Fired clay moldings are hydrophobicized by applying a long chain alkyl-substituted alkoxysilane or hydrolysate thereof having up to 5 silicon atoms, and an alkoxy-functional silicone resin. The moldings, which may be roof tiles, are hydrophobicized to a significant depth, without discoloration.

Polyurethane composites and methods of preparing polyurethane composites are described herein. The polyurethane composite can comprise (a) a polyurethane formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols; (b) fly ash comprising 50% or greater by weight, fly ash particles having a particle size of from 0.2 micron to 100 microns; and (c) a coarse filler material comprising 80% or greater by weight, filler particles having a particle size of from greater than 250 microns to 10 mm. The coarse filler material can be present in the composite in an amount of from 1% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite. The weight ratio of the fly ash to the coarse filler material can be from 9:1 to 200:1.

Plastomer-modified asphalt binders meeting MSCR specifications, asphalt paving materials with such asphalt binders, and methods for fabricating such asphalt binders are provided. The asphalt binder contains a base asphalt and a plastomer. If the plastomer has a drop point no greater than about 139° C., the asphalt binder further contains sulfur; sulfur-containing compounds, such as hydrocarbyl polysulfides and thiuram disulfides; phenolic resins; metal oxides; or a combination thereof. The asphalt binder is substantially free of elastomer.

Crumb rubber obtained from recycled tires is subjected to an interlinked substitution process. The process utilizes a reactive component that interferes with sulfur bonds. The resulting treated rubber exhibits properties similar to those of the virgin composite rubber structure prior to being granulated, and is suitable for use in fabricating new tires, engineered rubber articles, and asphalt rubber for use in waterproofing and paving applications.

A reflective granular composition including a reflective pigment material including a majority of kaolin clay and a hardening additive including a sodium salt or another salt. A method for making a reflective granular composition includes the steps of mixing together a reflective pigment material including a majority of kaolin clay and a hardening additive including a sodium salt or another salt to form a particulate mixture, forming a slurry from the particulate mixture by adding to the particulate mixture water and a binder material, granulating the slurry, drying the granulated slurry, and kilning the dried, granulated slurry to form the reflective granular composition. Methods of analyzing the strength of a reflective granular composition are also disclosed.

A novel heat shielding material made of an inorganic material is proposed.

A heat shielding material made of an inorganic material, including: a base material; a underlayer layered on the base material; and a top layer layered on the underlayer, wherein the top layer has a thickness such that the underlayer is not visually recognizable, and transmits infrared rays, and the underlayer includes a commingled between a material of the underlayer and a material of the top layer, and a main reflection region where the material of the top layer is not present.

By a suitable combination of the top layer and the underlayer, a high solar reflectance (TSR) exceeding 30% can be obtained even at an L* of 40 or less.

The present invention relates to a composition for manufacturing methylene malonate cementitious hybrid systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one methylene malonate monomer (A), at least one methylene malonate polymer (B), at least one acidic stabilizer (C), and cement (D), to the preparation thereof, and to the use of the composition in construction, particularly as a surface protection material, a structural consolidation material or as a material used in underground constructions.

Roofing granules comprising agglomerated inorganic material, and building materials, such as shingles, that include such roofing granules. By fabricating roofing granules from agglomerating inorganic material it is possible to tailor the particle size distribution so as to provide optimal shingle surface coverage, thus reducing shingle weight and usage of raw materials. Additionally, the use of agglomeration permits the utilization of by-products from conventional granule production processes.

A particulate composition suitable for protection against lightning is disclosed. The particulate composition comprises of a particulate matter comprising a mineral compound, preferably black tourmaline, capable of emitting negatively charged ions continuously, a grinding auxiliary agent, and a liquid medium. The particulate composition is embedded in a substrate, coating or mixed into the granules of composite roofing to protect people, objects and structures from lightning by developing a negatively charged cloaking shield to prevent the attraction of negatively charged lightning from striking. The composition infused or applied on a subject continuously emits negative ions sufficiently producing a protective electromagnetic cloaking shield restricting the wicking action of positive ions up from ground surface and thereby restricting the formation of positive streamers that reach upwards towards the stepped leaders of lightning.

Solar reflective roofing granules include a binder and inert mineral particles, with solar reflective particles dispersed in the binder. An agglomeration process preferentially disposes the solar reflective particles at a desired depth within or beneath the surface of the granules.