A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat in-situ during manufacture of cement. A method of manufacturing cement includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of cement to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) optionally pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the expanded polymeric microspheres with cement.

A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat in-situ during manufacture of a construction material. A method of manufacturing a construction material includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of the construction material to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) optionally pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the expanded polymeric microspheres with the construction material.

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.

The present invention provides substantially water free aluminate cement paste compositions that exhibit improved freeze thaw resistance and are storage stable upon being activated on admixture with water or an aqueous liquid. The compositions comprise a deep eutectic solvent mixture of a polar organic carrier component, preferably, glycerol or another hydrogen donor, and an anhydrous cation containing component, such as a metal salt or an onium compound in a paste with an aluminate cement. The compositions can be kept for as long as 30 days or more at room temperature without stabilization and then used to make cementitious coating layers or waterproofing membranes.

A water-based mixture of multi compounds for adding to fresh concrete to protect the concrete against moisture and moisture-associated problems. A hygroscopic and hydrophilic behavior of its crystallization system within a concrete matrix minimizes moisture transmission through capillaries and connected voids. As a result, the mixture may reduce moisture related problems, such as damage caused by repeated freeze and thaw cycles and chloride ion penetration as from deicing salts, as well as alkali-silica reactions, and other problems.

A repair compound for use in all applications and particularly well-suited for large hole repair. The repair compound includes a latex resin, a thickener, fibers, and a filler material. In some embodiments, the repair compound is configured to exhibit pseudoplastic-type behavior. In some embodiments, the repair compound has a density of not greater than 4.0 lbs/gal. In some embodiments, the repair compound includes hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers of different morphologies. In some embodiments, the repair compound includes HASE-type thickeners. In some embodiments, the repair compound includes a bimodal distribution of hollow glass microspheres from two different strength/size curves.

A water-based mixture of multi compounds for adding to fresh concrete to protect the concrete against moisture and moisture-associated problems. A hygroscopic and hydrophilic behavior of its crystallization system within a concrete matrix minimizes moisture transmission through capillaries and connected voids. As a result, the mixture may reduce moisture related problems, such as damage caused by repeated freeze and thaw cycles and chloride ion penetration as from deicing salts, as well as alkali-silica reactions, and other problems.

An admixture for mineral binder compositions, in particular an after-treatment agent for mineral binder compositions, including at least one water-absorbing substance and at least one shrinkage reducer.

The present disclosure is directed to phase change material compositions, low temperature applications for phase change materials, snow-melt applications for phase change materials, and deicing applications for phase change materials. In some embodiments, phase change materials comprise lightweight aggregates. In some embodiments, the low temperature and deicing applications include concrete applications.

Cement paste compositions, concrete compositions, and methods of forming the cement paste compositions and concrete compositions are disclosed. Exemplary cement paste compositions and concrete compositions include a water-soluble additive that is dissolved and is configured to perform one or more of ice recrystallization inhibition and dynamic ice shaping when the cement composition is exposed to temperatures less than or equal to a freezing temperature of water.