Liquid coloring suspension and colored cementitious composition

Abstract

A colored cementitious composition is provided that is composed of hydraulic cement and a liquid coloring suspension. The liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions contains polycarboxylate dispersant, pigment, and a polysaccharide thixotropic additive. The liquid coloring suspension has improved viscosity consistency, improved shelf-life, anti-settling and anti-sludging properties, and decreased polycarboxylate dispersant requirements.

Claims

1. A liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions comprising: a) liquid; b) polycarboxylate dispersant; c) pigment; and, d) at least one microbially derived polysaccharide thixotropic additive selected from diutan gum, welan gum or combinations thereof; wherein the viscosity of the liquid coloring suspension is stable over time.

2. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, wherein the polysaccharide is diutan gum.

3. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, wherein the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids are from about 0.5% to about 3%, pigment solids are from about 50% to about 75%, and the polysaccharide thixotropic additive is from about 0.025% to about 1%, based on the total weight of the liquid coloring suspension.

4. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, wherein the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids are from about 1% to about 2.5%, pigment solids are from about 53% to about 70%, and thixotropic additive is from about 0.1% to about 0.7%, based on the total weight of the liquid coloring suspension.

5. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.

6. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, wherein the pigment comprises an inorganic pigment.

7. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 6, wherein the inorganic pigment comprises carbon black or a metal containing pigment that comprises at least one of iron oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead chromate, titanium oxide, zinc white, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, lead white, iron manganese black, cobalt green, manganese blue, manganese violet, cadmium sulfoselenide, chromium orange, nickel titanium yellow, chromium titanium yellow, cadmium sulfide, zinc yellow, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, or mixtures thereof.

8. The liquid coloring suspension of a claim 1, wherein the pigment comprises an organic pigment.

9. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 8 wherein the organic pigment comprises phthalocyanine.

10. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 1, further comprising at least one of additional dispersant, water reducer, fungicidal admixture, insecticidal admixture, or germicidal admixture.

11. A colored cementitious composition comprising hydraulic cement to which a liquid coloring suspension has been added, the liquid coloring suspension comprising: a) liquid; b) polycarboxylate dispersant; c) pigment; and, d) at least one microbially derived polysaccharide thixotropic additive selected from diutan gum, welan gum or combinations thereof; wherein the liquid coloring suspension improves the color in the cementitious composition without increasing the water demand.

12. The liquid coloring suspension of claim 11, wherein the polysaccharide is diutan gum.

13. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the liquid comprises water.

14. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the pigment comprises an inorganic pigment.

15. The colored cementitious composition of claim 14 wherein the inorganic pigment comprises carbon black or a metal containing pigment that comprises at least one of iron oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead chromate, titanium oxide, zinc white, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, lead white, iron manganese black, cobalt green, manganese blue, manganese violet, cadmium sulfoselenide, chromium orange, nickel titanium yellow, chromium titanium yellow, cadmium sulfide, zinc yellow, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, or mixtures thereof.

16. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the pigment comprises an organic pigment.

17. The colored cementitious composition of claim 16 wherein the organic pigment comprises phthalocyanine.

18. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids are from about 0.0008% to about 0.51%, pigment solids are from about 0.1% to about 10%, and thixotropic additive is from about 0.00008% to about 0.17%, by total dry weight of cementitious binder.

19. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids are from about 0.004% to about 0.25%, pigment solids are from about 0.25% to about 6%, and thixotropic additive is from about 0.0004% to about 0.07%, by total dry weight of cementitious binder.

20. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, having a water to cement ratio of about 0.25 to about 0.7.

21. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, wherein the cement comprises at least one of portland cement, modified portland cement, masonry cement, or mixtures thereof.

22. The colored cementitious composition of claim 11, further comprising a cement admixture or additive, other than the liquid coloring suspension, that comprises at least one of air entrainer, set accelerator, set retarder, air detraining agent, foaming agent, corrosion inhibitor, shrinkage reducing admixture, crack reducing admixture, additional dispersant, water reducer, fiber, pozzolan, strength enhancing agents, rheology modifying agent, water repellent, wetting agent, water soluble polymer, dampproofing admixture, gas former, permeability reducer, pumping aid, fungicidal admixture, germicidal admixture, insecticidal admixture, aggregate, alkali-reaction reducer, bonding admixture, polymeric microspheres, or mixtures thereof.

23. The colored cementitious composition of claim 22, wherein the aggregate comprises at least one of silica, quartz, crushed marble, glass spheres, granite, limestone, calcite, feldspar, alluvial sands, or sand.

24. The colored cementitious composition of claim 22, wherein the pozzolan comprises at least one of natural pozzolan, metakaolin, fly ash, silica fume, calcined clay, or blast furnace slag.

Description

EXAMPLES

Samples 1-3

(1) Light red, iron oxide liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 1A, with Comparative Sample 1 containing a stabilized, powdered, dispersible smectite clay thixotropic additive, and Samples 2 and 3 containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive. The clay was stabilized with a cellulosic material.

(2) The samples were evaluated for initial pH and viscosity. The viscosity readings at one (1) day were taken by Brookfield viscometer at 60 rpm with a #64 spindle, after being stirred for 30 seconds. The results in centipoise (cps) are shown in Table 1A.

(3) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A Liquid Coloring Suspension Formulations Sample No. Comparative 1 2 3 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 221 221 221 Initial NaOH (50%) 0.5 0.5 0.5 Clay and Stabilizer 1.55 Diutan Polysaccharide 1.5 0.75 Polycarboxylate 20 20 20 Iron Oxide 600 600 600 (Light Red) Final H.sub.2O 152 152 152 Final NaOH (50%) 1.8 1.8 1.8 Biocide 2.3 2.3 2.3 Initial pH 9.14 9.2 9.2 1 day viscosity (cps) 2100 3100 1150

(4) The samples were further evaluated using the CIE L*a*b* (CIELAB) test to determine whether the liquid coloring suspension samples containing the diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive had approximately the same color strength as the clay containing sample. The results reported in Table 1B indicate that the color strength of Samples 2 and 3 were within about 5 to 8% of Comparative Sample 1. It was noted that Sample 3 may not have been ground as thoroughly as Sample 2 in the preparation of the suspension, accounting for its lower color strength.

(5) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B Color Readings Sample No. L a b ΔE % ST Comparative 1 64.21 23.94 14.44 — — 2 64.95 23.73 14.48 0.77 94.9 3 65.31 23.60 14.41 1.15 92.3

Samples 4-7

(6) Yellow iron oxide liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 2A, with Samples 4 and 5 containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive.

(7) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2A Sample No. 4 5 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 220 220 Initial NaOH 0.4 0.4 Diutan Polysaccharide 0.6 0.3 Polycarboxylate 29.0 29.0 Iron Oxide (Yellow) 581 581 Final 161 161 H.sub.2O Final NaOH 3.8 3.8 Biocide 2.9 2.9 Initial pH 8.6 8.54 1 day viscosity (cps) 3600 Not tested

(8) Comparative Samples 6 and 7 were laboratory produced, standard yellow iron oxide pigment suspensions containing a stabilized, powdered, dispersible smectite clay thixotropic agent.

(9) The samples were evaluated using the CIELAB test to determine whether the liquid coloring suspension samples containing the diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive had approximately the same color strength as the clay containing samples. The results reported in Table 2B indicate that the color strengths of Samples 4 and 5 were greater by about 2% than Comparative Samples 6 and 7.

(10) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2B Color QC Sample No. L a b ΔE ST % 4 83.53 8.05 29.70 0.86 101.98 5 83.35 8.05 29.54 0.68 102.28 Comparative 6 82.90 8.53 29.37 — — Comparative 7 82.90 8.51 29.32  .06 —

Samples 8-10

(11) Black iron oxide liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 3A, with Comparative Sample 8 containing a powdered, dispersible smectite clay thixotropic additive, and Samples 9 and 10 containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive.

(12) Viscosity measurements for Samples 9 and 10 indicated that the liquid color suspensions containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive maintained a consistent viscosity over time.

(13) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3A Sample No. Comparative 8 9 10 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 224 225 225 NaOH 50% 0.3 0.3 0.3 Clay 2.5 Diutan Polysaccharide 0.75 0.25 Polycarboxylate 35.0 35.0 35.0 Iron Oxide (Black) 650 650 650 Final H.sub.2O 84 85 85 Biocide 3.30 3.30 3.30 Initial pH 9.72 9.6 9.62 1 day viscosity (cps) 4000 3550 2400 30 day viscosity (cps) 3370 3530 2480

(14) The samples were evaluated using the CIELAB test to determine whether the liquid coloring suspension samples containing the diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive had approximately the same color strength as the clay containing samples. The results reported in Table 3B indicate that the color strengths of Samples 8-10 were substantially the same.

(15) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 3B Color Readings Sample No. L a b ΔE ST % Comp. 8 63.21 −.02 −3.48 — —  9 63.22 0.00 −3.49 0.02 99.9 10 63.16 −.02 −3.47 0.06 100.3

Samples 11 & 12

(16) Medium red, iron oxide liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 4A, with Comparative Sample 11 containing a stabilized, powdered, dispersible smectite clay thixotropic additive, and Sample 12 containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive. Stability was visually evaluated after seven days, with 150 gram portions of the samples being held at 50° F., 70° F., and 90° F. Comparative Sample 11 exhibited water separation at all three temperatures, while Sample 12 exhibited no water separation at any of the temperatures.

(17) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 4A Sample No. Comparative 11 12 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 207 207 Initial NaOH (50%) 0.4 0.4 Clay and Stabilizer 1.75 Diutan Polysaccharide 1 Polycarboxylate 20 20 Iron Oxide 596 596 (Medium Red) Final H.sub.2O 170 170 Final NaOH (50%) 2.3 2.3 Biocide 2.2 2.2 Initial pH 9.79 9.64 1 day viscosity (cps) 1200 1200

(18) The samples were evaluated using the CIELAB test to determine whether the liquid coloring suspension samples containing the diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive had approximately the same color strength as the clay containing sample. The results reported in Table 4B indicate that the color strengths of Samples 11 and 12 were substantially the same.

(19) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 4B Color Readings L a b ΔE ST % Comp. 11 65.5 20.46 8.05 12 65.32 20.52 8.15 0.17 99.58

Samples 13 & 14

(20) Black, iron oxide/carbon black liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 5A, with Comparative Sample 13 containing a powdered, smectite clay thixotropic additive, dispersed with a polyacrylate dispersant, and Sample 14 containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive.

(21) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 5A Sample No. Comparative 13 14 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 232 232 NaOH 0.3 0.3 Clay 1.1 — Polymer Dispersant 1.5 — Diutan Polysaccharide — 0.25 Polycarboxylate 13.9 13.9 Iron Oxide (Black) 630 630 Carbon Black 36 3.6 Final H.sub.2O 83 85 Biocide 2.5 2.5 Initial pH 9.24 9.56 1 day viscosity (cps) 1900 1740

(22) A blend was made of 150 grams of each of the suspensions of Samples 13 and 14. The one day viscosity measurement of the blend was 1870 centipoise, indicating that the polysaccharide containing suspension can be blended with the clay containing suspension, if desired.

(23) Comparative Sample 13 was slightly chunky at 40 days old, with slight build-up on the bottom. Sample 14 was smooth throughout, with very slight thickening on the bottom.

(24) The samples were evaluated using the CIELAB test to determine whether the liquid coloring suspension samples containing the diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive had approximately the same color strength as the clay containing sample. The results reported in Table 5B indicate that the color strength of Sample 14 was slightly higher than that of Comparative Sample 13.

(25) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 5B Color Readings Sample No. L a b ΔE ST % Comp. 13 61.90 −0.24 −3.75 — — 14 61.62 −0.19 −3.66 0.30 101.16%

Sample 15

(26) A black, iron oxide/carbon black liquid coloring suspension formulation containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive was prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 6. Viscosity readings were consistent at 4 and 9 days, indicating stability over the period. This sample was tested in a cementitious composition at various concentrations, in comparison with a comparative clay containing sample, reported in Table 10, below.

(27) TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 6 Sample No. 15 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 464 Diutan Polysaccharide 1.0 Polycarboxylate 28 Iron Oxide (Black) 1260 Carbon Black 72 Final H.sub.2O 170 Biocide 5.0 Initial pH 9.20 4 day viscosity (cps) 2200 9 day viscosity (cps) 2100

Samples 16 & 17

(28) A black and a light red iron oxide liquid coloring suspension formulation containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive was prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 7. No NaOH was added to the formulation of Sample 16, and no initial NaOH was added to the formulation of Sample 17. Nevertheless, there was little deviation from the target pH of 9 for the formulations (the target being for stabilization purposes of the comparative clay sample), and the viscosity measurements for Sample 16 indicated that the liquid coloring suspension containing a diutan polysaccharide thixotropic additive maintained a consistent viscosity over time.

(29) TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 7 Sample No. 16 17 Black Light Red Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 225 221 NaOH — — Diutan Polysaccharide 0.5 1.0 Polycarboxylate 18.0 18.0 Iron Oxide 650 600 Final H.sub.2O 103 156 Final NaOH — 1.5 Biocide 2.0 2.3 Initial pH 9.2 8.78 1 day viscosity (cps) 2380 1450 7 day viscosity (cps) 2580 Not tested

Samples 18 & 19

(30) White, titanium oxide liquid coloring suspension formulations were prepared according to the components and amounts indicated in Table 8. The size and particle shape of the titanium dioxide permitted a lower viscosity for the suspensions to maintain stability of the dispersions.

(31) TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 8 Sample No. 18 19 Components Grams Initial H.sub.2O 220 220 NaOH 50% 0.4 — Diutan Polysaccharide 0.25 0.25 Polycarboxylate 20.0 16.0 TiO.sub.2 (White) 650 650 Final H.sub.2O 107 111 Biocide 2.0 2.0 Initial pH 9.10 8.90 1 day viscosity (cps) 490 370 6 week viscosity (cps) 610 Not tested

(32) The liquid coloring suspension of Sample 18 was thin but stable, and no separated water was observed on the surface after 6 days. The liquid coloring suspension of Sample 19 was also thin at 1 day, but no separated water was observed on the surface. Also, a tongue depressor inserted vertically into the suspension remained upright, indicating stability of the suspension.

(33) Suspension viscosity is variable with respect to the size, shape and density of the pigment particles. Suitable viscosity ranges, depending upon the pigment solids being dispersed, may be between about 200 to about 4000 centipoise, in certain embodiments, between about 1500 to about 4000 centipoise. The maintenance of a consistent, workable viscosity over time without irreversible settling of solids or sludging for any particular pigment particles provides commercially valuable shelf life for the liquid coloring suspensions. The maintenance of an effective dispersion in the subject liquid coloring suspension further provides effective pumpability of the liquid coloring suspension, and increased ease of clean-up and maintenance of dispensing equipment, containers, tanks and vessels during maintenance cycles. These benefits are realized by use of the subject liquid coloring suspensions without sacrificing color strength and integrity in hue, value and chroma.

(34) Use in Cementitious Compositions

(35) Samples of the subject liquid coloring suspension were tested in cementitious compositions, in comparison with clay containing liquid coloring suspensions, and also against cementitious compositions without a coloring admixture. The cementitious mix design and results (slump or slump flow and gravimetric air content) are reported in Tables 9 and 10, below.

(36) Samples 2 and 15 of the subject liquid coloring suspension, containing light red iron oxide pigment, and black iron oxide with carbon black pigments, respectively, were tested against uncolored cementitious mixtures 20 and 22, and Comparative Samples 21 containing light red iron oxide pigment and stabilized clay components, and Comparative Sample 23 containing black iron oxide with carbon black pigments and stabilized clay components. The levels of the liquid suspensions were equivalent to 3 pounds or 7 pounds of liquid coloring admixture per sack of cement (94 pounds).

(37) The cement included in the cementitious mixtures was Lehigh Type I, and in addition to the liquid coloring admixture samples being included in the mix design, at 5 minutes an air entrainer (MICRO AIR™—ex BASF Admixture Systems) was added to the cementitious mixture.

(38) The slump of the test compositions was determined by placing a cone on a flat surface, filling the cone with the cementitious composition, and removing the cone, as described in ASTM C143. The composition would then flow, and the displaced height (slump) of the resulting mound of the cementitious composition, as well as the diameter (slump flow) of the base of the mound, were measured in inches.

(39) The gravimetric air content of the cementitious compositions were determined according to ASTM C138 by comparing measured density or batch volume to calculated density or volume, the density (unit weight) being determined by weighing a known volume of fresh cementitious material.

(40) The subject liquid coloring suspensions gave comparable results with respect to slump flow and gravimetric air (tested at 5 and 10 minutes) as compared to the clay containing suspensions and plain concrete. At higher loading with one pigment, slump flow was partially affected.

(41) TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 9 Sample No. C20 C21 2 C21 2 Admixtures Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch L-20 Light Red 363 363 845 845 Micro Air 5.6 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Color Suspension 3#/Sack 3#/Sack 7#/Sack 7#/Sack Materials Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Lehigh Type I 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 Cement Stone #57 56.0 56.0 56.0 56.0 56.0 Stone #8 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 Sand 62.7 62.7 62.7 62.7 62.7 Design Water 12.44 12.44 12.44 12.44 12.44 Batch Material 180.8 180.6 180.6 180.5 180.5 Weight, (lb). Elapsed Time, 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 Minutes Slump, inches 6.50 6.00 6.75 6.00 7.75 6.50 6.50 6.50 2.50 4.75 Gravimetric Air, % 2.4 6.3 4.2 6.3 3.2 5.8 2.9 9.0 2.7 5.6 Comments Micro Air ™ added at 5 minute mark for each

(42) TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 10 Sample No. C22 C23 15 C23 15 Admixtures Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch Design mL/Batch L-10 Black 363 363 845 845 Micro Air 4.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Color Suspension 3#/sack 3#/sack 7#/sack 7#/sack Materials Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Batch Wt. (lb) Lehigh Type I 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 Cement Stone #57 56.0 56.0 56.0 56.0 56.0 Stone #8 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 Sand 62.7 62.7 62.7 62.7 62.7 Design Water 12.44 12.44 12.44 12.44 12.44 Batch Material Wt., 180.8 180.8 180.8 180.8 180.8 (lb). Elapsed Time, 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 Minutes Slump Flow, inches 7.50 7.00 7.75 7.5 7.25 7.75 7.75 8.25 7.5 7.75 Gravimetric Air, % 2.4 6.0 2.4 6.6 2.9 5.3 2.1 6.0 2.4 7.1 Comments Micro Air ™ added at 5 minute mark for each

(43) In certain embodiments, the thixotropic additive, such as a diutan gum polysaccharide, has a low shear viscosity when measured at 0.25 weight % gum in Synthetic Tap Water with PEG (3 rpm) of about 4000 to about 8000 mPa.Math.s (cP), in certain embodiments about 3,000 to about 6,000 mPa.Math.s (cP). The low shear viscosity test methodology includes the following: Using a glass stirring rod, disperse 0.75 g gum in 4.5 g of Polyethylene Glycol 200 (PEG200) in a 400-mL beaker. After a homogenous slurry is attained, pour 299 mL of Synthetic Tap Water (deionized water containing 1000 ppm NaCl and 147 ppm CaCl.sub.2 2H.sub.2O) into the slurry mixture. Stir the solution at 800 rpm using a low-pitched, propeller-type stirrer. After stirring for 4 hours, adjust the temperature to 25° C. (77° F.), and allow to sit undisturbed for 30 minutes without stirring. Measure the viscosity using the Brookfield Model LV viscometer equipped with a 2.5+ torque spring (or equivalent instrument such as a Model DVE 2.5+) at 3 rpm using the #1 LV spindle after allowing the spindle to rotate for 3 minutes.

(44) In a first embodiment, there is provided a liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions comprising: a) liquid; b) polycarboxylate dispersant; c) pigment; and, d) polysaccharide thixotropic additive; wherein the viscosity of the liquid coloring suspension is stable over time.

(45) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the polysaccharide may be diutan gum.

(46) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids may be from about 0.5% to about 3%, pigment solids may be from about 50% to about 75%, and the polysaccharide thixotropic additive may be from about 0.025% to about 1%, based on the total weight of the liquid coloring suspension.

(47) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids may be from about 1% to about 2.5%, pigment solids may be from about 53% to about 70%, and thixotropic additive may be from about 0.1% to about 0.7%, based on the total weight of the liquid coloring suspension.

(48) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the liquid may comprise water.

(49) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the pigment may comprise an inorganic pigment.

(50) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the inorganic pigment may comprise carbon black or a metal containing pigment that comprises at least one of iron oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead chromate, titanium oxide, zinc white, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, lead white, iron manganese black, cobalt green, manganese blue, manganese violet, cadmium sulfoselenide, chromium orange, nickel titanium yellow, chromium titanium yellow, cadmium sulfide, zinc yellow, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, or mixtures thereof.

(51) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the pigment may comprise an organic pigment.

(52) In the liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments, the organic pigment may comprise phthalocyanine.

(53) The liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments may further comprise at least one of dispersant, water reducer, fungicidal admixture, insecticidal admixture, or germicidal admixture.

(54) The liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments may be free of clay material.

(55) The liquid coloring suspension of the first or subsequent embodiments may be free of cellulosic material.

(56) In a second embodiment, there is provided a colored cementitious composition comprising hydraulic cement to which a liquid coloring suspension has been added, the liquid coloring suspension comprising: a) liquid; b) polycarboxylate dispersant; c) pigment; and, d) polysaccharide thixotropic additive; wherein the liquid coloring suspension improves the color in the cementitious composition without increasing the water demand.

(57) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the polysaccharide may be diutan gum.

(58) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the liquid may comprise water.

(59) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the pigment may comprise an inorganic pigment.

(60) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the inorganic pigment may comprise carbon black or a metal containing pigment that comprises at least one of iron oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead chromate, titanium oxide, zinc white, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, lead white, iron manganese black, cobalt green, manganese blue, manganese violet, cadmium sulfoselenide, chromium orange, nickel titanium yellow, chromium titanium yellow, cadmium sulfide, zinc yellow, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, or mixtures thereof.

(61) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the pigment may comprise an organic pigment.

(62) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the organic pigment may comprise phthalocyanine.

(63) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids may be from about 0.0008% to about 0.51%, pigment solids may be from about 0.1% to about 10%, and thixotropic additive may be from about 0.00008% to about 0.17%, by total dry weight of cementitious binder.

(64) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the amount of polycarboxylate dispersant solids may be from about 0.004% to about 0.25%, pigment solids may be from about 0.25% to about 6%, and thixotropic additive may be from about 0.0004% to about 0.07%, by total dry weight of cementitious binder.

(65) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the water to cement ratio may be about 0.25 to about 0.7.

(66) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the cement may comprise at least one of portland cement, modified portland cement, masonry cement, or mixtures thereof.

(67) The colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments may further comprise a cement admixture or additive, other than the liquid coloring suspension, that comprises at least one of at least one of air entrainer, set accelerator, set retarder, air detraining agent, foaming agent, corrosion inhibitor, shrinkage reducing admixture, crack reducing admixture, water reducer, fiber, pozzolan, strength enhancing agents, rheology modifying agent, water repellent, wetting agent, water soluble polymer, dampproofing admixture, gas former, permeability reducer, pumping aid, fungicidal admixture, germicidal admixture, insecticidal admixture, aggregate, alkali-reaction reducer, bonding admixture, polymeric microspheres, or mixtures thereof.

(68) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the aggregate may comprise at least one of silica, quartz, crushed marble, glass spheres, granite, limestone, calcite, feldspar, alluvial sands, or sand.

(69) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the pozzolan may comprise at least one of natural pozzolan, metakaolin, fly ash, silica fume, calcined clay, or blast furnace slag.

(70) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the liquid coloring suspension may be free of clay material.

(71) In the colored cementitious composition of the second or subsequent embodiments, the liquid coloring suspension may be free of cellulosic material.

(72) Although the embodiments have been described in detail through the above description and the preceding examples, these examples are for the purpose of illustration only and it is understood that variations and modifications can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments described above are not only in the alternative, but can be combined.