Composite fibers and methods of manufacturing composite fibers for the reinforcement of concrete are provided. The composite fibers include fibers and a polymeric coating. The composite fibers have a length of about 10 mm to about 80 mm and an equivalent diameter from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm. A method for reinforcing concrete using the composite fibers is further provided.

A paving block with improved illumination (luminescent paving block) preferably includes a concrete base layer and a photoluminescent layer. The photoluminescent layer is formed on top of the concrete base layer. The concrete base layer is preferably created by combining sand, aggregate, water, pigment and cement to form an uncured concrete mixture. The photoluminescent layer preferably includes very fine aggreagate, cement, water, pigment, sand and a polyester resin infused with a photoluminescent pigment or a silica-based glass material infused with photoluminescent pigment. Further, a light transmitting sealant may be placed over the photoluminescent material.

A paving block with improved illumination (luminescent paving block) preferably includes a concrete base layer and a photoluminescent layer. The photoluminescent layer is formed on top of the concrete base layer. The concrete base layer is preferably created by combining sand, aggregate, water, pigment and cement to form an uncured concrete mixture. The photoluminescent layer preferably includes very fine aggreagate, cement, water, pigment, sand and a polyester resin infused with a photoluminescent pigment or a silica-based glass material infused with photoluminescent pigment. Further, a light transmitting sealant may be placed over the photoluminescent material.

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.

A composite material, compositions, processes and methods of using coal and coal by-products composite ceramics is provided for use as a safe, non-toxic material for construction, building and architecture components. The composite material disclosed herein is formed from resin/coal aggregates that contain and prevent the release of harmful impurities that naturally occur in both coal and coal by-products while the advantages of coal-based composites are made available to the building industry. The strength, density and porosity of the composites can be tailored within a wide range to fit the final application by controlling the materials, form factor and processing parameters during fabrication.

A composite material, compositions, processes and methods of using coal and coal by-products composite ceramics is provided for use as a safe, non-toxic material for construction, building and architecture components. The composite material disclosed herein is formed from resin/coal aggregates that contain and prevent the release of harmful impurities that naturally occur in both coal and coal by-products while the advantages of coal-based composites are made available to the building industry. The strength, density and porosity of the composites can be tailored within a wide range to fit the final application by controlling the materials, form factor and processing parameters during fabrication.

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.

A composite material, compositions, processes and methods of using coal and coal by-products composite ceramics is provided for use as a safe, non-toxic material for construction, building and architecture components. The composite material disclosed herein is formed from resin/coal aggregates that contain and prevent the release of harmful impurities that naturally occur in both coal and coal by-products while the advantages of coal-based composites are made available to the building industry. The strength, density and porosity of the composites can be tailored within a wide range to fit the final application by controlling the materials, form factor and processing parameters during fabrication.

A composite material, compositions, processes and methods of using coal and coal by-products composite ceramics is provided for use as a safe, non-toxic material for construction, building and architecture components. The composite material disclosed herein is formed from resin/coal aggregates that contain and prevent the release of harmful impurities that naturally occur in both coal and coal by-products while the advantages of coal-based composites are made available to the building industry. The strength, density and porosity of the composites can be tailored within a wide range to fit the final application by controlling the materials, form factor and processing parameters during fabrication.

A method of agglomerating bulk ceramic fibers includes mixing the bulk ceramic fibers with water to form wet fibers; mixing the wet fibers with a binder including an organic binder and/or an inorganic binder to form agglomerates; and drying the agglomerates. The agglomerates may be mixed with additional binders and fillers to form an insulating mix that may be used to insulate a furnace or other heat source. A foaming nozzle may be used for the application of agglomerates. A foaming agent and water are air atomized within the foaming nozzle and the resulting foam is mixed into pneumatically conveyed agglomerates, which result results in a lightweight refractory material layer on a target substrate.