Abstract:
Hydraulically settable mixtures are extruded through auger extruder (20) into a variety of objects which are form-stable in the green state. High green strength is achieved by increasing yield stress of the mixture while maintaining adequate extrudability through first and second auger screws (26, 32) in first and second interior chambers (24, 30). Optimizing particle packing density while including a deficiency of water yields a hydraulically settable mixture which flows under pressures typically associated with extrusion of clay or plastic. A rheology-modifying agent can be added to increase yield stress while not significantly increasing viscosity of the mixture extruded through die head (34). Desired strength properties and other performance criteria of the final hardened extruded product having width and thickness dimensions generally corresponding to die width (38) and die thickness (39) of transverse slit (36), are controlled by adding aggregates, fibers, and other admixtures.
Abstract:
A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material (50). The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.
Abstract:
Containers incorporating a hydraulically settable structural matrix including a hydraulically settable binder such as cement for use in the storing, dispensing, and/or packaging of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage articles of manufacture have high tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths, and are lightweight, insulative (if desired), inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used. These disposable containers and cups are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrix of the food and beverage containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) preferably in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, various aggregate materials, and fibrous materials, which provide desired properties at a cost which is economical.