A low-density, high-strength concrete composition that is lightweight and self-compacting or non-self-compacting, with a low weight-fraction of aggregate to total dry raw materials, and a highly-homogenous distribution of a non-absorptive and closed-cell lightweight aggregate such as glass microspheres or copolymer polymer beads or a combination thereof, and the steps of providing the composition or components. Lightweight concretes formed therefrom have low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high R-value. The concrete has strength similar to that ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete but at a lower density, such as an oven-dried density as low as 40 lbs./cu.ft. Such strength-to-density ratios range approximately from above 30 cu.ft/sq.in. to above 110 cu.ft/sq.in., with a 28-day compressive strength ranging from about 3400 to 8000 psi.

A low-density, high-strength concrete composition that is lightweight and self-compacting or non-self-compacting, with a low weight-fraction of aggregate to total dry raw materials, and a highly-homogenous distribution of a non-absorptive and closed-cell lightweight aggregate such as glass microspheres or copolymer polymer beads or a combination thereof, and the steps of providing the composition or components. Lightweight concretes formed therefrom have low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high R-value. The concrete has strength similar to that ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete but at a lower density, such as an oven-dried density as low as 40 lbs./cu.ft. Such strength-to-density ratios range approximately from above 30 cu.ft/sq.in. to above 110 cu.ft/sq.in., with a 28-day compressive strength ranging from about 3400 to 8000 psi.

Lightweight construction panels, such as gypsum plaster-board, are commonly used to provide internal partitions in buildings It is known to cover, either partially or fully, the panel with an aqueous material such as gypsum plaster or jointing compound. It has been found that known panels expand when they absorb water. This gives rise to several undesirable results such as the gypsum plaster or jointing compound cracking as the panel expands as moisture is absorbed. The present invention provides a panel comprising a gypsum matrix including fibres in an amount of at least 0.8 wt % relative to the gypsum, a polymeric additive in an amount of at least 0.8 wt % relative to the gypsum, and at least one phosphate additive. A panel having such a composition has been found to have desirable characteristics.

Lightweight construction panels, such as gypsum plaster-board, are commonly used to provide internal partitions in buildings It is known to cover, either partially or fully, the panel with an aqueous material such as gypsum plaster or jointing compound. It has been found that known panels expand when they absorb water. This gives rise to several undesirable results such as the gypsum plaster or jointing compound cracking as the panel expands as moisture is absorbed. The present invention provides a panel comprising a gypsum matrix including fibres in an amount of at least 0.8 wt % relative to the gypsum, a polymeric additive in an amount of at least 0.8 wt % relative to the gypsum, and at least one phosphate additive. A panel having such a composition has been found to have desirable characteristics.

A highly thixotropic 3D printing concrete and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The weight percentage of each component calculated per cube of concrete is: 35-40% of cement, 0.1-0.4% of polycarboxylate superplasticizer, 0.1-0.4% of polypropylene fiber, 1.0-3.0% of special thixotropic agent for 3D printing concrete, and 12.5-14.5% of water, and the remainder is sand.

Disclosed herein are thermodynamically stable cement systems comprising a curing agent mixed with a CAC. The curing agent can be hydrophilic to attract bound water. In such a manner, the addition of the curing agent can treat the CAC. The treated material can then be cured to form a thermodynamically stable cement material. The curing agent can comprise a natural fiber material that comprises cellulose. Alternatively, or in addition, the curing agent can comprise cellulose nanoparticles, such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Also disclosed herein are methods of making the same.

Methods of preparing engineered cementitious composite precursors include carbonating a fly ash comprising >about 25% by weight of calcium oxide (CaO) and having a water content of >about 12% to <about 18% by weight of water by exposing the fly ash to a first gas stream comprising carbon dioxide to form a carbonated fly ash. A steel slag is also carbonated that comprises >about 40% by weight of calcium oxide (CaO) and having a water content of >about 12% to <about 18% by weight of water by exposing the steel slag to a second gas stream comprising carbon dioxide to form a carbonated steel slag. The carbonated fly ash and the carbonated steel slag are suitable for use as engineered cementitious composite precursors in a bendable engineered cementitious composite composition that further comprises Portland cement, a polymeric fiber, and a superplasticizer.

Methods of preparing engineered cementitious composite precursors include carbonating a fly ash comprising >about 25% by weight of calcium oxide (CaO) and having a water content of >about 12% to <about 18% by weight of water by exposing the fly ash to a first gas stream comprising carbon dioxide to form a carbonated fly ash. A steel slag is also carbonated that comprises >about 40% by weight of calcium oxide (CaO) and having a water content of >about 12% to <about 18% by weight of water by exposing the steel slag to a second gas stream comprising carbon dioxide to form a carbonated steel slag. The carbonated fly ash and the carbonated steel slag are suitable for use as engineered cementitious composite precursors in a bendable engineered cementitious composite composition that further comprises Portland cement, a polymeric fiber, and a superplasticizer.

A method for the application of hydrous mineral binder compositions which contain fibres. An aqueous accelerator is mixed with the aqueous binder composition in a mixer shortly before the application. The method is very robust and makes it possible to quickly produce even large moulded bodies having a uniform surface and very good strength development properties.

Compositions that include a polymer and an aldaric acid, such as glucaric acid, are disclosed. The compositions may include polyvinyl alcohol and glucaric acid. The compositions may also include polyacrylonitrile and glucaric acid. In addition, the compositions may further include lignin. Also disclosed are fibers including the compositions, methods of making the fibers, and uses of the fibers.