A high temperature lightweight thermal insulating material is formed from a mixture that includes cement or silica sand, water and a foaming agent. The foaming agent can be an aluminum powder or a surfactant. The insulating material has a maximum use temperature greater than about 600 degrees Celsius.

A high temperature lightweight thermal insulating material is formed from a mixture that includes cement or silica sand, water and a foaming agent. The foaming agent can be an aluminum powder or a surfactant. The insulating material has a maximum use temperature greater than about 600 degrees Celsius.

A hydraulically binding composition can be used to produce an inorganic fire-protection and/or insulation foam. The composition includes: (i) a hydraulic binder, (ii) a blowing-agent mixture, (iii) a thermally expandable compound, and (iv) optionally a foam stabilizer, where the at least one thermally expandable compound, depending on a particle size thereof and an adjusted density of a foamed composition, is present in a quantity such that a foam structure of the foamed composition is not destroyed by expansion thereof during heating of the composition above an onset temperature thereof.

A hydraulically binding composition can be used to produce an inorganic fire-protection and/or insulation foam. The composition includes: (i) a hydraulic binder, (ii) a blowing-agent mixture, (iii) a thermally expandable compound, and (iv) optionally a foam stabilizer, where the at least one thermally expandable compound, depending on a particle size thereof and an adjusted density of a foamed composition, is present in a quantity such that a foam structure of the foamed composition is not destroyed by expansion thereof during heating of the composition above an onset temperature thereof.

Compositions and methods are disclosed for sealing subterranean spaces such as natural or induced fractures, vugs or annular spaces. The composition is composed of a base fluid consisting of a soluble alkali silicate, a gas generating additive, water, solids, and a setting agent. The gas generating additive may be coated or uncoated. The gas generating additive may also be in the form of a slurry. In the case of coated additives, the coating may act as a retarder or an accelerator to the expansion and setting agent of the soluble alkali silica. Similarly, the choice of carrier fluid in a slurry may retard or accelerate the expansion and setting of the alkali silicate-based plug.

Compositions and methods are disclosed for sealing subterranean spaces such as natural or induced fractures, vugs or annular spaces. The composition is composed of a base fluid consisting of a soluble alkali silicate, a gas generating additive, water, solids, and a setting agent. The gas generating additive may be coated or uncoated. The gas generating additive may also be in the form of a slurry. In the case of coated additives, the coating may act as a retarder or an accelerator to the expansion and setting agent of the soluble alkali silica. Similarly, the choice of carrier fluid in a slurry may retard or accelerate the expansion and setting of the alkali silicate-based plug.

Compositions and methods are disclosed for sealing subterranean spaces such as natural or induced fractures, vugs or annular spaces. The composition is composed of a base fluid consisting of a soluble alkali silicate, a gas generating additive, water, solids, and a setting agent. The gas generating additive may be coated or uncoated. The gas generating additive may also be in the form of a slurry. In the case of coated additives, the coating may act as a retarder or an accelerator to the expansion and setting agent of the soluble alkali silica. Similarly, the choice of carrier fluid in a slurry may retard or accelerate the expansion and setting of the alkali silicate-based plug.

A fire resistant building panel comprising: a first major face; a second major face; and a fire resistant body comprising a binder, at least one additive, and at least one fiber material, wherein the binder comprises a calcareous material and a siliceous material; and wherein the fire resistant body is disposed between the first major face and the second major face. The fire resistant body provides a fire rating of at least 45 minutes as tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS1530.4-2005.

A fire resistant building panel comprising: a first major face; a second major face; and a fire resistant body comprising a binder, at least one additive, and at least one fiber material, wherein the binder comprises a calcareous material and a siliceous material; and wherein the fire resistant body is disposed between the first major face and the second major face. The fire resistant body provides a fire rating of at least 45 minutes as tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS1530.4-2005.

The invention provides novel methods and novel additive compositions and use thereof in a wide range of concrete production for improving properties of concrete materials, such as durability and aestheticity. The methods and compositions of the invention may be applied in a variety of cement and concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.