The present invention relates to the field of foam formation and stabilization, particularly foamed construction materials, such as cement. Disclosed are additives suitable to obtain mineral foams when added to the corresponding starting materials. The invention provides a ready-to-use product in the form of a solid particulate composition comprising hydrophobized particles (1) and catalytically active particles (2) as defined in claim 1. The invention further provides for manufacturing methods of such ready-to-use product.

The present invention relates to the field of foam formation and stabilization, particularly foamed construction materials, such as cement. Disclosed are additives suitable to obtain mineral foams when added to the corresponding starting materials. The invention provides a ready-to-use product in the form of a solid particulate composition comprising hydrophobized particles (1) and catalytically active particles (2) as defined in claim 1. The invention further provides for manufacturing methods of such ready-to-use product.

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 hydraulic composition for the construction of pavements, and in particular for the repair of pavements, includes a hydraulic binder including a cement, 0.18% to 0.35% of a superplasticiser, where the percentage is expressed by dry weight compared to the cement, and where the superplasticiser includes a branched polymer including at least one pendant chain, with a terminal function of the phosphonate or phosphate type, and 0.25% to 2% of a setting accelerator, where the percentage is expressed by dry weight compared to the cement, where the setting accelerator includes a calcium salt, where the hydraulic composition has a Water/Cement ratio higher than 0.38 and strictly less than 0.45.

A hydraulic composition for the construction of pavements, and in particular for the repair of pavements, includes a hydraulic binder including a cement, 0.18% to 0.35% of a superplasticiser, where the percentage is expressed by dry weight compared to the cement, and where the superplasticiser includes a branched polymer including at least one pendant chain, with a terminal function of the phosphonate or phosphate type, and 0.25% to 2% of a setting accelerator, where the percentage is expressed by dry weight compared to the cement, where the setting accelerator includes a calcium salt, where the hydraulic composition has a Water/Cement ratio higher than 0.38 and strictly less than 0.45.

An air-dry clay moldable and workable for sculptural applications, comprising a formulation of: (1) caulk or caulk base material and (2) a thickening agent and/or a detackifier in sufficient proportions to form a clay that can air dry to a substantially solid form at room temperature. The clay may include both a thickening agent and detackifier. The caulk or caulk base material comprises by weight percent: 40-90%, or 50-80%, or 60-75% of the formulated clay.

A strengthening concrete admixture for the production of high-strength concrete products is provided. The strengthening concrete admixture comprises water; a set retarder comprising a salt of gluconic acid; one or more set accelerators; one or more hardening accelerators; and at least one stabilizing agent. Incorporation of the strengthening admixture in a cement mixture enhances both early and late age strength development and allows for sustainable and more energy efficient construction practices.