The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture capable of biocementation as a means of preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on/in a substrate.

The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture capable of biocementation as a means of preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on/in a substrate.

A cement composition is provided. The cement composition comprises: a microcapsule and cement. The microcapsule is provided with a core-shell structure having i) a core containing a water-repellent organosilicon material selected from the group consisting of organosilanes, organosilane partial condensation products, and branched siloxane resins, and ii) a shell of a silicon-based network polymer containing a silica unit. The microcapsule is included at 0.01 to less than 0.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the cement. Thus, it is possible to provide a cement composition that can provide a cured product having high strength, as well as excellent air content stability, substance penetration prevention, drying shrinkage, and freeze-thaw resistance.

A method for making a carbonated precast concrete product includes: obtaining a mixture including at least one binder material, an aggregate, and water; molding the mixture into a molded intermediate; demolding the molded intermediate to obtain a demolded intermediate, the demolded intermediate having a first water-to-binder ratio; conditioning the demolded intermediate to provide a conditioned article having a second water-to-binder ratio less than the first water-to-binder ratio of the demolded intermediate; moisturizing at least one surface of the conditioned article with an aqueous medium, thereby causing a weight gain of the conditioned article and providing a moisturized product, a first portion of the moisturized product having a third water-to-binder ratio greater than a fourth water-to-binder ratio of a remainder of the moisturized product; and curing the moisturized product with carbon dioxide to obtain the carbonated precast concrete product.

A method for making a carbonated precast concrete product includes: obtaining a mixture including at least one binder material, an aggregate, and water; molding the mixture into a molded intermediate; demolding the molded intermediate to obtain a demolded intermediate, the demolded intermediate having a first water-to-binder ratio; conditioning the demolded intermediate to provide a conditioned article having a second water-to-binder ratio less than the first water-to-binder ratio of the demolded intermediate; moisturizing at least one surface of the conditioned article with an aqueous medium, thereby causing a weight gain of the conditioned article and providing a moisturized product, a first portion of the moisturized product having a third water-to-binder ratio greater than a fourth water-to-binder ratio of a remainder of the moisturized product; and curing the moisturized product with carbon dioxide to obtain the carbonated precast concrete product.

Various inventive concepts of the present invention are directed to a water-repellent concrete admixture for the production of water-repellent masonry. In some exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent admixture includes water, a hydrolyzable silane, at least one silicone; and an amino-functional silane. The water-repellent concrete admixture is incorporated integrally into a concrete mixture.

Various inventive concepts of the present invention are directed to a water-repellent concrete admixture for the production of water-repellent masonry. In some exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent admixture includes water, a hydrolyzable silane, at least one silicone; and an amino-functional silane. The water-repellent concrete admixture is incorporated integrally into a concrete mixture.

A process for fireproofing materials, using the following steps: a) placing a material in contact with a viscoelastic suspension obtained by mixing a pozzolanic material with an alkaline activation solution having at least one soluble metal hydroxide; b) geopolymerizing the viscoelastic suspension; c) obtaining a fireproof material with a geopolymer.

A process for fireproofing materials, using the following steps: a) placing a material in contact with a viscoelastic suspension obtained by mixing a pozzolanic material with an alkaline activation solution having at least one soluble metal hydroxide; b) geopolymerizing the viscoelastic suspension; c) obtaining a fireproof material with a geopolymer.

A method for making a carbonated precast concrete product includes: obtaining a mixture including at least one binder material, an aggregate, and water; molding the mixture into a molded intermediate; demolding the molded intermediate to obtain a demolded intermediate, the demolded intermediate having a first water-to-binder ratio; conditioning the demolded intermediate to provide a conditioned article having a second water-to-binder ratio less than the first water-to-binder ratio of the demolded intermediate; moisturizing at least one surface of the conditioned article with an aqueous medium, thereby causing a weight gain of the conditioned article and providing a moisturized product, a first portion of the moisturized product having a third water-to-binder ratio greater than a fourth water-to-binder ratio of a remainder of the moisturized product; and curing the moisturized product with carbon dioxide to obtain the carbonated precast concrete product.