A surfactant composition is disclosed comprising a first alkyl sulfate surfactant, optionally a second alkyl sulfate surfactant, and optionally an alkyl ether sulfate. The first and second alkyl sulfate surfactants have Formula (1): R.sup.1—OSO.sub.3.sup.−.sup.+M.sup.1(1) and the ether sulfate has Formula (2): R.sup.2—(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)yOSO.sub.3.sup.−.sup.30 M.sup.2(2) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected linear or branched alkyl or a combination thereof having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, y has an average value from 0.1 to 5, and M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are cations independently selected from sodium, calcium, ammonium, or a combination of two or all of these. Use of the composition as a foaming agent for gypsum slurries, and of the gypsum slurries for formation of gypsum boards, are disclosed.

A surfactant composition is disclosed comprising a first alkyl sulfate surfactant, optionally a second alkyl sulfate surfactant, and optionally an alkyl ether sulfate. The first and second alkyl sulfate surfactants have Formula (1): R.sup.1—OSO.sub.3.sup.−.sup.+M.sup.1(1) and the ether sulfate has Formula (2): R.sup.2—(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)yOSO.sub.3.sup.−.sup.30 M.sup.2(2) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected linear or branched alkyl or a combination thereof having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, y has an average value from 0.1 to 5, and M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are cations independently selected from sodium, calcium, ammonium, or a combination of two or all of these. Use of the composition as a foaming agent for gypsum slurries, and of the gypsum slurries for formation of gypsum boards, are disclosed.

A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

An energy-saving building system using a porous silicate material for thermal insulation, comprises a foundation, a retaining wall body, and a roof system. The foundation comprises a ground ring beam and columns, and a porous silicate thermal insulation material is cast around the ground ring beam and the columns; the porous silicate thermal insulation material is composed of an organic lightweight aggregate and a lightweight inorganic matrix, and the lightweight inorganic matrix is provided thereon with a plurality of micropores; the retaining wall body comprises an outer wall disposed on the ground ring beam, the outer wall comprises an outer side support body, an inner side support body, and the porous silicate thermal insulation material cast between the inner and outer side support bodies, and the outer side support body and the inner side support body are connected therebetween by means of a heat insulating connection member.

An energy-saving building system using a porous silicate material for thermal insulation, comprises a foundation, a retaining wall body, and a roof system. The foundation comprises a ground ring beam and columns, and a porous silicate thermal insulation material is cast around the ground ring beam and the columns; the porous silicate thermal insulation material is composed of an organic lightweight aggregate and a lightweight inorganic matrix, and the lightweight inorganic matrix is provided thereon with a plurality of micropores; the retaining wall body comprises an outer wall disposed on the ground ring beam, the outer wall comprises an outer side support body, an inner side support body, and the porous silicate thermal insulation material cast between the inner and outer side support bodies, and the outer side support body and the inner side support body are connected therebetween by means of a heat insulating connection member.

A quick-setting concrete mixture that uses calcium sulfoaluminate as a binder cement. In one embodiment, the disclosed concrete mixture may be prepared using a revolutionary drum mixer truck and may recycle surplus or leftover concrete. In one embodiment, the mixture may use air entrainment; such as liquid air entrainment or foam generated air entrainment, to manufacture the concrete mixture.

A quick-setting concrete mixture that uses calcium sulfoaluminate as a binder cement. In one embodiment, the disclosed concrete mixture may be prepared using a revolutionary drum mixer truck and may recycle surplus or leftover concrete. In one embodiment, the mixture may use air entrainment; such as liquid air entrainment or foam generated air entrainment, to manufacture the concrete mixture.

A process for producing a mineral foam having water repellent properties includes a) separately preparing a slurry of cement and an aqueous foam, wherein the cement slurry includes water, at least one water repellent agent different from organosilicon compound, and Portland cement and the aqueous foam includes a co-stabiliser; b) contacting the slurry of cement with the aqueous foam to obtain a slurry of foamed cement; and c) casting the slurry of foamed cement and leave the slurry of foamed cement to set.

A process for producing a mineral foam having water repellent properties includes a) separately preparing a slurry of cement and an aqueous foam, wherein the cement slurry includes water, at least one water repellent agent different from organosilicon compound, and Portland cement and the aqueous foam includes a co-stabiliser; b) contacting the slurry of cement with the aqueous foam to obtain a slurry of foamed cement; and c) casting the slurry of foamed cement and leave the slurry of foamed cement to set.