ADMIXTURE COMPOSITION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE CONTAINING POLYSTYRENE BEADS, PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COMPOSITION AND ITS APPLICATION

Abstract

The present invention relates to an admixture composition for the production of lightweight concretes containing polystyrene beads, which comprises a mixture of organic and inorganic substances which consists of the reaction products of polyurethane resin, tetraethyl orthosilicate, a glycol compound, an aromatic vinyl compound containing an unsaturated double bond, preferably styrene, and an inorganic silicate compound and preferably comprises the following components: glycol copolymer type compounds, in an amount of 15-10 w/w %, glycol polymer-silica type compounds, in an amount of 45-50 w/w %, polyurethane-based resin, in an amount of 13-22 w/w % polystyrene in an amount of 2-3% w/w %, and foam glass beads in an amount of 25-15 w/w %, and a) for the production of a liquid product, based on the total mass of the above composition, organic solvents in an amount of 15-20 w/w %, and water in an amount of 10-5 w/w %; or b) for the production of a solid preparation, based on the total mass of the above composition, polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of 10-5 w/w %; aluminium hydroxide in an amount of 2-5 w/w %, and calcined limestone powder in an amount of 8-10 w/w %. The invention also relates to the production and use of the above admixture composition.

Claims

1. Admixture composition for producing lightweight concretes containing polystyrene beads characterized in that it is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials, which consists of the reaction products of two-component polyurethane synthetic resin, organic silicon compound, such as tetraethyl orthosilicate, some glycol compound, an aromatic vinyl compound having an unsaturated double bond, preferably styrene, and an inorganic silicate such as basic solution of sodium orthosilicate, foam glass beads, organic solvent and water, and preferably comprises the following components: glycol copolymer type compounds, obtained by basis-catalyzed polymerization reaction of alkyl glycol compounds, in an amount of 15-10 w/w %, glycol polymer-silica type compounds obtained by basis-catalyzed reaction of alkyl glycol and organic and inorganic silicon compounds respectively, 45-50 w/w %, two-component polyurethane-based synthetic resin, wherein component A is “polyol” and component B is “isocyanate”, 13-22 w/w %, in an organic medium polymerized aromatic monomer compound containing unsaturated double bond such as polystyrene obtained from polymerization of styrene monomer or a polymerized unsaturated double bond containing aromatic polymer solved in an organic solvent, 2-3 w/w %, and foam glass beads, in an amount of 25-15 w/w %, and a) producing a liquid product based on the total weight of the above composition organic solvents 15-20 w/w %, and water 10-5 w/w %; or b) producing a solid composition based on the total weight of the above composition polyvinyl alcohol in the amount of 10-5 w/w %, aluminum hydroxide 2-5 w/w %, and calcined limestone flour 8-10 w/w %.

2. Admixture composition according to claim 1 for the production of lightweight concretes containing polystyrene beads characterized in that the glycol compound is an alkyl glycol.

3. Admixture composition according to claim 1 for the production of lightweight concretes containing polystyrene beads characterized in that the aromatic compound containing unsaturated double bond is styrene, while the aromatic polymer containing unsaturated double bond is polystyrene.

4. Process for preparing the admixture composition according to claim 1, characterized in that a polystyrene solution or a polystyrene/polyvinyl alcohol mixture or a polystyrene/polyvinyl alcohol/glycol copolymer/glycol silicate mixture is dispersed in a two-component synthetic resin or synthetic resin mixture as a dispersion medium, and inorganic silicate compound is added to the obtained emulsion, during which i) tetraethyl orthosilicate is dissolved in an organic solvent, adding foam glass beads, alkyl glycol and a catalyst, preferably basic solution of sodium orthosilicate, to the solution then a catalyst containing aluminum chloride is added, the solution undergoing acidic hydrolysis to form a glycol copolymer/glycol polymer silica/silicate suspension; ii) preparing a two-component synthetic resin solution by dissolving polystyrene or a polystyrene/polyvinyl mixture polystyrene/polyvinyl alcohol/glycol copolymer/glycol silicate mixture in an organic solvent, so resin PS/polymer emulsion is formed, mixing the products of steps i) and ii), and (iii) diluting and homogenizing it to obtain a liquid product, or iv) drying it and adding a solid admixture to it to produce a solid product.

5. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the molar ratio of inorganic silicate compound, namely basic solution of Na.sub.2SiO.sub.3/1,2-propylene glycol is selected from the range 1:1 to 4:1.

6. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the molar ratio of the glycol/organic silicon compound, namely tetraethyl orthosilicate is selected from the range 3:1 to 6:1.

7. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the molar ratio of the organic silicate compound/polystyrene (basic solution of Na.sub.2SiO.sub.3/PS) is selected from the range 5:1 to 40:1.

8. Use of the admixture composition according to claim 1 for the production of lightweight aggregate concretes containing polystyrene beads wherein only the admixture composition is used.

9. Use of the admixture composition according to claim 1 for the production of lightweight aggregate concretes containing polystyrene beads, wherein the admixture composition is used in combination with one or more of the auxiliary materials metakaolin, coal fly ash, silica powder and calcined calcium carbonate.

10. Use of the admixture composition according to claim 1 for the production of concrete elements made of lightweight concrete containing polystyrene beads, wherein the lightweight concrete containing polystyrene beads made with the admixture composition also comprises plastic-fiber chips.

Description

EXAMPLE “A1”

[0058] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG P400), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.4, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0059] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 200 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 10 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously, and the pH of the mixture increased to cc. 9.2 (steps 2. and 3.).

[0060] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0061] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously (step 5.).

[0062] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 500 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.).

The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0063] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 10 g of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 50 ml of dichloromethane and additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0064] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1000 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0065] Finally, the off-white suspension was mixed with 100 ml of dichloromethane/isopropyl alcohol/water mixture of 20/60/20 (v/v) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

The product obtained was an off-white suspension with a typical density of 1.32 g/cm.sup.3.

EXAMPLE “A2”

[0066] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.2, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0067] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 95 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0068] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1” ** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0069] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 16.7 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0070] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0071] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 10 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 350 ml of dichloromethane and additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0072] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0073] Finally, the off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (VV) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

The product obtained was an off-white suspension with a typical density of 1.23 g/cm.sup.3.

EXAMPLE “A3”

[0074] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.3, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 65° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0075] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 350 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0076] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 0.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0077] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 61.5 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.7 (step 5.).

[0078] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.).

The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0079] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 20 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, and 100 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0080] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0081] Finally, the off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

The product obtained was an off-white suspension with a typical density of 1.23 g/cm.sup.3.

EXAMPLE “A4”

[0082] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.4, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0083] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 115 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0084] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2.5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0085] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 20.2 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.9 (step 5.).

[0086] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.).

The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0087] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 50 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 150 ml of dichloromethane and additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0088] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0089] Finally, the off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A5”

[0090] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.8, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 65° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0091] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 400 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0092] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 8 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0093] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously (step 5.).

[0094] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0095] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 50 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution**** and 150 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0096] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0097] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A6”

[0098] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.1, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 65° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0099] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 125 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0100] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0101] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 22.0 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.6 (step 5.).

[0102] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0103] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 50 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 150 ml of dichloromethane and additional 8 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0104] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0105] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A7”

[0106] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.0 was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 75° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0107] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 150 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0108] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2 g of “A(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0109] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 26.3 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.6 (step 5.).

[0110] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0111] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added additional 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, 20 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution**** and 100 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0112] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0113] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A8”

[0114] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.8, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 65° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0115] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 175 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0116] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2.5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0117] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 30.7 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.6 (step 5.).

[0118] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque. pale yellow mixture.

[0119] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added additional 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, 50 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution**** and 150 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0120] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0121] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A9”

[0122] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.0 was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 75° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0123] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 200 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0124] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2.5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0125] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 16.7 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0126] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 100 ml of component “A” was mixed with 100 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0127] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 20 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 350 ml of dichloromethane and additional 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0128] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0129] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “A10”

[0130] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.8, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 75° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0131] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 400 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0132] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 15 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 2 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.). [0133] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously (step 5.).

[0134] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0135] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added additional 15 g of “A(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, 50 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution**** and 150 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7).

[0136] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0137] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was mixed with 160 ml of dichloromethane/water mixture of 60/40 (V/V) and homogenized by continuous stirring for 3 hours (step 9A).

EXAMPLE “B1”

[0138] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.8, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 65° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0139] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 95 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0140] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 2.5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0141] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 16.7 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0142] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0143] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 25 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution**** and 100 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0144] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0145] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was dried in teflon coated metal tray or in a heatproof dish at 65° C. for 1 hour, while it was stirred continuously, followed by mixing 5 g of metakaolin, 8 g of coal fly ash and 20 g of aluminium hydroxide to the granulate, then the resulting mixture was grinded and dried at 25° C. for 6 hours (step 9B.).

The product obtained from this procedure was an off-white or grey, solid, small particle sized granulate.

EXAMPLE “B2”

[0146] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.8, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0147] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 115 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0148] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 5 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0149] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 20.2 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0150] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0151] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 25 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 150 ml of dichloromethane and additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0152] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0153] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was dried in teflon coated metal tray or in a heatproof dish at 65° C. for 1 hour, while it was stirred continuously, followed by mixing 5 g of metakaolin, 8 g of coal fly ash and 20 g of aluminium hydroxide to the granulate, then the resulting mixture was grinded and dried at 25° C. for 6 hours (step 9B.).

EXAMPLE “B3”

[0154] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 7.9, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0155] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 150 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0156] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0157] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 26.3 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.3 (step 5.).

[0158] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0159] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, 25 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 20 ml of 51 w/w % PVA solution and 100 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0160] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0161] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was dried in teflon coated metal tray or in a heatproof dish at 65° C. for 1 hour, while it was stirred continuously, followed by mixing 5 g of metakaolin, 8 g of coal fly ash and 20 g of aluminium hydroxide to the granulate, then the resulting mixture was grinded and dried at 25° C. for 6 hours (step 9B.).

EXAMPLE “B4”

[0162] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.1, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0163] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 150 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0164] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0165] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 26.3 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0166] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0167] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, 25 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 30 ml of 51% PVA solution and 100 ml of dichloromethane, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0168] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0169] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was dried in teflon coated metal tray or in a heatproof dish at 65° C. for 1 hour, while it was stirred continuously, followed by mixing 5 g of metakaolin, 8 g of coal fly ash and 20 g of aluminium hydroxide to the granulate, then the resulting mixture was grinded and dried at 25° C. for 6 hours (step 9B.).

EXAMPLE “B5”

[0170] To a 250 ml flask was added 10 ml of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 20 ml of propylene glycol (1,2-PG), 5 ml of polypropylene glycol (PPG), 50 ml of dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.5 ml of n-butylamine (n-BA), the resulting mixture of pH 8.1, was then stirred with a magnetic hot plate stirrer, protected from light, while its temperature was gradually raised to 55° C. at cc. 3-5° C./min heating rate. After this, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. The product obtained in this reaction was a slightly opaque, viscous solution (step 1.).

[0171] To a 1000 ml beaker was added 100 g of foam glass beads, then the solution synthetised in the first step was poured slowly into the beaker's content, while it was stirred smoothly with a glass stick to mix. To the resulting mixture was added 200 ml of approx. 40% liquid glass solution* at 6 ml/min flow-rate, while it was stirred continuously (steps 2. and 3.).

[0172] To the mixture produced in steps 1-3. was added 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1”** catalyst, and the mixture was vigorously stirred with an overhead stirrer. When starting the dosing, the irradiation of the reaction system is also started with cc. 350 nm UV light for 1.5 minutes, while the temperature was kept at 30° C. (step 4.).

[0173] The reaction system was stirred for 30 minutes, then the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature while it was stirred continuously. Then to the suspension was added 35.1 ml of 18 w/w % hydrochlorid acid solution at 5 ml/min flow-rate, and the system was stirred again for 30 minutes, while the pH of the mixture was decreased to 7.4 (step 5.).

[0174] Then the synthetic resin mixture, which is the basis of the synthetic resin matrix, was prepared in a 1000 ml beaker, using polyol (component “A”) and polyisocyanate crosslinker (component “B”) in a volumetric ratio of 1:1, i.e. 50 ml of component “A” was mixed with 50 ml of component “B” while it was stirred continuously (step 6.). The mixture obtained was a very opaque, pale yellow mixture.

[0175] To the solution obtained in step 6 was added 25 ml of 10 w/w % polystyrene solution****, 50 ml of 51 w/w % PVA solution, 150 nl of dichloromethane solvent and additional 10 g of “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=10:1” catalyst, while the mixture was stirred continuously (step 7.).

[0176] During the next step, masterbatch “I” prepared in steps 1-5. and masterbatch “II” prepared in steps 6-7 were poured together into a 1500 ml beaker, and the reaction system was stirred vigorously with an overhead stirrer at 25° C. for 1 hour (step 8.).

[0177] Finally, the obtained off-white suspension was dried in teflon coated metal tray or in a heatproof dish at 65° C. for 1 hour, while it was stirred continuously, followed by mixing 5 g of metakaolin, 8 g of coal fly ash and 20 g of aluminium hydroxide to the granulate, then the resulting mixture was grinded and dried at 25° C. for 6 hours (step 9B.).

The product obtained from this procedure was an off-white or grey, solid, small particle sized granulate.

Remarks:

[0178] *: since different compounds of SiO.sub.x(OH).sub.n (heteropoly acids) can precipitate from liquid glass solution on standing, for pilot plant or industrial scale use, it is advisable to measure the sodium silicate solution's density and percentage by weight before the measurements. This can be performed by gravimetric titration in which the solution gets titrated with Ca(OH).sub.2 solution, then the concentration and the percentage by weight can be calculated from the weight of the precipitated material obtained. The necessary volume of the liquid glass solution given in ml can be calculated by substituting the data obtained in the formula below:

V.sub.liquid glass solution≈V.sub.TEOS/(1,016*10.sup.−3*ρ.sub.liquid glass solution*w/w %.sub.liquid glass solution)

**: the catalyst marked “Al(OH).sub.3:AlCl.sub.3=100:1” can be prepared by mixing aluminium hydroxide anhydrous with aluminium chloride, using 100 [g] parts by weight of aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH).sub.3) and 1 [g] of aluminium chloride (AiCl.sub.3). The resulting mixture should be stored in anhydrous conditions.
***: using UV light with a specific wavelength—to accelerate the catalysis—is practical only if a small amount of admixture composition was prepared in laboratory, this process is inapplicable in pilot plant or industrial scale.
****: the polystyrene solutions used for the process was always prepared by dissolving loose polystyrene beads originated from milled waste polystyrene in dichloromethane solvent as follows: 50 g of waste polystyrene was dissolved in 500 ml of dichloromethane, while it was stirred continuously, then the obtained solution was filtered to remove the solid impurities which may occur.
The reaction conditions of examples “A1”-“A10” and “B1”-“B5” and the applied molar ratios are summarized in table below:

TABLE-US-00001 indicates data missing or illegible when filed

TABLE-US-00002 Reaction conditions and the main parameters N- Liquid glass UV HCl Butyl- Applied solution Irradiation solution amine temperature (40%) time (18%) Applied unit Example [ml] pH [° C.] [ml] [second] [ml] pH.sub.2 operation A1 5 8.4 55 200 120 — 9.2 6.1 5.4 10.0 23.2 1.9 dilution/ homogenization A2 2.5 8.2 55 95 120 16.7 7.4 6.1 10.8 9.5 11.0 0.9 dilution/ homogenization A3 5 8.3 65 350 30 61.5 7.7 6.1 5.4 17.5 40.5 3.3 dilution/ homogenization A4 5 8.4 55 115 120 20.2 7.9 6.1 5.4 5.8 5.3 1.1 dilution/ homogenization A5 2.5 7.8 65 400 90 — 9.4 6.1 10.8 40.1 18.5 3.7 dilution/ homogenization A6 2.5 8.1 65 125 90 22   7.6 6.1 10.8 12.5 5.8 1.2 dilution/ homogenization A7 2.5 8.0 75 150 90 26.3 7.6 6.1 10.8 15.0 17.4 1.4 dilution/ homogenization A8 2 7.8 75 175 120 30.7 7.6 6.1 13.5 21.9 8.1 1.6 dilution/ homogenization A9 2.5 8.0 75 200 120 35.1 7.5 6.1 10.8 20.0 9.3 1.9 dilution/ homogenization A10 2 7.8 75 400 120 — 9.5 6.1 13.5 50.1 18.5 3.7 dilution/ homogenization B1 2 7.8 65 95 90 16.7 7.4 6.1 13.5 11.9 8.8 0.9 concentration/ drying B2 2 7.8 55 115 90 20.2 7.4 6.1 13.5 14.4 10.7 1.1 concentration/ drying B3 2 7.9 55 150 90 26.3 7.3 6.1 13.5 18.8 13.9 1.4 concentration/ drying B4 2.5 8.1 55 150 90 26.3 7.4 6.1 10.8 15.0 13.9 1.4 concentration/ drying B5 2.5 8.1 55 200 90 35.1 7.4 6.1 10.8 20.0 18.5 1.9 concentration/ drying indicates data missing or illegible when filed

[0179] The admixture composition may consist of the following:

[0180] Based on an ideal scenario with optimal efficiency in a non-restrictive way, since differences may obviously occur in practice, the final compound of the admixture composition is as follows:

[0181] glycol-copolymer type compounds: 15-10 w/w %

[0182] glycol-polymersilica: 45-50 w/w %

[0183] polyurethane type synthetic resin: 13-22 w/w %

[0184] polystyrene: 2-3 w/w %, and in this particular case

[0185] organic solvents: 15-25 w/w %

[0186] water (as a solvent and dispersion medium) 15-25 w/w %, or

[0187] solid admixtures.

[0188] With respect to the ranges of composition given above, it is important to note that the viscous, paste-like admixture compositions obtained by the processes described in the examples, given that they were developed for industrial use, after applying further chemical processes (dilution and homogenization, and drying and grinding), we wanted to use them in two states of matter.

[0189] In terms of its physical characteristics, the admixture composition according to the invention is an off-white liquid with a characteristic odor, of greater density than water, or off-white—pale yellow porous solid granules.

[0190] The principle of the use of the admixture composition according to the invention can be summarized as follows:

[0191] The admixture composition is, dispersed in synthetic resin or synthetic resin mixture as a dispersion medium, a complex colloidal system, formed in the reaction of an organic polystyrene solution or a polystyrene/polymer mixture, an organic silane ester compound, a glycol compound, a polyglycol compound and an inorganic silicate compound—on the surface of an agent with surface charge—using a catalyst. While applying the composition, during mixing lightweight concrete containing polystyrene beads, the colloidal suspension decomposes when the mixing water is added, the synthetic resin component coats the surface of the polystyrene beads, and at the same time the reactive polymer silica agents are incorporated into the surface of the beads. As a result, the polystyrene beads of different sizes not only interact with the materials formed during the hydration of the cementitious constituents through physisorption processes, but also react directly with the silicate gel system as the chemisorption process takes place. In parallel, polystyrene particles surface-modified with polymer-silica groups are released from the system, thus allowing the surface-modified polystyrene particles to be incorporated into the silicate structure which is forming, while these surface-modified polystyrene particles also have a space-filling role. This process can be considered as “own material doping” because, in addition to the 3-5 mm and 1-2 mm polystyrene beads used as admixtures in the process, polystyrene particles with an extremely small particle size—0.2-0.75 mm in diameter on average—are also formed. The foam glass bead used, which acted as a support material and catalyst during the preparation of the admixture composition, catalyzes this process due to its high specific surface and surface charge, while itself is incorporated into the cement truss. During the application of the admixture composition, not only the surface of the polystyrene beads of expediently controlled size (3-5 mm and 1-2 mm) used is modified chemically, but also the surface of other fibrous plastic chips is “coated” with the synthetic resin-polymer-silica complex compound, so these plastic chips are also able to change the characteristics of the finished lightweight concrete to an even greater extent.

[0192] The “reactive” polymer silica groups embedded in the surface of the formed polystyrene particles and the polystyrene beads react with the silicate gel system formed during the hydration of the cement, so that these materials have not only the role of space filling and/or backfill (and fiber reinforcement optionally) in lightweight concrete, but essentially become structural components of the cement stone truss. The incorporation of “reactive” polymer-silica groups into the surface of polystyrene beads and the formation of reactive polystyrene particles have a direct effect on the concrete technology properties of concretes; they increase the compressive and flexural strength of lightweight concretes, affect the water impermeability and fire resistance of concretes.

[0193] Since the self-aggregation density and chemical properties of the polystyrene beads also change during the reaction, by using the admixture composition the possibility of undesired demixing of the concretes can be reduced, the homogeneity and workability of the concretes improve, and at the same time the shrinkage in the finished product is reduced.

[0194] The process of hardening of concretes, although described in many ways, is basically determined by the hydration of calcium silicate-calcium aluminium silicate compounds. During the addition of the mixing water, there is no preferred order in the hydration of the cementitious constituents, the gel formation process starts immediately on the surface of the finely ground cement particles. As the specific surface of the cementitious constituents increase, the process of hydration accelerates, and at the same time the probability of the occurrence of possible side reactions also increases. Other components in different types of cement and the light admixtures used in the manufacture of concretes can significantly influence these hydration processes, in many cases they have a very large effect on the concrete chemistry properties of the finished products. One of the most significant effects of the use of the admixture composition and other solid phase admixtures (hydraulic binders class II: metakaolin, coal fly ash) is to reduce the number of undesired, potentially harmful chemical reactions in concrete, the likelihood of their occurrence and the adverse effects caused by their occurrence.

[0195] The admixtures affect the pH of the system, so the alkaline reactions having a particularly harmful effect (e.g. the formation of alkali chlorides) are getting confined, the skeleton of the calcium silicate hydrate(s) formed becomes more structured and homogeneous, the number of the secondary structure organising reactions (ferrite; and aluminosilicate) occurring during hydration is reduced significantly. The calcium hydroxide formed during the formation of calcium silicate hydrates is “activated” during complexation and, acting as a source of calcium, participates in the formation of new silicate hydrates. The components of the admixture composition modify the calcium and silicon content (Ca/Si ratio) of the silicate gel system, so the relative proportions of the calcium silicate hydrates (C.sub.2S and C.sub.3S) formed can be influenced favorably.

[0196] A further advantage of using the admixture composition according to the invention is that it is possible to make lightweight concretes with a high polystyrene bead content reinforceable. The condition for the use of steel reinforcement used in different types of concrete is the cooperation of the concrete components and the surface of the reinforcement bar. This “co-operation” (adhesion) is practically the sum of the actions between the surfaces of the reinforcement and the concrete parts. It is a generally accepted principle of construction that steel reinforcement can only be used for saturated concretes and that the type of admixture(s) is a key determinant of the applicability of steel reinforcement. The active ingredient of the admixture composition “synthetic resin-polymer silica” described above enters into surface chemistry reaction with the iron reinforcement during use and greatly increases the adhesion interaction between the concrete parts and the surface of the steel reinforcement. The surface of the steel reinforcement is coated with a very thin layer of synthetic resin-polymer silica, and the components of the calcium silicate hydrate system are incorporated into this layer by physical interaction and chemical reaction.

[0197] Another advantage of “surface coating” of the reinforcement is that spaces are less likely to occur in the concrete where the surface of the reinforcement does not meet the concrete components or the admixture used, thus significantly reducing the susceptibility of the steel reinforcement to corrosion. A further advantage is that the shrinkage of the calcium silicate hydrate system has only a small effect on the adhesion interaction between the surface of the reinforcement and the concrete components.

[0198] In some cases, it is not necessary to change the concrete chemistry properties of polystyrene lightweight concretes to a large extent, because this is not required for the specific application. In such cases, it is possible to use only the liquid admixture composition according to the invention in the manufacture of concrete products, most preferably in cases where with low or medium cement content (200-350 kg; 350-600 kg) and body density (250-650 kg/m.sup.3; 650-1600 kg/m.sup.3) a large amount of polystyrene beads (30-60%) is used.

[0199] Production Technology of Polystyrene Lightweight Concretes Prepared Using the Admixture Composition According to the Invention

[0200] The effectiveness of the admixture composition according to the invention or the combined use of the admixture composition and other excipients can only be illustrated by comparing them with a given reference. Therefore, in addition to the ICL lightweight concretes containing 800 kg of portland cement, made by us, we also present a production technology process for the production of so-called reference lightweight concretes containing 800 kg of cement, which makes it possible to compare the compositions and concrete technology characteristics of lightweight concretes made by using only admixture composition (ICL400A; ICL600A and ICL800A), made by the combined use of admixture composition and excipients (ICL400AS; ICL600AS and ICL800AS), and those containing no admixtures or excipients (REF400; REF600 and REF800). In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the admixture composition according to the invention, the concrete mixtures prepared by us are also compared with the concrete mixtures according to the examples citing prior art, given partly in the patents. Production technology processes and recipes are given for mixtures containing 800 kg of portland cement and 4501 of PS beads, but in the table there are given the composition and characteristics of concretes produced by using the 400 kg of portland cement and 1000 l of PS beads, and 600 kg of portland cement and 700 l of PS beads.

[0201] The embodiments for producing polystyrene concrete according to the present invention using the admixture composition—produced by process “A1” (hereinafter referred to as the admixture composition “A1”) and the hydraulic binder Class I (hereinafter referred to as CEMII/A-S type 42.5N portland cement), concrete plant sand with a size distribution of 0-4 mm (hereinafter: 0-4 OH), mixing water, polystyrene beads with a mixed size distribution—generally 1-2 mm and 3-5 mm, respectively—(hereinafter: PS-bead,), Mapei X-Tend W200r Type superplastizer (hereinafter: superplastizer), hydraulic binder Class II (hereinafter: silica powder) and admixtures (hereinafter: metakaolin, coal fly ash and calcined limestone flour) are given a follows:

EMBODIMENT “A0.0” (COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE)

[0202] for a concrete mixture marked “REF800” prepared using 800 kg of portland cement and 450 l of PS pearls with a mixed size distribution, NOT containing the admixture composition according to the invention and other excipients, without limiting the solution to the example only. [0203] 225 l of 3-5 mm and 225 l of 1-2 mm particle size polystyrene beads are weighed into the mixer (step 1) [0204] 577 kg (at 0% moisture content) of 0-4 OH is weighed into the mixer (step 2) [0205] 800 kg of CEMII/A-S 42.5N type cement is admixed to the system during continuous stirring (step 3) [0206] 305 kg of mixing water is weighed into the mixer (step 4) [0207] Weighing 1.2 kg of superplastizing admixture into the mixer (step 5) a Stirring the concrete mix for a minimum of 5 minutes (step 6) [0208] From the finished concrete mixture 3 standard test cubes of 150*150*150 mm are made (step 7)

EMBODIMENT “A1.1”

[0209] for a concrete mixture marked “ICL800A”, using 800 kg of portland cement and 450 l of PS beads with a mixed size distribution, APPLYING the admixture composition according to the invention but NOT containing other excipients, without limiting the solution to the example only. [0210] 225 l of 3-5 mm and 225 l of 1-2 mm particle size polystyrene beads are weighed into the mixer (step 1) [0211] 38 kg of liquid admixture composition prepared by the process “A1” is weighed into the mixer (step 2) [0212] 590 kg (at 0% moisture content) of 0-4 OH is weighed into the mixer (step 3) [0213] 800 kg of CEMII/A-S 42.5N type cement is admixed to the system during continuous stirring (step 4) [0214] 270 kg of mixing water is weighed into the mixer (step 5) [0215] Weighing 2.4 kg of superplastizing admixture into the mixer (step 6) [0216] Stirring the concrete mix for a minimum of 5 minutes (step 7) [0217] From the finished concrete mixture 3 standard test cubes of 150*150*150 mm are made (step 8)

EMBODIMENT “A1.2”

[0218] for a concrete mixture marked “ICL800AS” prepared using 800 kg of portland cement and 450 l of PS pearls with a mixed size distribution, containing the admixture composition according to the invention and other excipients ALIKE, without limiting the solution according to the invention to the example only. [0219] 225 l of 3-5 mm and 225 l of 1-2 mm particle size polystyrene beads are weighed into the mixer (step 1) [0220] 28 kg of the liquid admixture composition prepared by the process “A1” is weighed into the mixer (step 2) [0221] 100 kg (at 0% moisture content) of 0-4 OH is weighed into the mixer (step 3) [0222] 60 kg of metakaolin, 60 kg of coal fly ash and 60 kg of calcined limestone flour (180 kg of other excipients altogether) are weighed into the mixer (step 4) [0223] 88 kg of silica powder is weighed into the mixer (step 5) [0224] 800 kg of CEMII/A-S 42.5N type cement is admixed to the system during continuous stirring (step 6) [0225] 337 kg of mixing water is weighed into the mixer (step 7) [0226] Weighing 2.4 kg of superplastizing admixture into the mixer (step 8) [0227] Stirring the concrete mix for a minimum of 5 minutes (step 9) [0228] From the finished concrete mixture 3 standard test cubes of 150*150*150 mm are made (step 10)

EMBODIMENT “A1.3”

[0229] for a concrete mixture marked “ICL800ASPP” prepared using 800 kg of portland cement and 450 l of PS pearls with a mixed size distribution, containing the admixture composition according to the invention, other excipients, and plastic fiber chips ALIKE, without limiting the solution according to the invention to the example only. [0230] 225 l of 3-5 mm and 225 l of 1-2 mm particle size polystyrene beads are weighed into the mixer (step 1) [0231] 28 kg of the liquid admixture composition prepared by the process “A1” is weighed into the mixer (step 2) [0232] 1.7 kg of polypropylene (PP) synthetic fiber—of 5-7 cm length on average—is weighed into the mixer (step 3) [0233] 100 kg (at 0% moisture content) of 0-4 OH is weighed into the mixer (step 4) [0234] 60 kg of metakaolin, 60 kg of coal fly ash and 60 kg of calcined limestone flour (180 kg of other excipients altogether) are weighed into the mixer (step 5) [0235] 88 kg of silica powder is weighed into the mixer (step 6) [0236] 800 kg of CEMII/A-S 42.5N type cement is admixed to the system during continuous stirring (step 7) [0237] 337 kg of mixing water is weighed into the mixer (step 8) [0238] Weighing 2.4 kg of superplastizing admixture into the mixer (step 9) [0239] Stirring the concrete mix for a minimum of 5 minutes (step 10) [0240] From the finished concrete mixture 3 standard test cubes of 150*150*150 mm are made (step 11)

[0241] The compositions per admixtures of the recipes according to the embodiments “A0.0”, “A1.1” and “A1.2” and the concrete technology characteristics of the standard test specimen are given in table form below:

TABLE-US-00003 m/m % REF800 ICL800A ICL800AS (v/v %) REF400 ICL400A ICL400AS REF600 ICL600A ICL600AS “A0.0” “A1.1” “A1.2” Concrete Cement 41.97 40.83 44.02 44.12 43.20 48.29 47.10 46.71 51.69 components (8.92) (8.83) (8.85) (14.69) (14.50) (14.62) (20.92) (20.96) (21.31) PS-beads* 2.85 2.78 2.99 1.40 1.37 1.53 0.72 0.71 0.79 (68.87) (68.17) (68.38) (52.99) (52.28) (52.72) (36.35) (36.44) (37.05) 0-4 OH 34.63 33.69 11.01 37.50 36.72 8.05 34.15 34.45 6.46 (8.74) (8.65) (2.63) (14.85) (14.65) (2.89) (18.02) (18.38) (3.17) Superplastizer 0.08 0.24 0.26 0.07 0.13 0.19 0.07 0.14 0.16 (0.039) (0.12) (0.12) (0.049) (0.095) (0.128) (0.069) (0.138) (0.140) Al- — 3.88 3.08 — 2.74 2.25 — 2.22 1.81 Admixture (1.96) (1.45) (2.03) (1.51) (2.19) (1.64) Mixing 20.46 18.58 23.88 16.91 15.84 23.50 17.96 15.77 21.78 water*'.sup.1 (13.43) (12.27) (14.83) (17.41) (16.43) (21.99) (24.64) (21.86) (27.74) Metakaolin — — 3.30 — — 3.62 — — 3.88 (0.82) (1.35) (1.98) Coal fly ash — — 3.30 — — 3.62 — — 3.88 (0.83) (1.35) (1.98) Calcined — — 3.30 — — 3.62 — — 3.88 limestone (0.82) (1.35) (1.98) flour Silica powder — — 4.84 — — 5.31 — — 5.69 (1.25) (2.07) (3.02)

TABLE-US-00004 For mixing a REF800 ICL800A ICL800AS volume of 1 m.sup.3 REF400 ICL400A ICL400AS REF600 ICL600A ICL600AS “A0.0” “A1.1” “A1.2” Concrete Cement 400 400 400 600 600 600 800 800 800 components [kg] PS-beads* [1] 1000 1000 1000 700 700 700 450 450 450 0-4 OH [kg] 330 330 100 510 510 100 580 590 100 Superplastizer 0.8 2.4 2.4 0.9 1.8 2.4 1.2 2.4 2.4 [kg] Al-Admixture — 38 28 — 38 28 — 38 28 [kg] Mixing 195 180 217 230 220 292 305 270 337 water** [kg] Metakaolin — — 30 — — 45 — — 60 [kg] Coal fly ash — — 30 — — 45 — — 60 [kg] Calcined — — 30 — — 45 — — 60 limestone flour [kg] Silica powder — — 44 — — 66 — — 88 [kg] Concrete Body density 874 826 753 1285 1254 1116 1594 1586 1415 technology [kg/m.sup.3] characteristics Compressive 2.8 4.9 6.2 6.5 11.8 13.5 13.9 16.8 24.5 (28 days) strength [MPa] Flexural 0.9 1.7 2.1 1.2 2.2 2.4 1.5 2.2 3.2 strength [MPa] water/cement 0.38 0.45 0.49 0.38 0.37 0.44 0.38 0.34 0.38 ratio

Notes:

[0242] *: The density of PS-beads.sub.3-5 (3-5 mm size distribution) and PS-beads.sub.1-2 (1-2 mm size distribution) may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and particle size distribution. The body density of the PS-beads.sub.3-5 (3-5 mm size distribution) is in the range of approx. 15-20 kg/m.sup.3 (in our case calculated by 16.4 kg/m.sup.3 declared by the manufacturer), the body density of PS-beads.sub.1_2 (1-2 mm size distribution) is in the range of approx. 30-40 kg/m.sup.3 (in our case calculated by 38 kg/m.sup.3), based on our experience.
**: Since during the specified production processes the liquid admixture composition according to the process “A1” is used, which composition also has a given water content, the amount of mixing water to be weighed in must be calculated according to the following correlation: mixing water, corrected=mixing water, calculated−0.3*madmixture composition=mixing water, calculated—0.372*Vadmixture composition

[0243] On the basis of the results obtained, the beneficial effect of the use of the admixture composition and the combined use of the additive composition and the excipients is clear. In the following, the results of our 2 mixtures, ICL600A and ICL600AS, are compared with some of the results of the patents cited partly according to prior art. The basis of the comparison is the almost identical cement content.

TABLE-US-00005 “Example4” “Example13” Sample D Ex. CC ICL600A ICL600AS Concrete components Cement [kg] 672 (CEM III) 500 (CEM III) 600 (CEM II) 600 (CEM II) PS-beads.sub.v.sup.“1” [l] 370 391 700 700 0-4 OH [kg] 520 714 510 590 Mixing water.sup.“2” [kg] 235 199.6 220 292 Superplastizer [kg] n.a. n.a. 1.8 2.4 “A1”-Admixture composition — — 38 28 [kg] Auxiliary materials [kg] — — — 201 Concrete technology Body density [kg/m.sup.3] 1435.4 1425.8 1254 1116 characteristics days) Compressive strength [MPa] 8.6 11.8 11.8 13.5 water/cement ratio 0.35 0.4 0.37 0.44

[0244] It can be clearly seen from the data in the table that the use of the admixture composition according to the invention greatly improves the concrete technology characteristics of lightweight concretes. Compared our lightweight concrete (ICL600AS) prepared using 600 kg cement and 700 l PS-beads, and admixture composition and auxiliary materials to the lightweight concrete with the composition given in “Example 4” on page 13 in the description of disclosed Patent No. US20070062415A1, it can be stated that using nearly 10% less cement and nearly 90% more PS beads, products with significantly lower bulk density and higher compressive strength can be made. In the case of the lightweight concrete with the composition given in “Example 13” on page 32 of the disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,348B2, it can also be said that by using almost 80% more PS beads, significantly higher compressive strength can be achieved even at significantly lower bulk density, even if in the 2 examples mentioned a better quality hydraulic binder was used than the cement used by us.

[0245] The solution according to the invention makes it possible to produce lightweight concretes with a higher content of polystyrene beads than before, the physical parameters of which can be changed according to user requirements, and it also offers an environmentally friendly way of recycling waste.