The present invention relates to coloured fiber cement products as well as to methods for manufacturing such products. In particular, the present invention provides coloured fiber cement products, which fiber cement products are coloured in the mass, and at least comprise on at least part of their outer surface one or more cured layers of a coating composition, which composition at least comprises a binder and a pigment and/or a filler and is characterized by a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of between about 1% and about 20%. The present invention further provides processes for producing these coloured fiber cement products. Finally, the present invention provides uses of the coloured fiber cement products as building materials. In particular embodiments, the fiber cement products produced by the processes of the present invention can be used to provide an outer surface to walls, both internal as well as external, a building or construction, e.g. as fagade plate, siding, etc.

A method for preventing formation of rust-colored stains on the surface of a hydraulic composition includes mixing the hydraulic composition with an additive for hydraulic binder including at least a dialkanolamine including from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least a polyol preferably chosen from a diol, a triol, a tetraol and mixtures thereof. Other uses include a grinding aid for hydraulic binder precursor, and/or improving the compressive strength of a set hydraulic composition.

Coating compositions are useful for applying to surfaces of molding, include concrete moldings such as roofing tile. The coating composition comprise monomers that provide advantageous properties to reduce water uptake as well as improving the aesthetic appearance.

The present invention relates to coloured fiber cement products as well as to methods for manufacturing such products. In particular, the present invention provides coloured fiber cement products, which fiber cement products are coloured in the mass, and at least comprise on at least part of their outer surface one or more cured layers of a coating composition, which composition at least comprises a binder and a pigment and/or a filler and is characterized by a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of between about 1% and about 20%. The present invention further provides processes for producing these coloured fiber cement products. Finally, the present invention provides uses of the coloured fiber cement products as building materials. In particular embodiments, the fiber cement products produced by the processes of the present invention can be used to provide an outer surface to walls, both internal as well as external, a building or construction, e.g. as fagade plate, siding, etc.

Efflorescence resistance of concrete blocks is enhanced through the use of glass powder in the concrete composition. The glass powder permits a reduction in the cement content; the glass powder also creates a pozzolanic reaction to change the free calcium ions in calcium hydroxide to calcium silicate to fix the calcium ions inside concrete. The composition includes cementitious binding material of ordinary Portland cement, fly ash, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag in an amount from 20 to 25 wt. %. Coarse aggregate is provided from 10 to 15 wt. percent. Fine aggregate is from 32 to 39 wt. %. The composition further includes glass powder having a diameter of less than approximately 75 microns in an amount from 17 to 23 wt. %. Water is present in an amount from 6 to 9 wt. %. The dry density of formed paving blocks is 1800-2200 kg/m.sup.3.

The invention relates to an anti-filming surface-active admixture for hydraulic binders, including at least one fatty alcohol and at least one oil, to the method for preparing same, and to a method for preparing a hydraulic binder composition suitable for the manufacture of screeds or concretes, comprising the step of adding, to the hydraulic binder composition, the admixture according to the invention in a metered amount of 0.1 to 5 wt % with respect to the weight of the hydraulic binder.

The present description relates to an anti-efflorescence water based composition that eliminates the efflorescence that occurs on new pavers, stones, concrete bricks or concrete furniture because of high humidity comprising a homo polymer solution of acrylic, an hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol and/or a combination thereof.

The present invention provides a dry mix of cement, sand, metakaolin in the amount of 5 wt % or less, based on total solids in the dry mix, and aluminum cement in a low amount (≦1 wt. %, based on total solids in the dry mix) useful as a tile grout, as well as uses thereof and to methods of using the same as a tile grout. The dry mix when made into a mortar exhibits excellent resistance to efflorescence as a tile grout.

Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising remediated coal ash, hydraulic cement, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Other embodiments comprise a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising remediated coal ash, calcium hydroxide (lime), and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Other embodiments comprise a settable composition comprising: remediated coal ash, hydraulic cement, calcium hydroxide, natural pozzolan and water; and allowing the composition to set. Other embodiments comprise a settable composition comprising remediated coal ash and any combination of hydraulic cement, calcium hydroxide, slag, fly ash, and natural or other pozzolan.

The invention provides novel methods and compositions that mitigate the occurrence of hazing of products made from carbonatable calcium silicate-based cements. The methods and compositions of the invention may be applied in a variety of cement and concrete components in the infrastructure, construction, pavement and landscaping industries.