive; and (C) a magnesium silicate clay, wherein the clay increases the viscosity of the water, wherein the liquid concentrate suspension is stable for a time period of at least 2 weeks; and introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation.

An apparatus includes a reactor vessel containing a carbonaceous bed and having means for establishing an elevated temperature within the carbonaceous bed; and the reactor vessel also having one or more feed material inlets above the carbonaceous bed for depositing process material from outside the vessel onto the carbonaceous bed, one or more gas exhaust ports above the bed for exit of gaseous products from the vessel, and one or more slag ports at the bottom of the carbonaceous bed for exit of molten and vitreous material from the vessel; wherein the carbonaceous bed comprises bricks that contain carbon and are of varied size and shape of which at least 25% of the total carbon content of the bed comprises spent pot liner material from aluminum processing, and wherein the bricks further comprise at least one of: Portland cement, potassium silicate cement, or aluminum silicate cement.

A method for synthesizing calcium-silicate-based porous particles (CSPPs) is described. Control over CSPP morphology and pore size is achieved through a refined solution-based synthesis, allowing loading of a variety of sealants. These particles, upon external stimuli, release the loaded sealant into the surrounding material. Methods of loading the CSPPs with loading sealant are described. The CSPPs may be used in pure form or mixed with another material to deliver self-healing, sealing and multi-functional properties to a physical structure. The composition of the CSPPs is described, along with methods of use of the CSPPs.

The present invention relates to a sagger for firing a precursor material, and more specifically, to a sagger having a space internally provided to load a precursor material. When used to fire a precursor material, the sagger is capable of not only suppressing the generation of by-products but also enhancing the durability of the main body.