The invention relates to the use of i) geopolymer and ii) non-brominated, phosphorus- and/or nitrogen-based flame retardants for improving the self-extinguishing properties of a composition comprising polymer. The polymer may be a vinyl aromatic polymer, and may be in a granulate or foam.

The invention relates to the use of i) geopolymer and ii) non-brominated, phosphorus- and/or nitrogen-based flame retardants for improving the self-extinguishing properties of a composition comprising polymer. The polymer may be a vinyl aromatic polymer, and may be in a granulate or foam.

A superhydrophobic asphalt and a method of its preparation. The superhydrophobic asphalt contains an asphalt layer containing a polymer modified asphalt, preferably a radial SBS modified asphalt, and a polypropylene layer. The polypropylene layer comprises granules of polypropylene thermally fused to the asphalt layer. The superhydrophobic asphalt has a water contact angle of 145 to 170°, above the classification threshold for superhydrophobicity. The method of preparing the superhydrophobic asphalt involves distributing polypropylene granules over the surface of a polymer modified asphalt and curing below the melting temperature of the polypropylene. The asphalt may find use in waterproofing applications such as roofing.

A superhydrophobic asphalt and a method of its preparation. The superhydrophobic asphalt contains an asphalt layer containing a polymer modified asphalt, preferably a radial SBS modified asphalt, and a polypropylene layer. The polypropylene layer comprises granules of polypropylene thermally fused to the asphalt layer. The superhydrophobic asphalt has a water contact angle of 145 to 170°, above the classification threshold for superhydrophobicity. The method of preparing the superhydrophobic asphalt involves distributing polypropylene granules over the surface of a polymer modified asphalt and curing below the melting temperature of the polypropylene. The asphalt may find use in waterproofing applications such as roofing.

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.

The present invention relates to a road paving method enabling one to provide an asphalt paving material layer in which both excellent stability and stress relaxation can be made compatible with each other, the method including Step 1: a step of mixing asphalt, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester, and an aggregate to obtain an asphalt mixture, and Step 2: a step of laying the asphalt mixture obtained in Step 1 on a road, thereby forming an asphalt paving material layer, wherein the polyester has a softening point of 90° C. or higher and 140° C. or lower and a glass transition point of 40° C. or higher and 80° C. or lower, and a ratio of the polyester is more than 17 parts by mass and 50 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the asphalt.

The present invention relates to a road paving method enabling one to provide an asphalt paving material layer in which both excellent stability and stress relaxation can be made compatible with each other, the method including Step 1: a step of mixing asphalt, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester, and an aggregate to obtain an asphalt mixture, and Step 2: a step of laying the asphalt mixture obtained in Step 1 on a road, thereby forming an asphalt paving material layer, wherein the polyester has a softening point of 90° C. or higher and 140° C. or lower and a glass transition point of 40° C. or higher and 80° C. or lower, and a ratio of the polyester is more than 17 parts by mass and 50 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the asphalt.

The present invention relates to a concrete composite comprising concrete and a thermoelectric material, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a complex sulphide mineral, wherein the composite comprises at least 20 wt % concrete.

The present invention relates to a concrete composite comprising concrete and a thermoelectric material, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a complex sulphide mineral, wherein the composite comprises at least 20 wt % concrete.