U.S. patent application number 14/710493 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for extruded fiver reinforced cementitious products having stone-like properties and methods of making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson. Invention is credited to Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson.
Application Number | 20150239781 14/710493 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43466569 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150239781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andersen; Per Just ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
EXTRUDED FIVER REINFORCED CEMENTITIOUS PRODUCTS HAVING STONE-LIKE
PROPERTIES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A cementitious composite product that can function as a
substitute for stone and solid surface materials, such as granite,
marble, and engineered stone is provided. Furthermore methods for
manufacturing the cementitious composite product using an
extrudable cementitious composition that can be extruded or
otherwise shaped into stone-like building products that can be used
as a substitute for many known stone products is disclosed. In one
embodiment, the cementitious composite products can be manufactured
more cheaply to be as tough or tougher and more durable than stone
and solid surface materials.
Inventors: |
Andersen; Per Just; (Santa
Barbara, CA) ; Hodson; Simon K.; (Santa Barbara,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Andersen; Per Just
Hodson; Simon K. |
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43466569 |
Appl. No.: |
14/710493 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13511493 |
May 23, 2012 |
9028606 |
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PCT/US2010/057446 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
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14710493 |
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12624911 |
Nov 24, 2009 |
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13511493 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
524/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C04B 18/26 20130101;
C04B 14/06 20130101; B28B 1/52 20130101; B28B 1/525 20130101; Y02W
30/91 20150501; C04B 2201/50 20130101; C04B 2111/00129 20130101;
C04B 40/0028 20130101; B28B 11/003 20130101; C04B 2201/20 20130101;
C04B 2103/30 20130101; B28B 3/26 20130101; B28B 3/20 20130101; C04B
40/024 20130101; C04B 24/383 20130101; C04B 16/02 20130101; Y02W
30/97 20150501; C04B 16/0641 20130101; C04B 28/02 20130101; C04B
28/02 20130101; C04B 14/06 20130101; C04B 16/0641 20130101; C04B
24/383 20130101; C04B 40/0028 20130101; C04B 40/024 20130101; C04B
2103/30 20130101; C04B 28/02 20130101; C04B 14/06 20130101; C04B
16/0641 20130101; C04B 18/26 20130101; C04B 24/383 20130101; C04B
40/0028 20130101; C04B 40/024 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C04B 16/06 20060101
C04B016/06; C04B 16/02 20060101 C04B016/02; C04B 14/06 20060101
C04B014/06 |
Claims
1. A cementitious composite product having stone-like properties,
the product comprising an extrudable cementitious composition
comprised of a hydraulic cement, aggregate, a rheology-modifying
agent, and fibers substantially homogeneously distributed through
the extrudable cementitious composition and included in an amount
greater than about 2% (by volume of the extrudable cementitious
composition), wherein the cementitious composite product has a
hardness value of at least 4 MOH and a bulk density of at from
about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3 to about 2.3 g/cm.sup.3.
2.-32. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cementitious
building products that contain high amounts of reinforcing fibers
and more particularly, to extrudable compositions for use in making
ultra-high strength cementitious composite building products having
stone-like properties.
[0002] The success of the building and construction industry is in
large part determined by the properties available for use in
construction. Many materials have been used historically and
currently but each has one or more significant limitations, as
further described in the following chart.
TABLE-US-00001 Specific Value Flexural Bulk Installed (Flexural
Building Strength Density Cost/kg Strength/Installed Brittleness
Good Materials [MPa] [g/cm.sup.3] [US$/kg] Cost/kg) [Y/N]
Aesthetics Wood 75 0.5 4 18.75 N Y Eternit 10 1.4 4 2.5 N N Steel
400 7.9 20 20 N N Concrete 3 2.3 0.13 23.08 Y N Granite/Marble 18
2.5 6 3.0 Y Y Fiber 30 1.3-2.3 0.50 60 N Y reinforced cementitious
product
[0003] As the availability of high quality natural occurring
materials such as stone and wood become scarcer, the need for
manufactured products becomes increasingly more important.
Specifically, there is a need in the design and construction of
buildings with concrete and steel for manufactured products having
high durability, low cost, high strength and toughness per unit of
mass, and that are aesthetically pleasing.
[0004] Moreover, in conventional building products, 90% of the
concrete mass and volume is required just to support itself in
position and shape; only 10% is actually used in the dynamic or
live loading capacity of the structure. Similarly, 75% of the mass
and volume of steel used in a building is to support itself and
hold its position and shape; only 25% is actually used in the
dynamic or live loading capacity of the structure. Furthermore,
although concrete has historically been recognized as having high
compressive strength, the compressive strength of concrete is not
usable. Rather, it is its flexural or tensile strength that is
required, and the flexural or tensile strength is so low that in
most cases it is assumed to be zero.
[0005] Based on the foregoing, it would be a great advantage and
advance in the construction industry to have cementious product
that could be molded and shaped locally but would have a much
higher flexural and tensile strength so that little or no steel
reinforcing would be required in the structure. It would be a
further advantage if such cementitious material would be of a lower
bulk density and have a much improved bulk density ratio. This
would increase the amount of concrete available for the dynamic
loading capacity of the building.
[0006] Previous attempts to use fiber reinforcing concrete have
been generally limited by many factors. One factor is the
difficulty of uniformly mixing and distributing fibers more than 3%
by volume throughout a high strength water cement ratio
composition. The second factor is the rapid reduction in rheology
of the concrete makes the shaping and placing of the concrete
material much more difficult.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a
cementitious composite product and method for making the
cementitious composite product to be used in building products as a
cost-effective substitute for stone and solid surface materials.
The cementitious composite product could be manufactured to be
tougher and more durable (i.e., less brittle) than stone and solid
surface materials without using reinforcing members such as rebar.
Moreover, it would be beneficial to provide cementitious composite
products that could be used as a substitute for stone
materials.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The present disclosure relates to cementitious composite
products (also referred to as building products or cementitious
composite building products) that can function as a substitute for
stone and solid surface materials. Specifically, the disclosed
compositions and manufacturing processes have an increased flexural
and tensile strength by more than 10 times as compared to
conventional products. The products provide for easy molding and
shaping for a wide variety of usable construction materials or
products. Further, the compositions and processes make cementious
building materials that are highly aesthetically pleasing at a much
reduced cost and weight. These cementious materials are not brittle
and do not chip or crack like natural synthetic stone commonly used
in construction. Additionally, they have all the advantages of
standard Portland Cement Concrete but are 10 times stronger and 100
times tougher at 1/3 less weight. The products are non flammable,
highly durable and can be manufactured locally. A final advantage
of these materials is that they obtain all required strength for
use within 24 to 48 hours and do not need the typical 28 day period
of other cementitious materials peak performance requirement.
[0009] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a cementitious composite product having stone-like
properties. The product comprises an extrudable cementitious
composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, aggregate, a
rheology-modifying agent, and fibers substantially homogeneously
distributed through the extrudable cementitious composition and
included in an amount greater than about 2% (by volume of the
extrudable cementitious composition). The cementitious composite
product has a hardness value of at least 4 MOH and a bulk density
of from about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3 to about 2.3 g/cm.sup.3.
[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
method for manufacturing a cementitious composite product having
stone-like properties. The method comprises: mixing together water,
fibers and a rheology-modifying agent to form a fibrous mixture in
which the fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed; adding
a mix of hydraulic cement and aggregate to the fibrous mixture to
yield an extrudable cementitious composition having a plastic
consistency and which includes fiber at a concentration greater
than about 2% by volume of extrudable cementitious composition;
extruding the extrudable cementitious composition into a green
intermediate extrudate having a predefined cross-sectional area,
the extrudate being form-stable upon extrusion and capable of
retaining substantially the cross-sectional area so as to permit
handling without breakage; and causing or allowing the hydraulic
cement to cure to form the cementitious composite product, wherein
the cementitious composite product has a hardness value of at least
4 MOH and a bulk density of from about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3 to about 2.3
g/cm.sup.3.
[0011] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram that illustrates an
embodiment of an extruding process for manufacturing a cementitious
composite building product;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram that illustrates an
embodiment of an extruding die head for manufacturing a
cementitious composite building product having a continuous hole
extending therethrough;
[0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view that illustrates embodiments
of the cross-sectional areas of extruded cementitious composite
building products; and
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an embodiment
of a roller-extrusion process for manufacturing a cementitious
composite building product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] It has been found that cementitious composite products can
be made to have stone-like properties so as to be cheaper and more
durable substitutes for stone and solid surface products, such as
countertops, tiles, cladding, roof tiles, and the like, as well as
other non-architectural products such as pre-cast and pre-formed
materials. The terminology employed herein is used for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0017] The terms "aggregate" and "aggregate fraction" refer to the
fraction of concrete which is generally non-hydraulically reactive.
The aggregate fraction is typically comprised of two or more
differently-sized particles, often classified as fine aggregates
and coarse aggregates.
[0018] As used herein, the terms "fine aggregate" and "fine
aggregates" refer to solid particulate materials that are sized at
less than 5 mm.
[0019] As used herein, the terms "coarse aggregate" and "coarse
aggregates" refer to solid particulate materials that are retained
on a Number 4 sieve (ASTM C125 and ASTM C33). Examples of commonly
used coarse aggregates include 3/8 inch rock and 3/4 inch rock.
[0020] The term "multi-component" refers to fiber-reinforced
extrudable cementitious compositions and extruded composite
products prepared therefrom, which typically include three or more
chemically or physically distinct materials or phases. For example,
these extrudable cementitious compositions and resulting building
products can include components such as rheology-modifying agents,
hydraulic cements, other hydraulically settable materials, set
accelerators, set retarders, fibers, inorganic aggregate materials,
organic aggregate materials, dispersants, water, and other liquids.
Each of these broad categories of materials imparts one or more
unique properties to extrudate compositions prepared therefrom as
well as to the final product. Within these broad categories it is
possible to further include different components (such as two or
more inorganic aggregates or fibers) which can impart different,
yet complementary, properties to the extruded product.
[0021] The terms "hydraulically settable composition" and
"cementitious composition" are meant to refer to a broad category
of compositions and materials that contain both a hydraulically
settable binder and water as well as other components, such as
aggregates and fibers, regardless of the extent of hydration or
curing that has taken place. As such, the cementitious materials
include hydraulic pastes or hydraulically settable compositions in
a green state (i.e., unhardened, soft, or moldable), and a hardened
or cured cementitious composite product.
[0022] The term "homogeneous" is meant to refer to a composition to
be evenly mixed so that at least two random samples of the
composition have roughly or substantially the same amount,
concentration, and distribution of a component.
[0023] The terms "hydraulic cement," "hydraulically settable
binder," "hydraulic binder," or "cement" are meant to refer to the
component or combination of components within a cementitious or
hydraulically settable composition that is an inorganic binder such
as, for example, Portland cements, fly ash, and gypsums that harden
and cure after being exposed to water. These hydraulic cements
develop increased mechanical properties such as hardness,
compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and
component surface bonds (e.g., binding of aggregate to cement) by
chemically reacting with water.
[0024] The terms "hydraulic paste" or "cement paste" are meant to
refer to a mixture of hydraulic cement and water in the green state
as well as hardened paste that results from hydration of the
hydraulic binder. As such, within a hydraulically settable
composition, the cement paste binds together the individual solid
materials, such as fibers, cement particles, aggregates, and the
like.
[0025] The terms "fiber" and "fibers" include both natural and
synthetic fibers. Fibers typically having an aspect ratio of at
least about 10:1 are added to an extrudable cementitious
composition to increase the elongation, deflection, toughness, and
fracture energy, as well as flexural and tensile strengths of the
resulting extruded composite or finished building product. Fibers
reduce the likelihood that the green extrudate, extruded products,
and hardened or cured products produced therefrom will rupture or
break when forces are applied thereto during handling, processing,
and curing. Also, fibers can absorb water and reduce the effective
water/cement ratio.
[0026] The term "fiber-reinforced" is meant to refer to
fiber-reinforced cementitious compositions that include fibers so
as to provide some structural reinforcement to increase a
mechanical property associated with a green extrudate, extruded
products, and hardened or cured composites as well as the building
products produced therefrom. Additionally, the key term is
"reinforced," which clearly distinguishes the extrudable
cementitious compositions, green extrudate, and cured building
products of the present disclosure from conventional settable
compositions and cementitious products. The fibers act primarily as
a reinforcing component to specifically add tensile strength,
flexibility, and toughness to the building products as well as to
reinforce any surfaces cut or formed thereon. Because they are
substantially homogeneously dispersed, the building products do not
separate or delaminate when exposed to moisture as can products
made using the conventional processes.
[0027] The term "mechanical property" is meant to include a
property, variable, or parameter that is used to identify or
characterize the mechanical strength of a substance, composition,
or product of manufacture. Accordingly, a mechanical property can
include the amount of elongation, deflection, or compression before
rupture or breakage, stress and/or strain before rupture, tensile
strength, compressive strength, Young's Modulus, stiffness,
hardness, deformation, resistance, and the like.
[0028] The terms "extrudate," "extruded shape," or "extruded
product," are meant to include any known or future designed shape
of products that are extruded using the extrudable cementitious
compositions and methods of the present disclosure. For example,
the extruded composite can be prepared into countertops, tiles,
cladding, and roof tiles. Additionally, an extruded building
product can initially be extruded as a "rough shape" and then
shaped, ground, milled or otherwise refined into a product of
manufacture, which is intended to be included by use of the present
terms.
[0029] The term "extrusion" can include a process where a material
is processed or pressed through an opening or through an area
having a certain size so as to shape the material to conform with
the opening or area. As such, an extruder pressing a material
through a die opening can be one form of extrusion. Alternatively,
roller-extrusion, which includes pressing a composition between a
set of rollers, can be another form of extrusion. Roller-extrusion
is described in more detail below in FIG. 2. In general, extrusion
refers to a process that is used to shape a moldable composition
without cutting, milling, sawing or the like, and usually includes
pressing or passing the material through an opening having a
predefined cross-sectional area.
[0030] The terms "hydrated" or "cured" are meant to refer to a
level of a hydraulic reaction which is sufficient to produce a
hardened cementitious building product having obtained a
substantial amount of its potential or maximum strength.
Nevertheless, cementitious composites or extruded building products
may continue to hydrate or cure long after they have attained
significant hardness and a substantial amount of their maximum
strength.
[0031] The terms "green," "green material," "green extrudate," or
"green state" are meant to refer to the state of a cementitious
composition which has not yet achieved a substantial amount of its
final strength; however, the "green state" is meant to identify
that the cementitious composition has enough cohesiveness to retain
an extruded shape before being hydrated or cured. As such, a
freshly extruded extrudate comprised of hydraulic cement and water
should be considered to be "green" before a substantial amount of
hardening or curing has taken place. The green state is not
necessarily a clear-cut line of demarcation as to the amount of
curing or hardening that has taken place, but should be construed
as being the state of the composition prior to being substantially
cured. Thus, a cementitious composition is in the green state post
extrusion and prior to being substantially cured.
[0032] The term "form-stable" is meant to refer to the condition of
a green extrudate immediately upon extrusion which is characterized
by the extrudate having a stable structure that does not deform
under its own weight. As such, a green extrudate that is
form-stable can retain its shape during handling and further
processing.
[0033] The term "composite" is meant to refer to a form-stable
composition that is made up of distinct components such as fibers,
rheology-modifiers, cement, aggregates, set accelerators, and the
like. As such, a composite is formed as the hardness or
form-stability of the green extrudate increases, and can be
prepared into a building product.
[0034] The term "stone-like" or "stone-like properties" is meant to
refer to cementitious compositions and extruded cementitious
composite building properties having a hardness value of at least 4
MOH, more suitably, at least about 5 MOH, even more suitably a
hardness of at least about 6 MOH, and even more suitably a hardness
of 7 to 8 MOH.
[0035] In one aspect, a cementitious composite product having
stone-like properties is provided. The composite product includes
an extrudable cementitious composition. The cementitious composite
product has a hardness value of at least 4 MOH and a bulk density
of at least 1.3 g/cm.sup.3. More suitably, the cementitious
composite product has a bulk density of from about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3
to about 2.3 g/cm.sup.3.
Extrudable Cementitious Compositions Used to Make the Cementitious
Composite Product
[0036] The extrudable cementitious compositions used to make
extruded cementitious composite building products include water,
hydraulic cement, fibers, aggregate, a rheology-modifying agent,
and optionally, a set accelerator or a set retarder. In addition to
these components, the extrudable cementitious compositions can be
mixed with other admixtures to give an extruded cementitious
composite product having the desired properties as described more
fully below. More particularly, the cementitious composite products
are formulated so as to have greater hardness and compressive
strength as compared to ordinary concrete, and have greater
toughness in order to better imitate the properties of stone and
solid surface materials. Furthermore, the cementitious composite
products of the present disclosure show flexibility, unlike
conventional stone products.
[0037] A. Hydraulic Cement, Water, and Aggregate
[0038] Hydraulic cements are materials that can set and harden in
the presence of water. The cement can be a Portland cement,
modified Portland cement, or masonry cement. For purposes of this
disclosure, Portland cement includes all cementitious compositions
which have a high content of tricalcium silicate, including
Portland cement, cements that are chemically similar or analogous
to Portland cement, and cements that fall within ASTM specification
C-150-00. Portland cement, as used in the trade, means a hydraulic
cement produced by pulverizing clinker, comprising hydraulic
calcium silicates, calcium aluminates, and calcium aluminoferrites,
and usually containing one or more forms of calcium sulfate as an
interground addition. Portland cements are classified in ASTM C 150
as Type I II, III, IV, and V. Other hydraulically settable
materials include ground granulated blast-furnace slag, hydraulic
hydrated lime, white cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement,
silicate cement, phosphate cement, high-alumina cement, magnesium
oxychloride cement, oil well cements (e.g., Type VI, VII and VIII),
and combinations of these and other similar materials.
[0039] Pozzolanic materials such as slag, class F fly ash, class C
fly ash and silica fume can also be considered to be hydraulically
settable materials when used in combination with conventional
hydraulic cements, such as Portland cement. A pozzolan is a
siliceous or aluminosiliceous material that possesses cementitious
value and will, in the presence of water and in finely divided
form, chemically react with calcium hydroxide produced during the
hydration of Portland cement to form hydratable species with
cementitious properties. Diatomaceous earth, opaline, cherts,
clays, shales, fly ash, silica fume, volcanic tuffs, pumices, and
trasses are some of the better known pozzolans. Certain ground
granulated blast-furnace slags and high calcium fly ashes possess
both pozzolanic and cementitious properties. Fly ash is defined in
ASTM C618.
[0040] The amount of hydraulic cement and the pozzolanic material
in the extrudable cementitious composition can vary depending on
the identities and concentrations of the other components. In
general, the combined amount of hydraulic cement and pozzolanic
material is in a range of from about 25% to about 75% by weight of
the extrudable cementitious composition, more suitably in a range
of from about 35% to about 65% by weight of the extrudable
cementitious composition, and most suitably in a range of from
about 40% to about 60% by weight of the extrudable cementitious
composition.
[0041] Briefly, within the extruded product, the hydraulic cement
forms a cement paste or gel by reacting with water, where the speed
of the reaction can be greatly increased through the use of set
accelerators or heat curing, and the strength and physical
properties of the cementitious composite building products are
modulated by a high concentration of fibers. Usually, the amount of
hydraulic cement in a cured cementitious composite is described as
a dry percentage (e.g., dry weight % or dry volume %). The amount
of hydraulic cement can vary in a range from about 40% to about 95%
by dry weight, more suitably about 50% to about 80% by dry weight,
and most suitably about 60% to about 75% by dry weight. It should
be recognized that some products can use more or less hydraulic
cement, as needed and depending on other constituents.
[0042] The amount of water within the various compositions
described herein can be drastically varied over a large range. For
example, the amount of water in the extrudable cementitious
composition and green extrudate can range from about 15% by weight
extrudable cementitious composition to about 75% by weight
extrudable cementitious composition, more suitably from about 35%
to about 65%, and most suitably from about 40% to about 60% by
weight extrudable cementitious composition. On the other hand, the
cured composite or hardened cementitious composite product can have
free water at less than 10% by weight, more suitably less than
about 5% by weight, and most suitably less than about 2% water by
weight; however, additional water can be bound with the
rheology-modifier, fibers, or aggregates.
[0043] The amount of water in the extrudate during the rapid
reaction period should be sufficient for curing or hydrating so as
to provide the finished properties described herein. Nevertheless,
maintaining a relatively low water to cement ratio (i.e., w/c)
increases the strength of the final cementitious composite
products. Accordingly, the actual or nominal water to cement ratio
will typically initially range from about 0.1 to about 0.6.
[0044] While it is desirable for the cementitious composite
building products to have properties similar to those of stone, it
has been discovered that the cementitious building products
prepared using the methods of the present disclosure have lower
densities as compared to natural stone and solid surface products.
More particularly, the cementitious composite building products
have a density of at least about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3 and less than 3.0
g/cm.sup.3, more suitably, at least about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3 and less
than about 2.3 g/cm.sup.3, and even more suitably, from about 1.6
g/cm.sup.3 to about 1.7 g/cm.sup.3, and even.
[0045] Aggregates are also included in the extrudable cementitious
composition to provide hardness to the cementitious composite
products. More particularly, stronger, harder aggregates are
typically included as these aggregates will deteriorate the paste
strength of the cementitious composite products less than in
conventional products.
[0046] The aggregate includes both fine aggregate and coarse
aggregate. Examples of suitable materials for coarse and/or fine
aggregates include silica, quartz, crushed round marble, glass
spheres, granite, limestone, bauxite, calcite, feldspar, alluvial
sands, or any other durable aggregate, and mixtures thereof. In a
preferred embodiment, the fine aggregate consists essentially of
"sand" and the coarse aggregate consists essentially of "rock"
(e.g., 3/8 inch and/or 3/4 inch rock) as those terms are understood
by those of skill in the art.
[0047] In one aspect, the extrudable cementitious composition (and
the cementitious composite product) includes two separate sizes of
coarse aggregate (i.e., more coarse and less coarse aggregates).
More particularly, the extrudable cementitious composition can
include more coarse aggregate such as 3/4 inch rock and less coarse
aggregate such as 3/8 inch rock.
[0048] It should be recognized, that while discussed herein as
using two sizes of coarse aggregate, the extrudable cementitious
composition may be produced with either solely the less coarse or
solely the more coarse aggregate without departing from the present
disclosure.
[0049] B. Fibers
[0050] The extrudable cementitious composition and extruded
cementitious composite building products include a relatively high
concentration of fibers compared to conventional concrete
compositions. Moreover, the fibers are typically substantially
homogeneously dispersed throughout the cementitious composition in
order to maximize the beneficial properties imparted by the fibers.
The fibers are present in order to provide structural reinforcement
to the extrudable cementitious composition, green extrudate, and
the cementitious composite building product.
[0051] Various types of fibers may be used in order to obtain
specific characteristics. For example, the extrudable cementitious
compositions can include naturally occurring organic fibers
extracted from hemp, cotton, plant leaves or stems, hardwoods,
softwoods, or the like, fibers made from organic polymers, examples
of which include polyester nylon (i.e., polyamide), polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA), polyethylene, and polypropylene, and/or inorganic
fibers, examples of which include glass, graphite, silica,
silicates, microglass made alkali resistant using borax, ceramics,
carbon fibers, carbides, metal materials, and the like.
Particularly preferred fibers, for example, include glass fibers,
woolastanite, abaca, bagasse, wood fibers (e.g., soft pine,
southern pine, fir, and eucalyptus), cotton, silica nitride, silica
carbide, silica nitride, tungsten carbide, and Kevlar; however,
other types of fibers can be used.
[0052] The fibers used in making the cementitious compositions can
have a high length to width ratio (or "aspect ratio") because
longer, narrower fibers typically impart more strength per unit
weight to the finished cementitious composite building product. The
fibers can have an average aspect ratio of at least about 10:1,
preferably at least about 50:1, more preferably at least about
100:1, and most preferably greater than about 200:1.
[0053] In one embodiment, the fibers can be used in various lengths
such as, for example, from about 0.1 cm to about 2.5 cm, more
preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably
about 0.3 cm to about 1.5 cm. In one embodiment, the fibers can be
used in lengths less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than
about 1.5 mm, and most preferably less than about 1 mm.
[0054] In one embodiment, very long or continuous fibers can be
admixed into the cementitious compositions. As used herein, a "long
fiber" is meant to refer to a thin long synthetic fiber that is
longer than about 2.5 cm. As such, a long fiber can be present with
lengths ranging from about 2.5 cm to about 10 cm, more preferably
about 3 cm to about 8 cm, and most preferably from about 4 cm to
about 5 cm.
[0055] The concentration of fibers within the extrudable
cementitious compositions can vary widely in order to provide
various properties to the extruded composition and the finished
cementitious composite product. Generally, the fibers can be
present in the extrudable composition in an amount of greater than
about 1% by volume of extrudable cementitious composition, more
suitably greater than about 2%, and more suitably greater than
about 3%, and even more suitably from about 3% to about 20%, and
most suitably from about 3.5% to about 8% by volume extrudable
cementitious composition.
[0056] Additionally, specific types of fibers can vary in amount in
the compositions. For example, in one embodiment, PVA can be
present in the extrudable cementitious composition in an amount of
from about 1.5% to about 3.5% by volume extrudable cementitious
composition. Soft and/or woods, such as cellulose fibers, can be
present in the extrudable cementitious composition in amounts
described above with respect to general fibers or present in an
amount of from about 1.5% to about 5.0% by volume extrudable
cementitious composition.
[0057] In one embodiment, the type of fiber can be selected based
on the desired structural features of the finished product
comprised of the cementitious composite product, where it can be
preferred to have dense synthetic fibers compared to light natural
fibers or vice versa. Typically, the specific gravity of natural or
softwood fibers is about 1.2. On the other hand, synthetic fibers
can have specific gravities that range from about 1 for
polyurethane fibers, about 1.3 for PVA fibers, about 1.5 for Kevlar
fibers, about 2 for graphite and quartz glass, about 2.3 for glass
fibers, about 3.2 for silicon carbide and silicon nitride, about 7
to about 9 for most metals with about 8 for stainless steel fibers,
about 5.7 for zirconia fibers, to about 15 for tungsten carbide
fibers. As such, natural fibers tend to have densities of about 1
or less, and synthetic fibers tend to have densities of from about
1 to about 15.
[0058] In one embodiment, a mixture of regular or long length
fibers, such as pine, fir, or other natural fibers, may be combined
with micro-fibers, such as woolastinite or micro glass fibers, to
provide unique properties, including increased toughness,
flexibility, and flexural strength, with the larger and smaller
fibers acting on different levels within the cementitious
composition.
[0059] In view of the foregoing, the fibers are added in relatively
high amounts in order to yield a cementitious composite building
product having increased tensile strength, elongation, deflection,
deformability, and flexibility. The fibers contribute to the
ability of the cementitious composite building product to be sawed,
screwed, ground, and/or milled like stone.
[0060] C. Rheology Modifying Agent
[0061] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the
extrudable cementitious compositions and the cementitious composite
building products include a rheology-modifying agent
("rheology-modifier"). The rheology-modifier can be mixed with
water and fibers to aid in substantially uniformly (or
homogeneously) distributing the fibers within the cementitious
composition. Additionally, the rheology-modifier can impart
form-stability to an extrudate. In part, this is because the
rheology-modifier acts as a binder when the composition is in a
green state to increase early green strength so that it can be
handled or otherwise processed without the use of molds or other
shape-retaining devices. The rheology-modifying agent helps control
porosity (i.e., yields uniformly dispersed pores when water is
removed by evaporation). Further, the rheology-modifying agent can
impart increased toughness and flexibility to a cured cementitious
composite product which can result in enhanced deflection
characteristics. Thus, the rheology-modifier cooperates with other
compositional components in order to achieve a more deformable,
flexible, bendable, compactable, tough, and/or elastic cementitious
building product.
[0062] For example, variations in the type, molecular weight,
degree of branching, amount, and distribution of the
rheology-modifier can affect the properties of the extrudable
cementitious composition, green extrudate, and cementitious
composite building products. As such, the type of rheology-modifier
can be any polysaccharide, proteinaceous material, and/or synthetic
organic material that is capable of being or providing the
rheological properties described herein. Examples of some suitable
polysaccharides, particularly cellulosic ethers, include
methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose,
hydroxyethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, starches
such as amylopectin, amylose, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl
ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkylstarches, dextrins, amine
starches, phosphate starches, and dialdehyde starches,
polysaccharide gums such as seagel, alginic acid, phycocolloids,
agar, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum karaya, gum
tragacanth, and the like. Examples of some proteinaceous materials
include collagens, caseins, biopolymers, biopolyesters, and the
like. Examples of synthetic organic materials that can impart
rheology-modifying properties include petroleum-based polymers
(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), latexes (e.g.,
styrene-butadiene), and biodegradable polymers (e.g., aliphatic
polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid,
polycaprolactone), polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, and
polyvinyl acetate. Clay can also act as a rheology-modifier to aid
in dispersing the fibers and/or imparting form stability to the
green extruded intermediate.
[0063] The amount of rheology-modifier within the extrudable
cementitious composition and cementitious building product can vary
from low to high concentrations depending on the type, branching,
molecular weight, and/or interactions with other compositional
components. For example, the amount of rheology-modifier present in
the extrudable cementitious compositions can range from about 0.1%
to about 4% by volume of extrudable cementitious compositions,
suitably from about 0.25% to about 2% by volume, even more suitably
about 0.5% to about 1.5% by volume, and most suitably from about
0.75% to about 1% by volume of extrudable cementitious
compositions. The amount of rheology-modifier present in the cured
cementitious composite products can range from about 0.5% to about
1% by volume.
[0064] Additionally, examples of synthetic organic materials, which
are plasticizers usually used along with the rheology-modifier,
include polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyethylene glycols, polyvinyl
alcohols, polyvinylmethyl ethers, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic
acid salts, polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acid salts,
polyacrylimides, ethylene oxide polymers, polylactic acid,
synthetic clay, styrene-butadiene copolymers, latex, copolymers
thereof, mixtures thereof, and the like. For example, the amount of
plasticizers in the extrudable cementitious composition can range
from no plasticizer to about 40% plasticizer by weight, more
suitably about 1% to about 35% plasticizer by weight, even more
suitably from about 2% to about 30%, and most suitably from about
5% to about 25% by weight.
[0065] D. Filler
[0066] In one embodiment, the extrudable composition, green
intermediate extrudate, and cured cementitious composite product
can include fillers. Alternatively, there are instances where
filler materials are specifically excluded. Fillers, if used at
all, are generally included in smaller amounts and mainly to
decrease the cost of the extruded products. Because it is desired
to obtain extruded products in the form of stone-like building
material having the properties of stone, fillers should be selected
that do not yield a product that is too soft or difficult to work
with. Examples, of fillers include hard silicate, glass, basalt,
granite, calcined bauxite. Additional information regarding the
types and amounts of fillers that can be used in the cementitious
compositions are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Fillers
can further be chosen to add artistic or aesthetic properties to
the cementitious composite products.
[0067] In one embodiment, the extrudable cementitious compositions
can include a widely varying amount of fillers. Specifically, when
used, fillers can each independently be present at less than about
10% by weight of extrudable cementitious composition, suitably less
than about 7% by weight, more suitably less than about 3% by
weight, and most suitably between about 2% to about 12% by weight
of extrudable cementitious composition.
[0068] In one embodiment, the cured cementitious composite products
can include a widely varying amount of fillers. Specifically, when
used, fillers can each independently be present at less than about
15% by weight, suitably less than about 10% by weight, more
suitably less than about 5% by weight, and most suitably between
about 3% to about 15% by weight. In some instances, fillers such as
limestone can be present up to about 70% by weight. For example,
when included in a cured cementitious composite, vermiculite can be
present from about 2% by weight to about 20% by weight, and
suitably from about 3% by weight to about 16% by weight.
[0069] E. Admixtures and Other Materials
[0070] A wide variety of admixtures and other materials can be
added to the extrudable cementitious compositions to give the
extrudable cementitious compositions and cementitious composite
products made therefrom desired properties. Examples of admixtures
that can be used in the extrudable cementitious compositions of the
disclosure include, but are not limited to, set accelerators, air
entraining agents, strength enhancing amines and other
strengtheners, dispersants, water reducers, superplasticizers,
water binding agents, viscosity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors,
pigments, wetting agents, water soluble polymers, water repellents,
permeability reducers, pumping aids, fungicidal admixtures,
germicidal admixtures, insecticidal admixtures, finely divided
mineral admixtures, alkali reactivity reducers, bonding admixtures,
nucleating agents, volatile solvents, salts, buffering agents,
acidic agents, coloring agents, and the like, and mixtures
thereof.
[0071] A set accelerator can be included in the extrudable
cementitious composition, green intermediate extrudate, and
cementitious composite building product. As described herein, the
set accelerator can be included so as to decrease the duration of
the induction period or hasten the onset of the rapid reaction
period. Accordingly, traditional set accelerators such as
MgCl.sub.2, NaCO.sub.3, KCO.sub.3 CaCl.sub.2 and the like can be
used, but may result in a decrease in the compressive strength of
the cementitious composite building product; however, this may be a
desirable by-product in order to yield a product that can be sawed,
nailed, ground, and milled like stone. For example, the traditional
set accelerators can be present in the green intermediate extrudate
from about 0.001% to about 5% by total weight, more suitably from
about 0.05% to about 2.5% by weight, and most suitably from about
0.11% to about 1% by weight.
[0072] Retarding agents, also known as retarders, set retarders,
delayed-setting or hydration control admixtures, may also
optionally be used to retard, delay, or slow the rate of cement
hydration. Furthermore, retarding agents can maintain constant
rheology and reduce buildup in the extruder. They can be added to
the extrudable composition, green extrudate, and cementitious
composite building product. Examples of retarding agents include
lignosulfonates and salts thereof, hydroxylated carboxylic acids,
borax, gluconic acid, tartaric acid, mucic acid, and other organic
acids and their corresponding salts, phosphonates, monosaccharides,
disaccharides, trisaccharides, polysaccharides, certain other
carbohydrates such as sugars and sugar-acids, starch and
derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivatives thereof,
water-soluble salts of boric acid, water-soluble silicone
compounds, sugar-acids, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary retarding
agents are commercially available under the tradename Delvo.RTM.,
from Masterbuilders (a division of BASF, The Chemical Company,
Cleveland, Ohio).
[0073] Air-entraining agents are compounds that entrain microscopic
air bubbles in cementitious compositions, which then harden into
cementitious composite products having microscopic air voids.
Entrained air dramatically improves the durability of product
exposed to moisture during freeze thaw cycles. Air-entraining
agents can also reduce the surface tension of an extrudable
cementitious composition at low concentration. Air entrainment can
also increase the workability of extrudable cementitious
compositions and reduce segregation and bleeding. Examples of
suitable air-entraining agents include wood resin, sulfonated
lignin, petroleum acids, proteinaceous material, fatty acids,
resinous acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, sulfonated hydrocarbons,
vinsol resin, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic
surfactants, natural rosin, synthetic rosin, inorganic air
entrainers, synthetic detergents, the corresponding salts of these
compounds, and mixtures of these compounds. Air-entraining agents
are added in an amount to yield a desired level of air in an
extrudable cementitious composition.
[0074] In another alternative embodiment, the concrete composition
does not include any air entraining agent but rather a greater
quantity of superplasticizer, as discussed below.
[0075] Strength enhancing amines are compounds that improve the
compressive strength of cementitious composite products made from
extrudable cementitious compositions. The strength enhancing amine
includes one or more compounds from the group selected from
poly(hydroxyalkylated)polyethyleneamines,
poly(hydroxyalkylated)poly-ethylenepolyamines,
poly(hydroxyalkylated)polyethyleneimines,
poly(hydroxyl-alkylated)polyamines, hydrazines, 1,2-diaminopropane,
polyglycoldiamine, poly-(hydroxylalkyl)amines, and mixtures
thereof. An exemplary strength enhancing amine is 2,2,2,2
tetra-hydroxydiethylenediamine.
[0076] Dispersants are used in extrudable cementitious compositions
to increase flowability without adding water. Dispersants can be
used to lower the water content in the extrudable cementitious
composition to increase strength without adding additional water. A
dispersant, if used, can be any suitable dispersant such as
lignosulfonates, beta naphthalene sulfonates, sulfonated melamine
formaldehyde condensates, polyaspartates, polycarboxylates with and
without polyether units, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde
condensate resins, or oligomeric dispersants. Depending on the type
of dispersant, the dispersant may function as a plasticizer, high
range water reducer, fluidizer, antiflocculating agent, and/or
superplasticizer.
[0077] One class of dispersants includes mid-range water reducers.
Mid-range water reducers should at least meet the requirements for
Type A in ASTM C 494.
[0078] Another class of dispersants includes high range
water-reducers (HRWR). These dispersants are capable of reducing
water content of a given extrudable cementitious composition by as
much as from about 10% to about 50%. HRWRs can be used to increase
strength or to greatly increase the slump to produce a "flowing"
extrudable cementitious composition without adding additional
water. HRWRs that can be used in the present disclosure include
those covered by ASTM C 494 and types F and G, and Types 1 and 2 in
ASTM C 1017. Examples of HRWRS are described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,858,074, which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent
that it is consistent herewith.
[0079] Dampproofing admixtures reduce the permeability of
extrudable cementitious composition that have low cement contents,
high water-cement ratios, or a deficiency of fines in the
aggregate. These admixtures retard moisture penetration into dry
concrete and include certain soaps, stearates, and petroleum
products.
[0080] Permeability reducers are used to reduce the rate at which
water under pressure is transmitted through the extrudable
cementitious composition (and the cementitious composite products).
Silica fume, fly ash, ground slag, natural pozzolans, water
reducers, and latex can be employed to decrease the permeability of
the extrudable cementitious composition.
[0081] Shrinkage reducing agents include but are not limited to
alkali metal sulfate, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth
oxides, e.g., sodium sulfate and calcium oxide.
[0082] Finely divided mineral admixtures are materials in powder or
pulverized form added to extrudable cementitious compositions
before or during the mixing process to improve or change some of
the plastic or hardened properties of Portland cement. The finely
divided mineral admixtures can be classified according to their
chemical or physical properties as: cementitious materials;
pozzolans; pozzolanic and cementitious materials; and nominally
inert materials. Nominally inert materials include finely divided
raw quartz, dolomites, limestones, marble, granite, and others.
[0083] Natural and synthetic admixtures are used to color
extrudable cementitious composition for aesthetic and safety
reasons. Coloring admixtures are usually composed of pigments and
include carbon black, iron oxide, phthalocyanine, umber, chromium
oxide, titanium oxide and cobalt blue.
[0084] In one embodiment, a substantially cured cementitious
composite product that is reinforced with fibers can be coated with
a protective or sealing material such as a paint, stain, varnish,
texturizing coating, and the like. As such, the coating can be
applied to the cementitious composite building product after it is
substantially cured. For example, the cementitious building product
can be stained so that the fibers present on the surface are a
different shade from rest of the product, and/or texturized so as
to resemble a stone product.
[0085] Sealants known in the concrete industry can be applied to
the surface and/or incorporated into the cementitious composition
in order to provide waterproofing properties. These include silanes
and siloxanes.
Manufacturing Cementitious Composite Products
[0086] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an embodiment
of a manufacturing system and equipment that can be used during the
formation of an extrudable cementitious composition, green
intermediate extrudate, cementitious composite product, and/or
cementitious composite building product. It should be recognized
that this is only one example illustrated for the purpose of
describing a general processing system and equipment, where various
additions and modifications can be made thereto in order to prepare
the cementitious composite products (and building products). Also,
the schematic representation should not be construed in any
limiting manner as to the presence, arrangement, shape,
orientation, or size of any of the features described in connection
therewith. With that said, a more detailed description of the
system and equipment that can prepare the extrudable cementitious
compositions as well as cementitious composite building products
that are in accordance with the present disclosure is provided.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of an extrusion
system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is provided.
Such an extrusion system 10 includes a first mixer 16, optional
second mixer 18, and an extruder 24. The first mixer 16 is
configured to receive at least one feed of materials through at
least a first feed stream 12 for being mixed into a first mixture
20 (for example, in one embodiment the first mixture 20 is the
fibrous mixture described above). After adequate mixing, which can
be performed under high shear, while maintaining a temperature
below that which accelerates hydration, the first mixture 20 is
removed from the first mixer 16 as flow of material ready for
further processing.
[0088] By mixing the first mixture 20 apart from any additional
components, the respective mixed components can be homogeneously
distributed throughout the composition. For example, it can be
advantageous to homogeneously mix the fibers with at least the
rheology modifier and water before combining them with the
additional components. As such, the rheology-modifier, fibers,
and/or water are mixed under high shear so as to increase the
homogeneous distribution of fibers therein. The rheology modifying
agent and water form a plastic composition having high yield stress
and viscosity that is able to transfer the shearing forces from the
mixer down to the fiber level. In this way, the fibers can be
homogeneously dispersed throughout the fibrous mixture using much
less water than required in conventional procedures, which
typically require up to 99% water to disperse the fibers.
[0089] The optional second mixer 18 has a second feed stream 14
that supplies the material to be mixed into a second mixture 22,
where such mixing can be enhanced by the inclusion of a heating
element. For example, the second mixer 18 can receive and mix the
additional components, such as the additional water, set
accelerators, hydraulic cement, plasticizers, aggregates,
nucleating agents, dispersants, polymeric binders, volatile
solvents, salts, buffering agents, acidic agents, coloring agents,
fillers, and the like before combining them with other components
to form the extrudable cementitious composition. The second mixer
18 is optional because the additional components could be mixed
with the fibrous mixture in the first mixer 16.
[0090] As in the illustrated schematic diagram, the extruder 24
includes an extruder screw 26, optional heating elements (not
shown), and a die head 28 with a die opening 30. Optionally, the
extruder can be a single screw, twin screw, and/or a piston-type
extruder. After the first mixture 20 and second mixture 22 enter
the extruder they can be combined and mixed into an extrudable
cementitious composition.
[0091] By mixing the components, an interface is created between
the different components, such as the rheology-modifying agent and
fibers, which allows for individual fibers to pull apart from each
other. By increasing the viscosity and yield stress with the
rheology-modifying agent, more fibers can be substantially
homogenously distributed throughout the mixture and final cured
product. Also, the cohesion between the different components can be
increased so as to increase inter-particle and capillary forces for
enhanced mixing and form-stability after extrusion. For example,
the cohesion between the different components can be likened to
clay so that the green extrudate can be placed on a pottery wheel
and worked similar to common clays that are fabricated into
pottery.
[0092] In one embodiment, additional feed streams (not shown) can
be located at any position along the length of the extruder 24. The
availability of additional feed streams can enable the
manufacturing process to add certain components at any position so
as to modify the characteristics of the extrudable cementitious
composition during mixing and extruding as well as the
characteristics of the green intermediate extrudate after
extrusion. For example, in one embodiment it can be advantageous to
supply the set accelerator into the composition within about 60
minutes to within about 1 second before being extruded. More
preferably, the set accelerator is mixed into the composition
within about 45 minutes to about 5 seconds before being extruded,
even more suitably within about 30 minutes to about 8 seconds, and
most suitably within about 20 minutes to about 10 seconds before
being extruded. This can enable the green intermediate extrudate to
be configured for increased form-stability and a shortened
induction period before the onset of the rapid reaction period.
[0093] With continuing reference to FIG. 1A, as the extrudable
cementitious composition moves to the end of the extruder 24, it
passes through the die head 28 before being extruded at the die
opening 30. The die head 28 and die opening 30 can be configured
into any shape or arrangement so long as to produce a green
intermediate extrudate (also referred to herein as green extrudate
or extrudate) that is capable of being further processed or
finished into a cementitious composite building product. In the
illustrated embodiment, it can be advantageous for the die opening
30 to have a circular diameter so that the extrudate 32 has a
rod-like shape. Other exemplary cross-sectional shapes are
illustrated in FIG. 1C, including hexagonal 42, rectangular 44,
square 46, or I-beam 48. The extruded products can be characterized
as being immediately form-stable while in the green state. That is,
the extrudate can be immediately processed without deforming,
wherein the processing can include cutting, sawing, shaping,
grinding, milling, forming, drilling, and the like. As such, the
extrudate in the green state does not need to be cured before being
prepared into the size, shape, or form of the finished cementitious
composite building product. For example, the green-state processing
can include the following: (a) creating stone-like surfaces, by
milling, sawing, cutting, grinding or the like, that have specified
dimensions, such as width, thickness, length, radius, diameter,
surface texture, and the like; (b) bending the extrudate so as to
form a curved cementitious product, which can be of any size and
shape, such as, a curved countertop or edge, and other ornamental
and/or structural members; (c) creating products having lengths of
6 ft 9 in, 8 ft 8 in, 9 ft 1 in, 27 ft, 40 if, 41 ft, 60 if, 61 ft,
80 ft, 81 ft, and the like; (d) texturizing with rollers, which can
impart stone and or marble-like surfaces to the cementitious
composite building product; (e) having the surface painted,
waterproofed, or otherwise coated, which can apply coatings
comprised of silanes, siloxanes, latex, and the like; and (l)
transported, shipped, or otherwise moved and/or handled. Also, the
byproducts that are produced from the green-state processing can be
placed into the feed compositions and reprocessed. Thus, the green
cementitious byproducts can be recycled, which can significantly
reduce waste and manufacturing costs.
[0094] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a die head 29 that can be
used with the extrusion process of FIG. 1A. As such, the die head
29 includes a die opening 30 that has a hole forming member 31. The
hole forming member 31 can be circular as shown, or have any
cross-sectional shape. As such, the hole forming member 31 can form
a hole in the extrudate, which is depicted in FIG. 1C. Since the
extrudate can be form-stable immediately upon extrusion, the hole
can retain the size and shape of the hole forming member 31.
Additionally, various die heads having hole forming members that
can produce annular extrudates are well known in the art and can be
adapted or modified, if needed, to be usable with the extrusion
processes in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0095] With reference now to FIG. 1C, additional embodiments of
extrudates 40 are depicted. Accordingly, the die head and die
opening of FIG. 1A or 1B can be modified or altered so as to
provide extrudates 40 having various cross-sectional areas, where
the extrudate 40 cross-sectional area can be substantially the same
as the cross-sectional area of the die opening. For example, the
cross-sectional area can be a hexagon 42, rectangle 44 (e.g.,
two-by-four, one-by-ten, etc.), square 46, I-beam 48, or a cylinder
50, optionally having a continuous hole 49. Also, additional
cross-sectional shapes can be prepared via extrusion. More
particularly, the die head and die opening of FIG. 1B can be used
so that the hexagon 42, rectangle 44, square 46, I-beam 48, or
cylinder 50 can optionally include continuous circular holes 51,
rectangular holes 53, square holes 57, or the like. Also, complex
dies heads and openings can be used for preparing the cylinder 50
having the continuous hole 49 and a plurality of smaller holes 51.
Moreover, any general cross-sectional shape can be further
processed into a specific shape such as, for example, a two-by-four
from a four-by-four square shape. Alternatively, the die orifice
may yield oversized products that are later trimmed to the desired
specifications in order to ensure greater uniformity.
[0096] Accordingly, the foregoing processes can be usable for
extruding building products with one or more continuous holes to
reduce weight of the products. For example, a countertop-like
material can be extruded having one or more holes into which rebar
can be inserted, either while in a green state or after curing. In
the case of a cured countertop material, the rebar may be held in
place within the hole using epoxy or other adhesive to provide
strong bonding between the rebar and material. For example, the
cylinder 50 of FIG. 1C, as well as the other shapes, can be
fabricated into large countertops. These structures can optionally
include a large interior opening 49 to reduce the mass and cost,
along with smaller holes 51 in the wall to permit the insertion of
strengthening rebar, as shown.
[0097] In one embodiment, the extrudable cementitious composition
is de-aired before being extruded. While some processes can employ
a specific de-airing process to remove a substantial amount of air
from the extrudable cementitious composition, other processes can
remove the air by the mixing process that occurs in the extruder.
In any event, the active or passive de-airing can provide an
extrudate that does not have large air voids or cellular
formations. In general, it is preferable to de-air the extrudable
cementitious composition as this decreases the porosity of the
composition, and thus, increases the strength of the final product.
For example, a de-aired cementitious composite can have entrapped
air in an amount of from about 0% to about 10%, more suitably from
about 0.1% to about 5%, and most suitably about 0.2% to about 3%.
Thus, the extrudate and resulting cementitious composite building
product can be fabricated so as to be substantially or completely
devoid of any multi-cellular formations.
[0098] In one embodiment, the extrudate can be further processed in
a dryer or autoclave. The dryer can be useful for drying the
extrudate so as to remove excess water from the hardened product.
In another embodiment, the extrudate can be processed through an
autoclave in order to increase the rate of curing and strength
development to produce an increase in strength of the product of
from about 50% to about 100%.
[0099] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an alternative
extrusion process that can be used to prepare the cementitious
composite building products in accordance with the present
disclosure. As such, the extrusion process can be considered to use
a roller-extrusion system 200 that uses rollers to extrude the
extrudable cementitious composition into a green intermediate
extrudate. Such a roller extrusion system 200 includes a mixer 216
configured to receive at least one feed of materials through a feed
stream 212 for being mixed into a mixture 220. After adequate
mixing, which can be performed as described herein, the mixture 220
is removed from the mixer 216 as flow of material ready for further
processing.
[0100] The mixture 220 is then applied to a conveyor 222 or other
similar transporter so as to move the extrudable cementitious
composition from the site of application. This allows the
composition to be formed into a cementitious flow 224 that can be
processed. As such, the cementitious flow 224 can be passed under a
first roller 226 that is set at a predefined distance from the
conveyor 222 and having a predefined cross-sectional area with
respect thereto, which can press or shape the cementitious flow 224
into a green intermediate extrudate 228. Optionally, the conveyor
222 can then deliver the green intermediate extrudate 228 through a
first calender 230 comprised of an upper roller 230a and a lower
roller 230b. The calender 230 can be configured to have a
predefined cross-sectional area so that the green intermediate
extrudate 228 is further shaped and/or compressed into a shaped
green intermediate extrudate 242. Also, an optional second calender
240 comprised of a first roller 240a and a second roller 240b can
be used in place of the first calender 230 or in addition thereto.
A combination of calenders 230, 240 can be favorable for providing
a green intermediate extrudate that is substantially shaped as
desired. Alternatively, the first roller 226 can be excluded and
the cementitious flow 224 can be processed through any number of
calenders 230, 240.
[0101] Additionally, the shaped green intermediate extrudate 242,
or other extrudate described here, such as from the process
illustrated in FIG. 1A, can be further processed by a processing
apparatus 244. The processing apparatus 244 can be any type of
equipment or system that is employed to process the green
intermediate extrudate materials as described herein. As such, the
processing apparatus 244 can saw, grind, mill, cut, bend, coat, dry
or otherwise shape or further process the shaped green intermediate
extrudate 242 into a processed extrudate 246. Also, the byproduct
260 obtained from the processing apparatus 244 can be recycled into
the feed composition 212, or applied to the conveyor 222 along with
the mixture 220.
[0102] In one embodiment, a combined curing/drying process can be
used to cure and dry the hydraulic cement to form the extruded
cementitious composite. For example, the combined curing/drying
process can be performed at a temperature of from about
75-95.degree. C. for 48 hours in order to obtain about 80% of the
final strength. However, larger blocks can take additional time in
any curing and/or drying process. In another embodiment, the
combined curing/drying process can be conducted in an autoclave.
For example, the autoclave can cure/dry at a temperature of about
190.degree. C., at about 12 bars, for about 12 hours.
[0103] Optionally, the extrudate can be covered in plastic and/or
stored for a period of time to allow the extrudate to cure. This
can allow the extrudate to harden over time in order to produce the
requisite strength for the cured cementitious composite product.
For example, after 28 days, the cured cementitious composite
product can have about 80% of final strength, and can be placed in
a dryer to remove residual water.
[0104] In another embodiment, combined steam curing and autoclaving
processes are used to cure the hydraulic cement. Typically, the
cement is initially steam cured for about 1 to about 6 hours and is
then autoclaved at temperatures of about 190.degree. C. or greater
at 12 bars for approximately 12 hours. By autoclaving, the
resulting cementitious product obtains about 100% of additional
strength.
[0105] In one embodiment, the green intermediate extrudate can be
further processed by causing or allowing the hydraulic cement
within the green intermediate extrudate to hydrate or otherwise
cure so as to form a solidified cementitious composite building
product. As such, the cementitious composite building product can
be prepared so as to be immediately form-stable after being
extruded so as to permit the handling thereof without breakage.
More preferably, the extrudable cementitious composition, or green
intermediate extrudate can be form-stable within minutes, more
suitably within 10 minutes, even more suitably within 5 minutes,
and most suitably within 1 minute after being extruded. The most
optimized and preferred composition and processing can result in a
green intermediate extrudate that is form-stable upon extrusion.
The use of a rheology-modifying agent can be used to yield
extrudates that are immediately form-stable even in the absence of
hydration of the hydraulic cement binder.
[0106] In order to achieve form-stability, the manufacturing
process can either simply allow the green intermediate extrudate to
sit and set without any additional processing or it can be caused
to hydrate and/or set. When the manufacturing includes causing the
green intermediate extrudate to hydrate, set or otherwise cure, the
manufacturing system can include a dryer, heater or autoclave. The
dryer or heater can be configured to generate enough heat to drive
off or evaporate the water from the extrudate so as to increase its
rigidity and porosity or induce the onset of the rapid reaction
period. On the other hand, an autoclave can provide pressurized
steam to induce the onset of the rapid reaction period.
[0107] In one embodiment, the green intermediate extrudate can be
allowed or induced to initiate the rapid reaction period as
described herein in addition to including a set accelerator within
the extrudable cementitious composition. As such, the green
intermediate extrudate can be induced to initiate the rapid
reaction period by altering the temperature of the extrudate or
changing the pressure and/or relative humidity. Also, the rapid
reaction period can be induced by configuring the set accelerator
to initiate the reactions within a predetermined period of time
after being extruded.
[0108] In one embodiment, the preparation of a cementitious
composite or cementitious composite building product can include
substantially hydrating or otherwise curing the green intermediate
extrudate into the cementitious composite building product within a
shortened period, or a faster reaction rate, compared to
conventional concretes or other hydraulically settable materials.
As a result, the cementitious composite building product can be
substantially cured or hardened, depending on the type of binder
that is used, within about 48 hours, more suitably within about 24
hours, even more suitably within 12 hours, and most suitably within
6 hours. Thus, the manufacturing system and process can be
configured in order to obtain fast cure rates so that the
cementitious composite building product can be further processed or
finished.
[0109] In one embodiment, a curing or cured cementitious composite
can be further processed or finished. Such processing can include
sanding, cutting, drilling, grinding, milling and/or shaping the
cementitious composite product into a desired shape, wherein the
composition lends to such shaping. Accordingly, when a cementitious
composite building product is cut, the fibers and rheology-modifier
can contribute to the straight cut-lines that can be formed without
cracking or chipping the cut surface or internal aspects of the
material. This enables the cementitious composite building product
to be a stone substitute because a larger slab of material can be
purchased by a consumer and cut with standard equipment into the
desired shapes and lengths.
[0110] In one embodiment, the form-stable green intermediate
extrudate can be processed through a system that modifies the
external surface of the product. One example of such a modification
is to pass the green intermediate extrudate through a calender or
series of rollers that can impart a stone-like appearance. As such,
the cementitious composite building product can be a stone
substitute having the aesthetic appearance and texture of stone or
other solid surface material. Also, certain colorants, dyes, and/or
pigments can be applied to the surface or dispersed within the
cementitious composite building product so as to achieve the color
of various types of stones.
[0111] The green extruded intermediates can also be reshaped while
in a green state to yield, for example, curved products or other
building products having a desired radius. This is a significant
advantage over traditional stone products, which are difficult to
curve and/or which must be ground and/or milled to have a curved
profile. In one embodiment, the cementitious composite building
product can be sanded and/or buffed in a manner that exposes the
fibers at the surface. Due to the high percentage of fiber in the
product, a large number of fibers can be exposed at the surface.
This can provide for interesting and creative textures that can
increase the aesthetic qualities of the product.
Cementitious Composite Building Products
[0112] The present disclosure provides the ability to manufacture
cementitious composite building products having virtually any
desired size and shape, whether extruded in the desired shape or
later cut, ground, milled or otherwise formed into the desired size
and shape. Examples include architectural products such as
countertops, tiles, cladding, roof tiles, and the like, as well as
structural products such as pre-cast or pre-formed members with
extrusion or injected molded products. Accordingly, the
cementitious composite building product can be load bearing or
non-load bearing. Thus, the cementitious composite building product
can be used as a stone substitute for almost any building
application.
[0113] The cured cementitious composite product can be configured
to have various properties in order to function as a stone
substitute. An example of a cured cementitious composite product
that can function as a stone substitute can have any of the
following properties: have a hardness and/or toughness similar to
stone and other solid surface materials such to prevent cracking
and splitting of the product; having a high compressive strength to
allow for support and durability for use in stone-like products;
and high flexural strength to allow for flexibility for use in
manipulating the product and/or bending and curving the product
into a desired product shape. These properties are achieved while
keeping the bulk density of the product significantly lower than
that of natural stone and solid-surface materials.
[0114] In one embodiment, the green intermediate extrudate or
cementitious composite can be prepared into a cementitious
composite building product as described above. As such, in one
embodiment of the cured cementitious composite product can be
characterized by having a specific gravity inclusive of pores or
cellular formations can be greater than about 1.3 or range from
about 1.3 to about 3.0, more suitably from about 1.3 to about 2.3,
and most suitably from about 1.6 to about 1.7.
[0115] One embodiment of the cured composite can be characterized
by having a compressive strength of at least about 6,000 psi, more
suitably at least about 8,000 psi, and even more suitably at least
about 10,000 psi.
[0116] In one embodiment, the cured composite can have a flexural
strength of at least about 1,500 psi, more suitably at least about
2,000 psi, more suitably at least about 3,000 psi, and more
suitably at least about 4,000 psi, and even more suitably, from
about 2,500 psi to about 6,000 psi. For example, in one embodiment,
the cured composite has a flexural strength of up to about 5,700
psi.
[0117] With these above strengths, it should be recognized by one
skilled in the art that the cured composites can function as
substitutes of natural stone and solid surface products without the
use of reinforcing members such as rebar or glass fibers. This
provides for a less expensive and less labor intensive substitute
for building materials.
[0118] In one embodiment, the cured composite can further have a
flexural modulus of at least about 500,000, more suitably at least
1,000,000, even more suitably from about 500,000 psi to about
2,000,000 psi, and even more suitably from about 1,000,000 psi to
about 1,750,000 psi.
[0119] As noted above, the cured composite further includes a
hardness similar to that of stone and other solid-surface
materials. More particularly, the cured cementitious composite
product includes a hardness of at least 4 MOH; more suitably, at
least about 5 MOH; more suitably, at least about 6 MOH, and even
more suitably, from about 7 MOH to about 8 MOH.
EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
Example 1
[0120] An extrudable cementitious composition was prepared in
accordance with the present disclosure. The components of the
composition were mixed according to the normal mixing procedures
described above and in the references incorporated herein. The
extrudable composition was formulated as illustrated in Table
1.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Component Amount in Composition Water 11.00
Cement 25.00 PVA fiber 1.25 Silica Sand (#70) 17.50 Methocel .TM.
(Dow Chemical Company) 1.0 Delvo .RTM. Admixture (BASF Construction
0.1 Chemicals) Total 55.85
[0121] Following mixing, the composition was extruded through a die
head having a rectangular opening of about 1 inch by about 4
inches. Four rectangular board samples were prepared. As the first
board came out of the extruder, it was twisted in opposite
directions and placed on a flat surface. The second board was
removed in a plastic hammock and placed next to the first board on
the flat surface. The third board was pulled directly onto the flat
surface with no agitation. All three samples above were placed
directly into the steam cure chamber to be removed in 7 days. The
fourth sample was extruded and left to cure on the conveyor without
any movement or agitation. Various physical properties of the
boards were tested after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and
9 days from curing. The results (averaged) are shown in Table
2.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Property 24 hours 48 hours 72 hours 7 days 9
days Bulk density (g/cc) 1.79 1.85 1.81 1.81 1.85 Flexural Strength
2,563.15 2,374.63 2,480.58 2,714.57 2,767.62 Flexural Modulus
1,556,360.00 1,499,910.00 1,577,430.00 1,674,990.00 1,723,940.00
Toughness (psi) 5.01 3.92 3.63 3.70 4.52
[0122] The boards were then visually examined to determine if there
was a difference in appearance caused by the different handling
methods. All boards, except for the second board, which was placed
into the plastic hammock, appeared to contain cracks, however, it
was determined that the cracks were silica sand alignment.
Example 2
[0123] An extrudable composition for producing a Dahl tile for
pavers was prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. The
components of the composition were mixed according to the normal
mixing procedures described above and in the references
incorporated herein. The extrudable composition was formulated as
illustrated in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Component Amount in Composition Water 14.00
Cement 25.00 PVA fiber 1.50 HW 1.50 Silica Sand (#60) 15.00
Methocel 0.80 Total 57.80 HW = hardwood
[0124] After mixing, the composition was extruded. Three samples of
the extruded composition were cured in plastic at ambient
conditions and then placed in a steam chamber. The samples were
then placed in a dry oven until they reached weight equilibrium.
The samples were finally characterized by testing bulk density,
flexural strength, flexural modulus, and toughness. The results are
shown in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Average of Property Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample
3 Samples Bulk Density 1.53 1.51 1.53 1.52 (g/cc) Flexural 3,193.90
2,953.90 2,953.71 2,876.52 Strength (psi) Flexural 1.03 .times.
10.sup.6 1.05 .times. 10.sup.6 1.06 .times. 10.sup.6 1,044,540.00
Modulus (psi) Toughness 0.85 (psi)
[0125] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *