WO2017058316A1 - Modificateurs de mousse destiné à des laitances cimentaires, procédés et produit - Google Patents

Modificateurs de mousse destiné à des laitances cimentaires, procédés et produit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017058316A1
WO2017058316A1 PCT/US2016/038885 US2016038885W WO2017058316A1 WO 2017058316 A1 WO2017058316 A1 WO 2017058316A1 US 2016038885 W US2016038885 W US 2016038885W WO 2017058316 A1 WO2017058316 A1 WO 2017058316A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
board
slurry
gypsum
fatty alcohol
foaming agent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/038885
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Annamaria VILINSKA
Alfred C. Li
Weixin D. Song
Original Assignee
United States Gypsum Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/186,336 external-priority patent/US10407344B2/en
Priority to JP2018516426A priority Critical patent/JP7253921B2/ja
Priority to UAA201804681A priority patent/UA123866C2/uk
Priority to CA2999966A priority patent/CA2999966A1/fr
Priority to EP16736335.7A priority patent/EP3356307B1/fr
Priority to AU2016331507A priority patent/AU2016331507B2/en
Application filed by United States Gypsum Company filed Critical United States Gypsum Company
Priority to RU2018116074A priority patent/RU2721197C1/ru
Priority to KR1020187012089A priority patent/KR20180063196A/ko
Priority to PL16736335T priority patent/PL3356307T3/pl
Priority to CN201680066329.5A priority patent/CN108349811A/zh
Priority to MYPI2018701218A priority patent/MY188482A/en
Priority to BR112018006530-7A priority patent/BR112018006530B1/pt
Priority to MX2018003925A priority patent/MX2018003925A/es
Priority to EP17716723.6A priority patent/EP3472120B1/fr
Priority to KR1020197000126A priority patent/KR102375073B1/ko
Priority to AU2017284000A priority patent/AU2017284000B2/en
Priority to ES17716723T priority patent/ES2905731T3/es
Priority to PL17716723T priority patent/PL3472120T3/pl
Priority to CA3027518A priority patent/CA3027518A1/fr
Priority to JP2018566294A priority patent/JP7254521B2/ja
Priority to CN201780037688.2A priority patent/CN109328183A/zh
Priority to PT177167236T priority patent/PT3472120T/pt
Priority to PCT/US2017/024677 priority patent/WO2017218061A1/fr
Priority to MX2018015849A priority patent/MX2018015849A/es
Priority to PE2018003233A priority patent/PE20190239A1/es
Priority to UAA201812712A priority patent/UA124881C2/uk
Priority to BR112018076224-5A priority patent/BR112018076224B1/pt
Publication of WO2017058316A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017058316A1/fr
Priority to SA518391245A priority patent/SA518391245B1/ar
Priority to CONC2018/0003825A priority patent/CO2018003825A2/es
Priority to ZA2018/02700A priority patent/ZA201802700B/en
Priority to CL2018003640A priority patent/CL2018003640A1/es
Priority to CONC2019/0000203A priority patent/CO2019000203A2/es

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B28/00—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
    • C04B28/14—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing calcium sulfate cements
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B38/00—Porous mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramic ware; Preparation thereof
    • C04B38/10—Porous mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramic ware; Preparation thereof by using foaming agents or by using mechanical means, e.g. adding preformed foam
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B2111/00—Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
    • C04B2111/00474—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00
    • C04B2111/00612—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00 as one or more layers of a layered structure
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B2111/00—Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
    • C04B2111/00474—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00
    • C04B2111/00612—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00 as one or more layers of a layered structure
    • C04B2111/0062—Gypsum-paper board like materials

Definitions

  • Set gypsum i.e., calcium sulfate dihydrate
  • gypsum board is in the form of a set gypsum core sandwiched between two cover sheets (e.g., paper-faced board) and is commonly used in dry wall construction of interior walls and ceilings of buildings.
  • cover sheets e.g., paper-faced board
  • One or more dense layers often referred to as “skim coats" may be included on either side of the core, usually at the paper-core interface.
  • stucco i.e., calcined gypsum in the form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate and/or calcium sulfate anhydrite
  • water typically in a pin mixer as the term is used in the art.
  • a slurry is formed and discharged from the mixer onto a moving conveyor carrying a cover sheet with one of the skim coats (if present) already applied (often upstream of the mixer). The slurry is spread over the paper (with skim coat optionally included on the paper).
  • Another cover sheet, with or without skim coat, is applied onto the slurry to form the sandwich structure of desired thickness with the aid of, e.g., a forming plate or the like.
  • the mixture is cast and allowed to harden to form set (i.e., rehydrated) gypsum by reaction of the calcined gypsum with water to form a matrix of crystalline hydrated gypsum (i.e., calcium sulfate dihydrate). It is the desired hydration of the calcined gypsum that enables the formation of the interlocking matrix of set gypsum crystals, thereby imparting strength to the gypsum structure in the product. Heat is required (e.g., in a kiln) to drive off the remaining free (i.e., unreacted) water to yield a dry product.
  • a reduction in board weight is desired because of higher efficiencies in installation. For example, lifting demands are much less, which results in longer work days and less injuries. Lighter weight board is also more "green,” as it can result in reducing transportation expenditures and energy consumption.
  • foaming agent can be introduced into the slurry to form air voids in the final product.
  • foaming agents are generally unstable such that foam bubbles tend to break up easily, particularly in the presence of cementitious material, thereby leading to waste and inefficiencies.
  • the disclosure provides a gypsum board comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of a set gypsum core disposed between two cover sheets.
  • the set gypsum core comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a gypsum crystal matrix formed from at least water, stucco, and a foam.
  • the foam is formed from a foaming agent, and foam stabilizer comprising a fatty alcohol.
  • the foaming agent comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one alkyl sulfate, at least one alkyl ether sulfate, or any combination thereof.
  • the foaming agent substantially excludes an olefin and/or alkyne foaming agent.
  • the fatty alcohol is believed to interact with the foaming agent to stabilize the foam and allow for better control of the air voids formed in the final product.
  • the foam stabilizer comprises the fatty alcohol but substantially excludes fatty acid alkyloamides and/or carboxylic acid taurides.
  • the board exhibits enhanced strength as compared with the same board prepared without the fatty alcohol.
  • the disclosure provides a method of making cementitious (e.g., gypsum or cement) board.
  • Foam is typically pregenerated.
  • the method comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of pregenerating a foam by inserting air into an aqueous mixture of foaming agent and a foam stabilizer comprising fatty alcohol.
  • the foaming agent comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one alkyl sulfate, at least one alkyl ether sulfate, or any combination thereof.
  • Stable and unstable foaming agents can be blended.
  • the foaming agent substantially excludes an olefin and/or alkyne foaming agent.
  • the foam is introduced (e.g., injected) into the slurry.
  • the method includes mixing at least water, stucco, and the foam to form a cementitious slurry; disposing the slurry between a first cover sheet and a second cover sheet to form a board precursor; cutting the board precursor into a board; and drying the board.
  • the fatty alcohol can be combined with the foaming agent in a pre- mix and the pre-mix added to stucco, water, and other additives, as desired, e.g., in a mixer. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the fatty alcohol is believed to be generally solubilized in the aqueous foaming agent.
  • the foam stabilizer comprises the fatty alcohol but substantially excludes a glycol and/or amide compound.
  • the disclosure provides a method of forming a foamed gypsum slurry.
  • the method comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of combining a foaming agent with a fatty alcohol to form an aqueous soap mixture; generating a foam from the aqueous soap mixture; and adding the foam to a gypsum slurry comprising stucco and water to form the foamed gypsum slurry.
  • foam bubbles are formed with a shell surrounding the bubbles interfacing the slurry. It is further believed that the presence of fatty alcohol desirably stabilizes the shell at the interface.
  • the disclosure provides a slurry comprising, consisting, or consisting essentially of water, stucco, foaming agent, and a fatty alcohol, wherein, when the slurry is cast and dried as board, the board has increased strength compared to the same board formed without the fatty alcohol.
  • the disclosure provides a method of stabilizing a foamed structure in a cementitious slurry, e.g., used in the preparation of cementitious (e.g., gypsum or cement) board.
  • fatty alcohol can be combined with foaming agent.
  • the foaming agent is mixed with the fatty alcohol to form an aqueous soap mixture.
  • a foam is generated from the aqueous soap mixture.
  • the foam is added to a gypsum or cement slurry comprising cementitious material (e.g., stucco or cement) and water to form a foamed cementitious slurry.
  • foam bubbles are formed with a shell surrounding the bubbles interfacing the slurry. It is further believed that the presence of fatty alcohol desirably stabilizes the shell at the interface.
  • the foamed cementitious slurry is applied in a bonding relation to a top (or face) cover sheet to form a foamed cementitious core slurry having first and second major surfaces.
  • the first major surface of the foamed cementitious core slurry faces the top cover sheet.
  • a bottom (or back) cover sheet is applied in bonding relation to the second major surface of the foamed cementitious aire slurry to form a wet assembly of board precursor.
  • a skim coat can be applied between the core and either or both of the cover sheets.
  • the board precursor is cut and dried to form the board product.
  • the disclosure provides cement board formed from a core mix of water and a cement material (e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., and blends of such materials).
  • a cement material e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., and blends of such materials.
  • a foaming agent and fatty alcohol is also included in the mix.
  • light-weight aggregate e.g., expanded clay, expanded slag, expanded shale, perlite, expanded glass beads, polystyrene beads, and the like
  • the cement board comprises a cement core disposed between two cover sheets.
  • the cement core can be formed from at least water, cement, foaming agent, and a fatty alcohoL
  • the disclosure provides a method of forming a foamed cement slurry.
  • the method comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of combining a foaming agent with a fatty alcohol to form an aqueous soap mixture; generating a foam from the aqueous soap mixture; and adding the foam to a cement slurry comprising cement (e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., or combinations thereof) and water to form the foamed cement slurry.
  • cement e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., or combinations thereof
  • the presence of fatty alcohol desirably stabilizes the shell at the interface.
  • the disclosure provides a slurry comprising, consisting, or consisting essentially of water, cement, foaming agent, and a fatty alcohol, wherein, when the slurry is formed and dried as board, the board has increased strength compared to the same board formed without the fatty alcohol.
  • FIG. 1 is a bar graph of foam height (mm) (Y-Axis) versus foaming agent solutions absent fatty alcohol (X-axis) both with and without polycarboxylate ether, as described in Example 1 herein.
  • FIG. 2 is a bar graph of foam height (mm) (Y -axis) versus foaming agent solutions containing Foaming Agent IB (X-axis), as described in Example 1 herein.
  • FIG. 3 is a bar graph of foam height (mm) (Y-axis) versus foaming agent solutions containing Foaming Agent 1C (X-axis), as described in Example 1 herein.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph of foam height (mm) (Y -axis) versus time (X-axis) of foaming agent solutions containing Foaming Agent IB, as described in Example 1 herein.
  • FIG. 5 is a graph of foam height (mm) (Y-axis) versus time (X-axis) of foaming agent solutions containing Foaming Agent 1C, as described in Example 1 herein.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C are optical micrograph images at 20 times magnification of the cross-section of a control wallboard 2A prepared without any fatty alcohol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIGS. 7A-7C are optical micrograph images at 20 times magnification of the cross-section of wallboard 2B prepared with a foaming agent blend with 1% of dodecanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIGS. 8A-8C are optical micrograph images at 20 times magnification of the cross-section of wallboard 2C prepared with a foaming agent blend with 1 % of decanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIGS. 9A-9C are optical micrograph images at 20 times magnification of the cross-section of wallboard 2D prepared with a foaming agent blend with 1% of octanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIG. 10 is a bar graph of volumetric distribution (%) (Y-axis) versus void size in control wallboard 2A, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIG. 1 1 is a bar graph of volumetric distribution (%) of voids (Y-axis) versus void size (microns) (X-axis) in wallboard 2B prepared with foaming agent modified with 1% dodecanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIG. 12 is a bar graph of volumetric distribution (%) (Y -axis) versus void size (microns) (X-axis) in wallboard 2C prepared with foaming agent modified with 1% decanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • FIG. 13 is a bar graph of volumetric distribution (%) (Y-axis) versus void size (microns) (X-axis) in wallboard 2D prepared with foaming agent modified with 1% octanol, as described in Example 2 herein.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure provide a foam modifier useful for cementitious slurries (e.g., gypsum or cement slurries), and for related products and methods.
  • the foam modifier is a fatty alcohol, which, while not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, is believed to act to help stabilize foam.
  • Gypsum and cement slurries can be complex systems with varying types and amounts of materials. The ingredients within the slurry contribute stress to foam, which can cause foam bubbles to break up, resulting in reduced control of air void size distribution.
  • the inventors have found that inclusion of the fatty alcohol with the foaming agent, e.g., in a pre-mix to prepare the foam, can result in an improvement in the stability of the foam, thereby allowing better control of foam (air) void size and distribution.
  • the controlled core structure can result in improved board strength, as seen in, e.g., improved nail pull resistance (sometimes referred to simply as "nail pull"), core hardness, etc.
  • the board has increased strength compared to the same board formed without the fatty alcohol.
  • the air void size distribution of the core structure can be tailored as desired, e.g., to have an average void diameter that can be higher or lower, e.g., comprising larger air voids or smaller air voids, as can be predetermined.
  • the fatty alcohol can be used with any suitable foaming agent composition useful for generating foam in gypsum slurries. Suitable foaming agents are selected to result in air voids in the final product such that the weight of the board core can be reduced.
  • the foaming agent comprises a stable soap, an unstable soap, or a combination of stable and unstable soaps.
  • one component of the foaming agent is a stable soap, and the other component is a combination of a stable soap and unstable soap.
  • the foaming agent comprises an alkyl sulfate surfactant.
  • foaming agents are available and can used in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, such as the HYONIC line (e.g., 25AS) of soap products from GEO Specialty Chemicals, Ambler, PA.
  • Other commercially available soaps include the Polystep B25, from Stepan Company, Northfield, Illinois.
  • the foaming agents described herein can be used alone or in combination with other foaming agents.
  • Some types of unstable soaps are alkyl sulfate surfactants with varying chain length and varying cations.
  • Suitable chain lengths can be, for example, Suitable cations include, for
  • Examples of unstable soaps include, for example, sodium dodecyl sulfate, magnesium dodecyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, potassium dodecyl sulfate, potassium decyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, magnesium decyl sulfate, ammonium decyl sulfate, blends thereof, and any combination thereof.
  • alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated) alkyl sulfate surfactants with varying (generally longer) chain length and varying cations.
  • Suitable chain lengths can be, for example, C
  • Suitable cations include, for example, sodium, ammonium, magnesium, or
  • stable soaps include, for example, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, magnesium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, blends thereof, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, any combination of stable and unstable soaps from these lists can be used.
  • a first foaming agent which forms a stable foam and a second foaming agent which forms an unstable foam can be combined.
  • the first foaming agent is a soap with an alkyl chain length of 8-12 carbon atoms and an alkoxy (e.g., ethoxy) group chain length of 1 -4 units.
  • the second foaming agent is optionally an unalkoxylated (e.g., unethoxylated) soap with an alkyl chain length of 6-20 carbon atoms, e.g., 6-18 carbon atoms or 6-16 carbon atoms. Regulating the respective amounts of these two soaps allows for control of the board foam structure until about 100% stable soap or about 100% unstable soap is reached.
  • an unalkoxylated soap e.g., unethoxylated
  • the foaming agent is in the form of an alkyl sulfate and/or alkyl ether sulfate.
  • foaming agents are preferred over olefins such as olefin sulfates because the olefins contain double bonds, generally at the front of the molecule thereby making them undesirably more reactive, even when made to be a soap.
  • the foaming agent comprises alkyl sulfate and/or alkyl ether sulfate but is essentially free of an olefin (e.g., olefin sulfate) and/or alkyne.
  • Essentially free of olefin or alkyne means that the foaming agent contains either (i) 0 wt.% based on the weight of stucco, or no olefin and/or alkyne, or (ii) an ineffective or (iii) an immaterial amount of olefin and/or alkyne.
  • An example of an ineffective amount is an amount below the threshold amount to achieve the intended purpose of using olefin and/or alkyne foaming agent, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • An immaterial amount may be, e.g., below about 0.001 wt.%, such as below about 0.005 wt.%, below about 0.001 wt.%, below about 0.0001 wt.%, etc., based on the weight of stucco, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • the foaming agent is included in the gypsum slurry in any suitable amount.
  • it is included in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the stucco, e.g., from about 0.01 % to about 0.1% by weight of the stucco, from about 0.01% to about 0.03% by weight of the stucco, or from about 0.07% to about 0.1 % by weight of the stucco.
  • the fatty alcohol can be any suitable aliphatic fatty alcohol. It will be understood that, as defined herein throughout, “aliphatic” refers to alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynl, and can be substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched, and saturated or unsaturated, and in relation to some embodiments, is denoted by the carbon chains set forth herein, e.g., C x -C y , where x and y are integers. The term aliphatic thus also refers to chains with heteroatom substitution that preserves the hydrophobicity of the group.
  • the fatty alcohol can be a single compound, or can be a combination of two or more compounds.
  • Examples include octanol, decanol, dodecanol, etc. or any combination thereof.
  • the C 6 -C 20 fatty alcohol comprises a linear or branched C 6 -C 20 carbon chain and at least one hydroxyl group.
  • the hydroxyl group can be attached at any suitable position on the carbon chain but is preferably at or near either terminal carbon.
  • the hydroxyl group can be attached at the ⁇ -, ⁇ -, or ⁇ -position of the carbon chain, for example, the C 6 -C 20 fatty alcohol can comprise the following structural subunits: examples of a desired fatty alcohol in
  • a foam stabilizing agent comprises the fatty alcohol and is essentially free of fatty acid alkyloamides or carboxylic acid taurides.
  • the foam stabilizing agent is essentially free of a glycol, although glycols can be included in some embodiments, e.g., to allow for higher surfactant content.
  • the foam stabilizer contains either (i) 0 wt.% based on the weight of any of these ingredients, or (ii) an ineffective or (iii) an immaterial amount of any of these ingredients.
  • An example of an ineffective amount is an amount below the threshold amount to achieve the intended purpose of using any of these ingredients, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • An immaterial amount may be, e.g., below about 0.0001 wt.%, such as below about 0.00005 wt.%, below about 0.00001 wt.%, below about 0.000001 wt.%, etc., based on the weight of stucco, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • the fatty alcohol can be present in the gypsum slurry in any suitable amount.
  • the fatty alcohol is present in an amount of from about 0.0001% to about 0.03% by weight of the stucco, e.g., from about 0.0001% to about 0.001% by weight of the stucco, from about 0.0002% to about 0.0075% by weight of the stucco, from about 0.0001% to about 0.003% by weight of the stucco, or from about 0.0005 % to about 0.001% by weight of the stucco.
  • the foaming agent, foam water, and fatty alcohol are combined prior to addition to the gypsum slurry. Preparation in this manner enables the fatty alcohol to act directly with the foam to provide the desired stabilization effect, rather than be diluted in the gypsum slurry and compete with other components of the slurry for access to foam bubbles.
  • the fatty alcohol can be added to foaming agent and typically dissolved. Since fatty alcohols are generally water insoluble, they are added to die soap and solubilized first prior to foam generation in some embodiments.
  • the fatty alcohol can be dissolved in stable or unstable foaming agents in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • a first foaming agent, with dissolved fatty alcohol is then blended with another foaming agent (e.g., a stable foaming agent with a dissolved fatty alcohol blended with an unstable foaming agent, or an unstable foaming agent with a dissolved fatty alcohol blended with a stable foaming agent).
  • any effective weight proportion between the surfactants (foaming agents) and fatty alcohols can be used in the final foaming agent-fatty alcohol blend, prior to addition to the gypsum slurry.
  • the foaming agent can be present relative to fatty alcohol in a weight ratio of from about 5000:1 to about 5 :1, e.g., from about 5000:1 to about 1000:1, from about 500:1 to about 100:1 , or from about 500:1 to about 10:1.
  • a typical final foaming agent-fatty alcohol blend has 30% surfactants and 1% fatty alcohols by weight, with the remainder of the mixture composed of water.
  • the foaming agent and fatty alcohol can be blended in a container by mixing (stirring, agitation).
  • the additional foaming agent can be added by injection.
  • the foam is pregenerated and prestabilized before it meets the cementitious slurry. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a thin film of surfactant is formed which is modified with fatty alcohol before mixing it with the cementitious slurry.
  • Pregeneration of the foam involves high shear mixing of pressurized air with soap solution. This pregeneration of foaming agent is preferred as it leads to a foam, which is in contrast with systems that merely entrain some air during mixing without making foams. These air entrainment systems merely add bubbles by simply blending the slurry containing some soap.
  • a foam can be distinguished from such mixed bubble systems because pregenerated foam bubble size is more uniform and can be controlled.
  • the foaming agent composition blend with fatty alcohol is combined, the foam is generated and then added (e.g., injected) to the slurry.
  • Methods and apparatus for generating foam are well known. See, e.g., U.S. Patents 4,518,652; 2,080,009; and
  • the foam can be pregenerated from the aqueous foaming agent-fatty alcohol mixture.
  • the final composition of the foaming agent and fatty alcohol combination can be directed via dosage adjustments to the foam generator equipment.
  • One method of making the foam is using a foam generator that mixes the soap solution with air. Any method of mixing can be used to combine the soap with air that causes bubbles to be formed, including agitation, turbulent flow or mixing.
  • the foam generator equipment can include compressed air and surfactant solution mixed in order to generate the foam. The amount of water and air are controlled to generate foam of a particular density. Adjustment of the foam volume is used to control the overall dry product weight.
  • a mixture of foaming agents can be pre-blended "off-line", i.e., separate from the process of preparing the foamed gypsum product.
  • the ratio of the first and second foaming agents in the blend can be simply and efficiently adjusted (for example, by changing the flow rate of one or both of the separate streams) to achieve the desired void characteristics in the foamed set gypsum product. Such adjustment will be made in response to an examination of the final product to determine whether such adjustment is needed. Further description of such "on-line" blending and adjusting can be found in U.S. Patents 5,643,510 and 5,683,635, incorporated by reference.
  • the slurry and pregenerated foam can be combined to make a foamed gypsum composition.
  • One method of combining the gypsum slurry and the pregenerated foam is by pressurizing the foam and forcing it into the slurry.
  • At least one embodiment uses a foam ring to distribute the foam.
  • the foam ring is a shaped apparatus that allows the slurry to flow through it. It includes one or more jets or slots for discharge of the pressurized foam into the slurry as the slurry passes the ring.
  • Use of a foam ring is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,494,609, herein incorporated by reference.
  • Another method of combining the foam and the slurry is by addition of the foam directly to the mixer.
  • a foam ring or other foam injecting apparatus is oriented to inject foam into the discharge conduit of the mixer. This process is described in commonly-assigned US Patent No. 5,683,635, incorporated by reference. Regardless of the way that the foam is generated or introduced into the slurry, an important feature of the present method is that the fatty alcohol is combined or added at some point in the foam production or generation prior to its introduction into the slurry.
  • the gypsum composition is shaped to form a gypsum core.
  • the gypsum crystal matrix of the set gypsum core formed with the fatty alcohol and foaming agent regime of the disclosure can be tailored to have any desired pore size distribution. Soap usage differs from product to product depending on the desired void size and distribution, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Techniques for adjusting void sizes as desired are well known and will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent 5,643,510 and US 2007/0048490. For example, void size distribution of the foamed gypsum core can be finely controlled by adjusting the foamed gypsum core.
  • Changes in the void size distribution are produced by varying the soap concentration from the initial or previous concentration. If the interior has too large a fraction of small voids, the soap concentration in the aqueous soap mixture can be reduced. If too many very large, oblong or irregularly shaped voids are found, the soap concentration can be increased.
  • the desirable void size distribution in many embodiments is one that produces a high strength core for the gypsum formulation being used.
  • the set gypsum core comprises air voids having an average air void diameter of relatively large air voids, such as an average air void diameter of at least about 100 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 150 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 200 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 2S0 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 300 microns in diameter, or an average air void diameter of at least about 350 microns in diameter, etc.
  • an average air void diameter of at least about 100 microns in diameter such as an average air void diameter of at least about 100 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 150 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 200 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 2S0 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of at least about 300 microns in diameter, or an average air void diameter of at least
  • the set gypsum core comprises air voids having an average air void diameter of relatively small air voids, such as an average air void diameter of less than about 100 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 90 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 80 microns in diameter, an air average void diameter of less than about 70 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 60 microns in diameter, or an average air void diameter of less than about 50 microns in diameter, etc.
  • an average air void diameter of relatively small air voids such as an average air void diameter of less than about 100 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 90 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 80 microns in diameter, an air average void diameter of less than about 70 microns in diameter, an average air void diameter of less than about 60 microns in diameter, or an average air void diameter of less than about 50 microns in diameter
  • the gypsum crystal matrix has a pore size distribution comprising voids, wherein the air void size having greatest frequency is a diameter of about 100 microns or less, about 80 microns or less, about 70 microns or less, or about 50 microns or less.
  • the gypsum crystal matrix has a pore size distribution comprising air voids, wherein the air void size having greatest frequency is a diameter of at least about 100 microns, such as a diameter of at least about 150 microns, at least about 200 microns, etc.
  • the set gypsum core includes a significant void volume contributed by large voids, i.e., having a diameter of at least about 100 microns.
  • voids having a diameter of at least about 100 microns such as at least about 30% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, at least about 40% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, at least about 50% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, at least about 60% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, at least about 70% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, at least about 80% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core, or at least about 90% of the total void volume of the set gypsum core.
  • smaller generally discrete air voids at high frequency i.e., having a diameter of less than about 100 microns and/or having a diameter of less than about 50 microns, can be disposed between the large voids.
  • the air void size having greatest frequency is a diameter of about 100 microns or less, about 80 microns or less, about 70 microns or less, or about 50 microns or less, while at the same time the void volume contribution by air voids having a diameter of at least about 100 microns can be any according to any of the volume percentages stated above.
  • the distribution of air voids is relatively narrow, which can be characterized by image analysis of micrographs or other images of the core structure.
  • the term average air void size (also referred to as the average air void diameter) is calculated from the largest diameter of individual air voids in the core.
  • the largest diameter is the same as the Feret diameter.
  • the largest diameter of each air void can be obtained from an image of a sample. Images can be taken using any suitable technique, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which provides two-dimensional images. A large number of pore sizes of air voids can be measured in an SEM image, such that the randomness of the cross sections (pores) of the voids can provide the average diameter.
  • SEM scanning electron microscopy
  • Taking measurements of voids in multiple images randomly situated throughout the core of a sample can improve this calculation. Additionally, building a three-dimensional stereological model of the core based on several two-dimensional SEM images can also improve the calculation of the average void size.
  • Another technique is X-ray CT-scanning analysis (XMT), which provides a three-dimensional image.
  • XMT X-ray CT-scanning analysis
  • Another technique is optical microscopy, where light contrasting can be used to assist in determining, e.g., the depth of voids.
  • the voids can be measured either manually or by using image analysis software, e.g., ImageJ, developed by NIH.
  • image analysis software e.g., ImageJ, developed by NIH.
  • manual determination of void sizes and distribution from the images can be determined by visual observation of dimensions of each void.
  • the sample can be obtained by sectioning a gypsum board.
  • Evaporative water voids generally having voids of about 5 ⁇ or less in diameter, also contribute voids along with the aforementioned air (foam) voids.
  • the volume ratio of voids with a pore size greater than about 5 microns to the voids with a pore size of about 5 microns or less is from about 0.5:1 to about 9:1, such as, for example, from about 0.7:1 to about 9:1, from about 0.8:1 to about 9:1, from about 1.4:1 to about 9:1, from about 1.8:1 to about 9:1, from about 2.3:1 to about 9:1, from about 0.7:1 to about 6:1 , from about 1.4:1 to about 6:1, from about 1.8:1 to about 6:1, from about 0.7:1 to about 4:1, from about 1.4:1 to about 4:1, from about 1.8:1 to about 4:1, from about 0.5:1 to about 2.3:1, from about 0.7:1 to about 2.3:1,
  • the fatty alcohol is believed to enhance stability of foam bubbles formed from the foaming agent when the foam is introduced into the gypsum slurry (sometimes referred to as a "stucco slurry").
  • the foam bubbles are further believed to form an outer shell at an interface with the surrounding gypsum slurry.
  • the fatty alcohol is believed to strengthen and stabilize the shell at the interface to thereby provide improved control over void size and distribution.
  • less foam bubbles break up, and thus less foaming agent is needed in some embodiments to achieve the same desired board weight reduction as compared to the same board prepared without the fatty alcohol. It is further believed that the foaming agent forms micelles.
  • foaming agents are generally surfactants with a hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.
  • the fatty alcohols can be incorporated into the surfactant micelles such that the hydrophobic regions from the surfactants and from the fatty alcohols are adjacent to each other to protect the foam bubbles by hydrophobic interactions between the hydrophobic regions.
  • the gypsum slurry includes water and stucco. Any suitable type of stucco can be used in the gypsum slurry, including calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, calcium sulfate beta hemihydrate, calcium sulfate anhydrate.
  • the stucco can be fibrous or non-fibrous.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure can accommodate any suitable water-to-stucco ratio (WSR).
  • WSR is from about 0.3 to about 1.5, such as, for example, from about 0.3 to about 1.3, from about 0.3 to about 1.2, from about 0.3 to about 1, from about 0.3 to about 0.8, from about 0.5 to about 1.5, from about 0.5 to about 1.3, from about 0.5 to about 1.2, from about 0.5 to about 1, from about 0.5 to about 0.8, from about 0.7 to about 1.5, from about 0.7 to about 1.3, from about 0.7 to about 1.2, from about 0.7 to about 1, from about 0.8 to about 1.5, from about 0.8 to about 1.3, from about 0.8 to about 1.2, from about 0.8 to about 1 , from about 0.9 to about 1.5, from about 0.9 to about 1.3, from about 0.9 to about 1.2, from about 1 to about 1.5, from about 1 to about 1.4, from about 1 to about 1.2, etc.
  • the improved stability of foam voids, and related resultant benefits described herein can be achieved even in the presence of various gypsum slurry additives and amounts used in forming the board core.
  • the improved modified pre-foam mix comprising foaming agent and fatty alcohol in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be used in the preparation of various types of gypsum products including ultra lightweight board, mold and water-resistant board, and fire-rated products.
  • the gypsum slurry can include accelerators or retarders as known in the art to adjust the rate of setting.
  • Accelerator can be in various forms (e.g., wet gypsum accelerator, heat resistant accelerator, and climate stabilized accelerator). See, e.g., U.S. Patents
  • the accelerator and/or retarder each can be in the stucco slurry for forming the board core in an amount on a solid basis of, such as, from about 0% to about 10% by weight of the stucco (e.g., about 0.1% to about 10%), such as, for example, from about 0% to about 5% by weight of the stucco (e.g., about 0.1% to about 5%).
  • additives can be included in the gypsum slurry to provide desired properties, including green strength, sag resistance, water resistance, mold resistance, fire rating, thermal properties, board strength, etc.
  • suitable additives include, for example, strength additives such as starch, dispersant, polyphosphate, high expansion particulate, heat sink additive, fibers, siloxane, magnesium oxide, etc., or any combination thereof.
  • strength additives such as starch, dispersant, polyphosphate, high expansion particulate, heat sink additive, fibers, siloxane, magnesium oxide, etc.
  • the gypsum slurry includes a starch that is effective to increase the strength of the gypsum board relative to the strength of the board without the starch (e.g., via increased nail pull resistance).
  • a starch that is effective to increase the strength of the gypsum board relative to the strength of the board without the starch (e.g., via increased nail pull resistance).
  • Any suitable strength enhancing starch can be used, including hydroxyalkylated starches such as hydroxyethylated or hydroxypropylated starch, or a combination thereof, or pregelatinized starches, which are generally preferred over acid-modifying migrating starches which generally provide paper-core bond
  • Any suitable pregelatinized starch can be included in the enhancing additive, as described in US 2014/0113124 Al and US
  • the pregelatinized starch can exhibit any suitable viscosity.
  • the pregelatinized starch is a mid-range viscosity starch as measured according to the VMA method as known in the art and as set forth in US 2014/0113124 Al , which VMA method is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Desirable pregelatinized starches in accordance with some embodiments can have a mid-range viscosity, e.g., according' to the VMA method when measured in a 15 wt.% solution of starch in water, of from about 20 centipoise to about 700 centipoise, e.g., from about from about 20 centipoise to about 600 centipoise, from about 20 centipoise to about 500 centipoise, from about 20 centipoise to about 400 centipoise, from about 20 centipoise to about 300 centipoise, from about 20 centipoise to about 200 centipoise, from about 20 centipoise to about 100 centipoise, from about 30 centipoise to about 700 centipoise, from about 30 centipoise to about 600 centipoise, from about 30 centipoise to about 500 centip
  • the pregelatinized starch can be prepared as an extruded starch, e.g., where starch is prepared by pregelatinization and acid-modification in one step in an extruder as described in US 2015/0010767-A1 , which extrusion method is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the starch can be present in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, the starch can be present in any suitable amount.
  • the starch is present in the gypsum slurry in an amount of from about 0% to about 20 % by weight of the stucco, e.g., from about 0% to about 15% by weight of stucco, from about 0% to about 10% by weight of stucco, from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of stucco, from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of stucco, from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of stucco, from about 0.1% to about 6% by weight of stucco, from about 0.3% to about 4% by weight of stucco, from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of stucco, from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight of stucco, from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of stucco, from about 1% to about 4% by weight of stucco, from about 1% to about 3% by weight of stucco, from about 1% to about 2% by weight of stucco, etc.
  • the gypsum slurry can optionally include at least one dispersant to enhance fluidity in some embodiments.
  • the dispersants may be included in a dry form with other dry ingredients and/or in a liquid form with other liquid ingredients in stucco slurry.
  • examples of dispersants include naphthalenesulfonates, such as polynaphthalenesulfonic acid and its salts (polynaphthalenesulfonates) and derivatives, which are condensation products of
  • naphthalenesulfonic acids and formaldehyde as well as polycarboxylate dispersants, such as polycarboxylic ethers, for example, PCE211, PCE111, 1641, 1641F, or PCE 2641-Type Dispersants, e.g., MELFLUX 2641F, MELFLUX 2651F, MELFLUX 1641F, MELFLUX 2500L dispersants (BASF), and COATEX Ethacryl M, available from Coatex, Inc.; and/or lignosulfonates or sulfonated lignin.
  • Naphthalenesulfonate dispersants can be used to facilitate formation of larger bubbles and hence larger voids in the final product
  • polycarboxylates such as polycarboxylate ethers can be used to form smaller bubbles and hence smaller voids in the product.
  • Lignosulfonates are water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymers, byproducts from the production of wood pulp using sulfite pulping.
  • a lignin useful in the practice of principles of embodiments of the present disclosure is Marasperse C-21 available from Reed Lignin Inc.
  • Lower molecular weight dispersants are generally preferred. Lower molecular weight naphthalenesulfonate dispersants are favored because they trend to a lower water demand than the higher viscosity, higher molecular weight dispersants. Thus, molecular weights from about 3,000 to about 10,000 (e.g., about 8,000 to about 10,000) are preferred. As another illustration, for PCE211 type dispersants, in some embodiments, the molecular weight can be from about 20,000 to about 60,000, which exhibit less retardation than dispersants having molecular weight above 60,000.
  • DILOFLO a 45% naphthalenesulfonate solution in water, although other aqueous solutions, for example, in the range of about 35% to about 55% by weight solids content, are also readily available.
  • Naphthalenesulfonates can be used in dry solid or powder form, such as LOMAR D, available from GEO Specialty Chemicals, for example.
  • LOMAR D dry solid or powder form
  • DAXAD available from GEO Specialty
  • the dispersant can be provided in any suitable amount.
  • the dispersant is present in an amount, for example, from about 0% to about 0.7% by weight of stucco, 0% to about 0.4% by weight of stucco, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the stucco, from about 0.05% to about 0.3% by weight of stucco, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight of stucco.
  • the gypsum slurry can optionally include one or more phosphate-containing compounds, if desired.
  • phosphate-containing compounds for example, phosphate-containing
  • components useful in some embodiments include water-soluble components and can be in the form of an ion, a salt, or an acid, namely, condensed phosphoric acids, each of which comprises two or more phosphoric acid units; salts or ions of condensed phosphates, each of which comprises two or more phosphate units; and monobasic salts or monovalent ions of orthophosphates as well as water-soluble acyclic polyphosphate salt. See, e.g., U.S. Patents 6,342,284; 6,632,550; 6,815,049; and 6,822,033.
  • Phosphate compositions if added in some embodiments can enhance green strength, resistance to permanent deformation (e.g., sag), dimensional stability, etc.
  • Trimetaphosphate compounds can be used, including, for example, sodium trimetaphosphate, potassium trimetaphosphate, lithium trimetaphosphate, and ammonium trimetaphosphate.
  • Sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) is preferred, although other phosphates may be suitable, including for example sodium tetrametaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate having from about 6 to about 27 repeating phosphate units and having the molecular formula
  • tetrapotassium pyrophosphate having the molecular formula K 4 P 2 O 7 trisodium dipotassium tripolyphosphate having the molecular formula Na 3 K 2 P 3 O 10 , sodium tripolyphosphate having the molecular formula Na 5 P 3 O 10 , tetrasodium pyrophosphate having the molecular formula Na 4 P 2 0 7 , aluminum trimetaphosphate having the molecular formula Al(PO 3 ) 3 .
  • sodium acid pyrophosphate having the molecular formula ⁇ a 2 ⁇ 2 ⁇ 2 O 7 ammonium polyphosphate having 1,000-3,000 repeating phosphate units and having the molecular formula wherein or polyphosphoric acid having two or more repeating phosphoric acid units and having the molecular formula ⁇ , ⁇ ) wherein n is two or more.
  • the phosphate-containing compound can be present in any suitable amount.
  • the phosphate-containing compound can be present in an amount, for example, from about 0.1% to about 1%, e.g., about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight of the stucco.
  • a water resistance or mold resistance additive such as siloxane optionally can be included. If included, in some embodiments, the siloxane preferably is added in the form of an emulsion. The slurry is then shaped and dried under conditions which promote the polymerization of the siloxane to form a highly cross-linked silicone resin. A catalyst which promotes the polymerization of the siloxane to form a highly cross-linked silicone resin can be added to the gypsum slurry. As described in U.S. Patent 7,811,685, magnesium oxide can be included to contribute to the catalysis and/or to the mold resistance and/or water resistance in some embodiments. If included, magnesium oxide, is present in any suitable amount, such as from about 0.02% to about 0.1%, e.g., from about 0.02% to about 0.04% by weight of stucco.
  • solventless methyl hydrogen siloxane fluid sold under the name SILRES BS 94 by Wacker-Chemie GmbH (Munich, Germany) can be used as the siloxane.
  • This product is a siloxane fluid containing no water or solvents. It is contemplated that from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, e.g., about 0.07% to about 0.14% of the BS 94 siloxane may be used in some embodiments, based on the weight of the stucco. For example, in some embodiments, it is preferred to use from about 0.05% to about 0.2%, e.g., from about 0.09% to about 0.12% of the siloxane based on the dry stucco weight.
  • the gypsum slurry can include any suitable fire resistant additive in some embodiments.
  • suitable fire resistant additives include high expansion particulates, high efficiency heat sink additives, fibers, or the like, or any combination thereof, as described in U.S. Patent 8,323,785, which description of such additives is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Vermiculite, aluminum trihydrate, glass fibers, and a combination thereof can be used in some embodiments.
  • the high expansion particulates useful in accordance with some embodiments can exhibit a volume expansion after heating for one hour at about 1560 °F (about 850 °C) of about 300% or more of their original volume.
  • high expansion vermiculites can be used that have a volume expansion of about 300% to about 380% of their original volume after being placed for one hour in a chamber having a temperature of about 1560 ° F (about 850 °C).
  • high expansion particulate, such as vermiculite can be present in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, it is present in an amount from about 1% to about 10%, e.g., about 3% to about 6% by weight of stucco.
  • Aluminum trihydrate also known as alumina trihydrate and hydrated alumina, can increase fire resistance due to its crystallized or compound water content.
  • ATH is a suitable example of a high efficiency heat sink additive.
  • Such high efficiency heat sink (HEHS) additives have a heat sink capacity that exceeds the heat sink capacity of comparable amounts of gypsum dihydrate in the temperature range causing the dehydration and release of water vapor from the gypsum dihydrate component of the panel core.
  • Such additives typically are selected from compositions, such as aluminum trihydrate or other metal hydroxides that decompose, releasing water vapor in the same or similar temperature ranges as does gypsum dihydrate.
  • heat sink additive such as ATH
  • it is included in an amount from about 1% to about 8%, e.g., from about 2% to about 4% by weight of stucco.
  • the fibers may include mineral fibers, carbon and/or glass fibers and mixtures of such fibers, as well as other comparable fibers providing comparable benefits to the panel.
  • glass fibers are incorporated in the gypsum core slurry and resulting crystalline core structure.
  • the glass fibers in some of such embodiments can have an average length of about 0.5 to about 0.75 inches and a diameter of about 11 to about 17 microns. In other embodiments, such glass fibers may have an average length of about 0.5 to about 0.675 inches and a diameter of about 13 to about 16 microns.
  • fibers, such as glass fibers is present in any suitable amount, such as, from about 0.1% to about 3%, e.g., from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of stucco.
  • the gypsum board according to embodiments of the disclosure has utility in a variety of different products having a range of desired densities, including, but not limited to, drywall (which can encompass such board used not only for walls but also for ceilings and other locations as understood in the art), fire-rated board, mold-resistant board, water- resistant board, etc.
  • Board weight is a function of thickness. Since boards are commonly made at varying thicknesses, board density is used herein as a measure of board weight.
  • Suitable thickness examples include 3/8 inch, one-half inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, or one inch.
  • the advantages of the gypsum board in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be seen at a range of densities, including up to heavier board densities, e.g., about 43 pcf or less, or 40 pcf or less, such as from about 17 pcf to about 43 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 43 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 43 pcf, from about 27 pcf to about 43 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 40 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 40 pcf, from about 27 pcf to about 40 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 37 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 37 pcf, from about 27 pcf to about 37 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 35
  • board density can be from about 17 pcf to about 35 pcf, e,g., from about 17 pcf to about 33 pcf, 17 pcf to about 31 pcf, 17 pcf to about 28 pcf, from about
  • 20 pcf to about 32 pcf from about 20 pcf to about 31 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 30 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 30 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 29 pcf, from about 20 pcf to about 28 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 33 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 32 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 33 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 32 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 31 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 30 pcf, from about 21 pcf to about 29 pcf, from about
  • 21 pcf to about 28 pcf from about 21 pcf to about 29 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 33 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 32 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 31 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 30 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 29 pcf, from about 24 pcf to about 28 pcf, or from about 24 pcf to about 27 pcf, etc.
  • cover sheets can be in any suitable form. It will be understood that, with respect to cover sheets, the terms “face” and “top” sheets are used interchangeably herein, while the terms “back” and “bottom” are likewise used interchangeably herein.
  • the cover sheets may comprise cellulosic fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.
  • One or both of the sheets may comprise individual sheets or multiple sheets.
  • the cover sheets comprise a cellulosic fiber.
  • paper sheet such as Manila paper or kraft paper, can be used as the back sheet.
  • Useful cover sheet paper includes Manila 7-ply and News-Line 3-ply, or 7- ply available from United States Gypsum Corporation, Chicago, IL.; Grey-Back 3-ply and Manila Ivory 3-ply, available from International Paper, Newport, IN; and Manila heavy paper and MH Manila HT (high tensile) paper, available from United States Gypsum Corporation, Chicago, IL.
  • An example of cover sheet paper is 5-ply NewsLine.
  • the cellulosic paper can comprise any other material or combination of materials.
  • one or both sheets, particularly the face (top) sheet can include polyvinyl alcohol, boric acid, or polyphosphate as described herein (e.g., sodium
  • the paper can be contacted with a solution of one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, boric acid, and/or polyphosphate so that the paper is at least partially wetted.
  • the paper can be at least partially saturated in some embodiments.
  • the polyvinyl alcohol, boric acid and/or boric acid can penetrate the fibers in the paper in some embodiments.
  • the solution of polyvinyl alcohol, boric acid, and/or polyphosphate can be in any suitable amount and can be applied in any suitable manner as will be appreciated in the art.
  • the solution can be in the form of from about 1% to about 5% solids by weight in water of each ingredient present between the polyvinyl alcohol, the boric acid and/or polyphosphate, which can be added in one solution or if desired in multiple solutions.
  • one or both sheets can comprise glass fibers, ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.
  • One or both sheets in accordance with the present disclosure can be generally hydrophilic, meaning that the sheet is at least partially capable of adsorbing water molecules onto the surface of the sheet and/or absorbing water molecules into the sheet.
  • the cover sheets can be "substantially free" of glass fibers ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a mixture thereof, which means that the cover sheets contain either (i) 0 wt.% based on the weight of the sheet, or no such glass fibers ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a mixture thereof, or (ii) an ineffective or (iii) an immaterial amount of glass fibers ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a mixture thereof.
  • An example of an ineffective amount is an amount below the threshold amount to achieve the intended purpose of using glass fibers ceramic fibers, mineral wool, or a mixture thereof, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • An immaterial amount may be, e.g., below about 5 wt.%, such as below about 2 wt.%, below about 1 wt.%, below about 0.5 wt.%, below about 0,2 wt.%, below about 0.1 wt.%, or below about 0.01 wt.% based on the weight stucco as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • such ingredients can be included in the cover sheets.
  • the thermal conductivity of the top and/or bottom sheet is less than about 0.1 w/(m.k.).
  • the thermal conductivity of the top and/or bottom sheet is less than about 0.05 w/(m.k.).
  • one or both cover sheets can optionally include any suitable amount of inorganic compound or mixture of inorganic compounds that adequately imparts greater fire endurance where such properties are sought.
  • suitable inorganic compounds include aluminum trihydrate and magnesium hydroxide.
  • the cover sheets can comprise any inorganic compound or mixture of inorganic compounds with high crystallized water content, or any compound that releases water upon heating.
  • the amount of inorganic compound or the total mixture of inorganic compounds in the sheet ranges from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of the sheet.
  • the inorganic compound or inorganic compounds used in the sheet may be of any suitable particle size or suitable particle size distribution.
  • ATH can be added in an amount from about 5% to about 30% by total weight of the sheet.
  • ATH typically is very stable at room temperature. Above temperatures between about 180 °C and 205 °C, ATH typically undergoes an endothermic decomposition releasing water vapor.
  • the heat of decomposition for such ATH additives is greater than about 1000 Joule/gram, and in one embodiment is about 1170 Joule/gram.
  • the ATH additive decomposes to release approximately 35% of the water of crystallization as water vapor when heated above 205 °C in accordance with the following equation: Al(OH)3 ⁇ AI2O3 + 33 ⁇ 40.
  • a cover sheet comprising inorganic particles of high water content, such as ATH can increase fire endurance of the board.
  • the inorganic compound or mixture of compounds is incorporated into the sheet in some embodiments.
  • a cover sheet such as paper comprising ATH can be prepared by first diluting cellulosic fiber in water at about 1 % consistency, then mixing with ATH particles at a predetermined ratio. The mixture can be poured into a mold, the bottom of which can have a wire mesh to drain off water. After draining, fiber and ATH particles are retained on the wire. The wet sheet can be transferred to a blotter paper and dried at about 200-360°F.
  • ATH particles of less than about 20 ⁇ are preferred, but any suitable source or grade of ATH can be used.
  • ATH can be obtained from commercial suppliers such as Huber under the brand names SB 432 (10 ⁇ ) or Hydral ® 710 ( ⁇ ).
  • the cover sheet may comprise magnesium hydroxide.
  • the magnesium hydroxide additive preferably has a heat of
  • any suitable magnesium hydroxide can be used, such as that commercially available from suppliers, including Akrochem Corp. of Akron, Ohio.
  • the cover sheets be "substantially free" of inorganic compounds such as ATH, magnesium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof, which means that the cover sheets contain either (i) 0 wt.% based on the weight of the sheet, or no such inorganic compounds such as ATH, magnesium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof, or (ii) an ineffective or (iii) an immaterial amount of inorganic compounds such as ATH, magnesium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof.
  • An example of an ineffective amount is an amount below the threshold amount to achieve the intended purpose of using inorganic compounds such as ATH, magnesium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate.
  • An immaterial amount may be, e.g., below about 5 wt.%, such as below about 2 wt.%, below about 1 wt.%, below about 0.5 wt.%, below about 0.1 wt.%, below about 0.05 wt.%, below about 0.01 wt.%, etc.
  • cover sheets can also have any suitable total thickness. In some embodiments,
  • At least one of the cover sheets has a relatively high thickness, e.g., a thickness of at least about 0.014 inches. In some embodiments, it is preferred that there is an even higher thickness, e.g., at least about 0.015 inches, at least about 0.016 inches, at least about 0.017 inches, at least about 0.018 inches, at least about 0.019 inches, at least about 0.020 inches, at least about 0.021 inches, at least about 0.022 inches, or at least about 0.023 inches.
  • any suitable upper limit for these ranges can be adopted, e.g., an upper end of the range of about 0.030 inches, about 0.027 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.024 inches, about 0.023 inches, about 0.022 inches, about 0.021 inches, about 0.020 inches, about 0.019 inches, about 0.018 inches, etc.
  • the total sheet thickness refers to the sum of the thickness of each sheet attached to the gypsum board.
  • the cover sheets can have any suitable density.
  • At least one or both of the cover sheets has a density of at least about 36 pcf, e.g., from about 36 pcf to about 46 pcf, such as from about 36 pcf to about 44 pcf, from about 36 pcf to about 42 pcf, from about 36 pcf to about 40 pcf, from about 38 pcf to about 46 pcf, from about 38 pcf to about 44 pcf, from about 38 pcf to about 42 pcf, etc.
  • the cover sheet can have any suitable weight.
  • any suitable weight for example, in some embodiments, in some combination
  • lower basis weight cover sheets e.g., formed from paper
  • lower basis weight cover sheets such as, for example, at least about 33 lbs/MSF (e.g., from about 33 lbs/MSF to about 65 Ibs/MSF, from about 33 Ibs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, 33 lbs/MSF to about 58 lbs/MSF from about
  • one or both cover sheets has a basis weight from about 38 lbs/MSF to about 65 lbs/MSF, from about 38 Ibs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, from about 38 lbs/MSF to about 58 lbs/MSF, from about 38 lbs/MSF to about 55 lbs/MSF, from about 38 lbs/MSF to about 50 lbs/MSF, from about 38 lbs/MSF to about 45 lbs/MSF.
  • one or both of the cover sheets can have a basis weight of, for example, at least about 45 lbs/MSF (e.g., from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 65 lbs/MSF, from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 55 lbs/MSF, from about 50 lbs/MSF to about 65 lbs/MSF, from about 50 Ibs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, etc.).
  • a basis weight of, for example, at least about 45 lbs/MSF (e.g., from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 65 lbs/MSF, from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, from about 45 lbs/MSF to about 55 lbs/MSF, from about 50 lbs/MSF to about 65 lbs/MSF, from about 50 Ibs/MSF to about 60 lbs/MSF, etc.).
  • one cover sheet e.g., the "face” paper side when installed
  • the other cover sheet e.g., the "back” sheet when the board is installed
  • weight basis e.g., weight basis of less than about 60 lbs/MSF, e.g., from about 33 lbs/MSF to about 55 lbs/MSF, from about 33 lbs/MSF to about 50 lbs/MSF, from about 33 lbs/MSF to about 45 lbs/MSF, or from about 33 lbs/MSF to about 40 lbs/MSF).
  • the gypsum board product exhibits fire resistance beyond what is found in conventional wallboard.
  • the board can optionally be formed from certain additives that enhance fire resistance in the final board product, as described herein. Some fire resistant board is considered "fire rated" when the board passes certain tests while in an assembly.
  • gypsum board is configured to meet or exceed a fire rating pursuant to the fire containment and structural integrity requirements of UL U305, U419, U423, and/or equivalent fire test procedures and standards, e.g., where the board contains fire resistant additives discussed herein.
  • the present disclosure thus provides gypsum board (e.g., reduced weight and density at thickness of 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch), and methods for making the same, that are capable of satisfying fire ratings (e.g., 17 min., 20 min., 30 min., 3/4 hour, one-hour, two-hour, etc.) pursuant to the fire containment and structural integrity procedures and standards of various UL standards such as those discussed herein, in some embodiments.
  • fire ratings e.g., 17 min., 20 min., 30 min., 3/4 hour, one-hour, two-hour, etc.
  • the gypsum board can be tested, e.g., in an assembly according to Underwriters Laboratories UL U305, U419, and U423 specifications and any other fire test procedure that is equivalent to any one of those fire test procedures. It should be understood mat reference made herein to a particular fire test procedure of Underwriters Laboratories, such as, UL U305, U419, and U423, for example, also includes a fire test procedure, such as one promulgated by any other entity, that is equivalent to the particular UL standard in question.
  • the gypsum board in some embodiments is effective to inhibit the transmission of heat through an assembly constructed in accordance with any one of UL Design Numbers U305, U419 or U423, the assembly having a first side with a single layer of gypsum panels and a second side with a single layer of gypsum panels.
  • Surfaces of gypsum boards on the first side of the assembly are heated in accordance with the time-temperature curve of ASTM El 19-09a, while surfaces of gypsum panels on the second side of the assembly are provided with temperature sensors pursuant to ASTM El 19-()9a.
  • the maximum single value of the temperature sensors when heated, is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 50 minutes, and/or or the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 50 minutes.
  • the board has a density of about 40 pounds per cubic foot or less. Desirably, the board has good strength as described herein, such as a core hardness of at least about 11 pounds (5 kg), e.g., at least about 13 pounds (5.9 kg), or at least about 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
  • the maximum single value of the temperature sensors is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 55 minutes, and/or the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 55 minutes. In other embodiments, when the surfaces of gypsum board on the first side of the assembly are heated the maximum single value of the temperature sensors is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 60 minutes and/or the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 60 minutes.
  • the maximum single value of the temperature sensors is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 50 minutes, and/or the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 50 minutes.
  • the maximum single value of the temperature sensors when the surfaces of gypsum panels on the first side of the assembly are heated, is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 55 minutes, and/or the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 55 minutes. In other embodiments, when the surfaces of gypsum panels on the first side of the assembly are heated, the maximum single value of the temperature sensors is less than about 325 °F plus ambient temperature after about 60 minutes, and the average value of the temperature sensors is less than about 250 °F plus ambient temperature after about 60 minutes.
  • fire resistant gypsum board with fire resistant additive in the concentrated layer is effective to inhibit the transmission of heat through the assembly when constructed in accordance with UL Design Number U305 so as to achieve a one hour fire rating under ASTM El 19-09a.
  • the board is effective to inhibit the transmission of heat through the assembly when constructed in accordance with UL Design Number U419 so as to achieve a one hour fire rating under ASTM El 19-09a.
  • the gypsum board is effective to inhibit the transmission of heat through the assembly when constructed in accordance with UL Design Number U423 so as to achieve a one hour fire rating under ASTM El 19-09a.
  • the board has a Thermal Insulation Index (77) of about 20 minutes or greater and/or a High Temperature Shrinkage (_S) of about 10%. In some embodiments, the board has a ratio of High Temperature Thickness Expansion (TE) to S (TE/S) of about 0.2 or more.
  • TE High Temperature Thickness Expansion
  • TE/S High Temperature Thickness Expansion
  • the gypsum board can be in the form of reduced weight and density, fire resistant gypsum board with High Temperature Shrinkage of less than about 10% in the x-y directions (width-length) and High Temperature Thickness Expansion in the z-direction (thickness) of greater than about 20% when heated to about 1560 °F (850 °C).
  • the High Temperature Shrinkage of the panels typically is less than about 10% in the x-y directions (width-length).
  • the ratio of z-direction High Temperature Thickness Expansion to x-y High Temperature Shrinkage is at least about 2 to over about 17 at 1570 °F (855 °C).
  • a fire resistant gypsum board formed according to principles of the present disclosure, and the methods for making same can provide a panel that exhibits an average shrink resistance of about 85% or greater when heated at about 1800 °F (980 °C) for one hour. In other embodiments, the gypsum board exhibits an average shrink resistance of about 75% or greater when heated at about 1800 °F (980 °C) for one hour.
  • the gypsum layers between the cover sheets can be effective to provide a Thermal Insulation Index (TI) of about 20 minutes or greater.
  • the board can have a desired density (D) as described herein.
  • the gypsum layers between the cover sheets can be effective to provide the gypsum board with a ratio of TI/'D of about 0.6 minutes/pounds per cubic foot (0.038 minutes/(kg/m 3 )) or more.
  • gypsum board made according to the disclosure meets test protocols according to ASTM Standard C473-10.
  • the board when the board is cast at a thickness of 112 inch, the board has a nail pull resistance of at least about 65 lb f (pounds force, which is sometimes referred to as simply "lb” or "lbs” for convenience by those of ordinary skill in the art, who understand this is a measurement of force) as determined according to ASTM C473-10 (method B), e.g., at least about 68 lb f , at least about 70 lb f , at least about 72 lb f , at least about 74 lb f , at least about 75 lb f , at least about 76 lb f , at least about 77 lb f , etc.
  • the nail pull resistance can be from about
  • board can have an average core hardness of at least about 11 lb f , e.g., at least about 12 lb f , at least about 13 lbf, at least about 14 lb f , at least about 15 lb f , at least about 16 lb f , at least about 17 lb f , at least about 18 lbr, at least about 19 lbr, at least about 20 lb f , at least about 21 lb f , or at least about 22 lb f , as determined according to ASTM C473-10, method B.
  • board can have a core hardness of from about 1 1 lb f to about 25 lb f , e.g., from about 11 lb f to about 22 lbr, from about 11 lb f to about 21 lbr, from about 11 lbrto about 20 lbr, from about 11 lbf to about 19 lbr, from about 11 lbr to about 18 lbr, from about 1 1 lb f to about 17 lb f , from about 1 1 lbrto about 16 lbr, from about 11 lbrto about 15 lbr, from about 11 lbrto about 14 lbr, from about 11 lbrto about
  • Product according to embodiments of the disclosure can be made on typical manufacturing lines.
  • board manufacturing techniques are described in, for example, U.S. Patent 7,364,676 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0247937.
  • the process typically involves discharging a cover sheet onto a moving conveyor. Since gypsum board is normally formed “face down,” this cover sheet is the “face” cover sheet in such embodiments.
  • the mixer comprises a main body and a discharge conduit (e.g., a gate-canister-boot arrangement as known in the art, or an arrangement as described in U.S. Patents 6,494,609 and 6,874,930).
  • the discharge conduit can include a slurry distributor with either a single feed inlet or multiple feed inlets, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0168527 Al and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012 ⁇ 170403 Al, for example.
  • the discharge conduit can include a suitable flow splitter, such as those described in U.S. Patent
  • Foaming agent can be added in the discharge conduit of the mixer (e.g., in the gate as described, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,683,635 and 6,494,609) or in the main body if desired.
  • Slurry discharged from the discharge conduit after all ingredients have been added, including foaming agent, is the primary gypsum slurry and will form the board core. This board core slurry is discharged onto the moving face cover sheet.
  • the face cover sheet may bear a thin skim coat in the form of a relatively dense layer of slurry.
  • hard edges as known in the art, can be formed, e.g., from the same slurry stream forming the face skim coat.
  • a stream of secondary gypsum slurry can be removed from the mixer body to form the dense skim coat slurry, which can then be used to form the face skim coat and hard edges as known in the art.
  • the face skim coat and hard edges are deposited onto the moving face cover sheet before the core slurry is deposited, usually upstream of the mixer.
  • the core slurry is spread, as necessary, over the face cover sheet (optionally bearing skim coat) and covered with a second cover sheet (typically the "back" cover sheet) to form a wet assembly in the form of a sandwich structure that is a board precursor to the final product.
  • the second cover sheet may optionally bear a second skim coat, which can be formed from the same or different secondary (dense) gypsum slurry as for the face skim coat, if present.
  • the cover sheets may be formed from paper, fibrous mat or other type of material (e.g., foil, plastic, glass mat, non-woven material such as blend of cellulosic and inorganic filler, etc.).
  • the wet assembly thereby provided is conveyed to a forming station where the product is sized to a desired thickness (e.g., via forming plate), and to one or more knife sections where it is cut to a desired length.
  • the wet assembly is allowed to harden to form the interlocking crystalline matrix of set gypsum, and excess water is removed using a drying process (e.g., by transporting the assembly through a kiln).
  • the fatty alcohol of the invention can be used to stabilize the foaming agent of the board core in a composite board having a concentrated layer as described in U.S. Applications 62/184,060, 62/290,361 , and 15/186,176 (filed concurrently), incorporated herein by reference.
  • the fatty alcohol and foaming agent can be used to prepare the low density board core, with additives more concentrated in the concentrated layer, using the ingredients, amounts, board dimensions, and methods of productions described in U.S. Application 62/184,060.
  • the fatty alcohol can be used in cement board products.
  • the cement can be formed from a core mix of water and a cement material (e.g.,
  • a foaming agent and the fatty alcohol is also included in the mix.
  • light-weight aggregate e.g., expanded clay, expanded slag, expanded shale, perlite, expanded glass beads, polystyrene beads, and the like
  • Other additives that can be used in forming the cement board include, for example, dispersant, fiber (e.g., glass, cellulosic, PVC, etc.), accelerator, retarder, pozzolanic material, calcium sulfate hemihydrate (e.g., calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate), filler, etc., or combinations thereof.
  • the fatty alcohol can be used in a method of forming foamed cement slurry.
  • the method comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of combining foaming agent with fatty alcohol to form an aqueous soap mixture; generating a foam from the aqueous soap mixture; and adding the foam to a cement slurry comprising cement (e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., or combinations thereof) and water to form the foamed cement slurry.
  • cement e.g., Portland cement, alumina cement, magnesia cement, etc., or combinations thereof
  • the presence of fatty alcohol is believed to desirably stabilize the shell at the interface.
  • additives can also be added to the cement slurry, such as, for example, dispersant, fiber (e.g., glass, cellulosic, PVC, etc.), accelerator, retarder, pozzolanic material, calcium sulfate hemihydrate (e.g., calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate), filler, etc., or combinations thereof.
  • dispersant e.g., glass, cellulosic, PVC, etc.
  • accelerator retarder
  • pozzolanic material e.g., calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate
  • filler e.g., calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate
  • Methods of preparing cement boards (and additives included therein) are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,203,788; 4,488,909; 4,504,335; 4,916,004; 6,869,474; and 8,070,878.
  • the cement slurry comprising, consisting, or consisting essentially of water, cement, foaming agent, and a fatty alcohol can have increased strength compared to the same board formed without the fatty alcohol, when the slurry is formed and dried as board.
  • Foaming Agent 1A was a stable soap, in the form of CS230, which is a lauryl ether sulfate blend, commercially available from Stepan (Northfield, 1L).
  • Foaming Agent IB was Polystep B25, which is an alkyl sulfate blend, commercially available from Stepan
  • Foaming Agent 1C was Hyonic 25 AS, which is an alkyl sulfate blend, commercially available from Geo Specialty Chemicals (Ambler, PA).
  • Each foaming agent acts as a surfactant and hence formed a surfactant solution since they require water.
  • FIGS. 1-3 are bar graphs that illustrate the foaming results.
  • FIG. 1 shows the results of foam generated with stable soap and unstable soaps both alone and in the presence of 1000 ppm of polycarboxylate ether dispersant in the form of Ethacryl MTM (Coatex).
  • FIG. 1 shows the results of foam generated with stable soap and unstable soaps both alone and in the presence of 1000 ppm of polycarboxylate ether dispersant in the form of Ethacryl MTM (Coatex).
  • Ethacryl MTM Coatex
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate foam generated with 1 wt.% fatty alcohol modified unstable surfactant solutions (Foaming Agents 1 B and IC, respectively), alone, or with 1000 ⁇ of polycarboxylate ether dispersant in the form of Ethacryl M ' (Coatex).
  • FIGS. 2-3 demonstrate that soap modification with 1 wt.% of fatty alcohol changed the foaming properties of the unstable soaps.
  • a more robust foam structure was produced in the presence of the fatty alcohols, as demonstrated by the fatty alcohols reducing the relative impact of the polycarboxylate on foaming.
  • a lower foam height was desired because it indicates a reduced relative surface activity of polycarboxylates.
  • foaming was even reduced with PCE in the solution. The decanol gave a lower foam height because the surfactant-fatty alcohol complex had a higher affinity towards the air/water interface than the polycarboxylate.
  • the surface tension testing was conducted for solutions of Foaming Agent IB, i.e., Stepan Polystep B25.
  • the tests were carried out with and without further solution modification with 1 wt.% dodecanol.
  • the solutions contained different concentrations (1000 ppm and 5000 ppm, respectively) of Foaming Agent IB, i.e., Stepan Polystep B25.
  • the tests were conducted with and without solution modification with polycarboxylate ether dispersant in the form of Ethacryl MTM (Coatex)in an amount of 0.1 wt.% (1000 ppm).
  • the surface tension values are in millinewtons per meter (mN/m).
  • Wallboard was prepared on a commercial manufacturing line. Each board was prepared from the formulation set forth in Table 2. The boards were each made with foaming agent in the form of an alkyl ether sulfate and alkyl sulfate at a ratio of 40:60, by soap blending with water and subsequent foam generation and foam mixing with the gypsum slurry. The alkyl ether sulfate was in the form of Geo Hyonic PFM 33, while the alklyl sulfate was in the form of Geo Hyonic 25 AS (both available from Geo Specialty Chemicals). [0128] The BMA was a ball milled accelerator, which contained gypsum and was prepared by dry milling with dextrose. The dispersant was a polycarboxylate dispersant in the form of BASF Melflux 541, commercially available from BASF, Germany. The retarder was a 1% solution of an aqueous solution of the pentasodium salt of
  • Dry and wet ingredients were introduced separately into a mixer to form a stucco slurry (sometimes called a gypsum slurry).
  • the slurry was discharged onto a moving paper cover sheet traveling on a conveyor so that slurry spread to form a core over the paper.
  • a dense skim coat was applied onto the paper cover sheet with the use of a roller. Dense slurry traveled around the edges of the roller to form the edges of the board.
  • a second cover sheet was applied to the core to form a sandwich structure of a board precursor in the form of a long, continuous ribbon. The ribbon was allowed to set, and was cut, kiln dried, and processed to form the final board product.
  • Board 2 A was a control and did not include any modification of the foaming agent with fatty alcohol.
  • Board 2B was prepared with foaming agent that included 1% of 1-dodecanol, added to the foaming agent.
  • Board 2C was prepared with foaming agent that included 1 % of 1 -decanol.
  • Board 2D was prepared with foaming agent that included 1% of 1-octanol.
  • the foaming agents were prepared with the aid of a foam generating apparatus by high shear mixing of soap solution with pressurized air and introduced to the slurry outside of the main mixer, before the slurry outlet.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C are the images from Control Board 2A.
  • FIGS. 7A-7C are images from Board 2B.
  • FIGS. 8A-8C are images from Board 2C,
  • FIGS. 9A-9C are images from Board 2D.
  • the core structure was influenced after the introduction of soap modifiers. As shown in FIGS.
  • Control Board 2A has a significant number of larger voids
  • Board 2B (FIGS. 7A-7C) and Board 2D (FIGS. 9A-9C) showed a reduction of size of the larger voids and reduced the overall void size
  • Board 2C (FIGS. 8A-8C) showed an increase of the void size.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C, 7A-7C, 8A-8C, 9A-9C Six images per condition were analyzed.
  • the images randomly selected from each experimental condition for void analysis i.e., FIGS. 6A-6C, 7A-7C, 8A-8C, 9A-9C,
  • Clemex Vision PE available from Clemex Technologies, Inc., Longueuil, Quebec.
  • void (bubble) size diameter was manually measured for each void.
  • a distribution was provided by the software.
  • Table 3 A summary of the results are reported in Table 3.
  • the arithmetic average was determined by the software and indicates the arithmetic average of void diameter (in micrometers) from all voids within the board.
  • the volumetric average was determined from the distribution diagrams developed by the software and indicates the average void sizes weighted by volume.
  • FIGS. 10-13 are bar graphs illustrating volumetric distributions of each of Boards 2A (FIG. 10), 2B (FIG. 11), 2C (FIG. 12), and 2D (FIG. 13).
  • the bar graphs show the volumetric frequency of voids as a function of void size in micrometers.
  • the voids in the Control Board 2A were generally larger and more dispersed, while the voids of Boards 2B, and 2D were smaller and narrower in distribution.
  • the voids of control board were larger and more evenly distributed.
  • the distribution of the voids in the Control Board 2A was bimodal, while the distribution in Boards 2B and 2D was monomodal and Gaussian.
  • Foaming Agent 3 A i.e., Stepan B25
  • Foaming Agent 3B i.e., Hyonic 25AS.
  • the tests for each foaming agent were carried out without further solution modification (control), and also with further solution modification with 1 wt.% dodecanol, 1 wt.% decanol, and 1 wt.% octanol.
  • the solutions contained different concentrations (2000 ppm, 1000 ppm and 500 pprn,

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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne un modificateur de mousse utile, par exemple, pour des pâtes de plâtre ou des laitances cimentaires. Le modificateur de mousse comprend un alcool gras qui est ajouté à une pâte de plâtre ou à une laitance cimentaire, qui comprend un agent moussant, tel qu'un tensioactif à base de sulfate d'alkyle. L'alcool gras peut être un alcool gras en C6-C16, selon certains modes de réalisation. L'utilisation d'un tel modificateur de mousse peut être utilisé, par exemple, pour stabiliser la mousse, pour réduire le gaspillage d'agent moussant, pour améliorer la gestion de la taille de vide au sein du produit final, et pour améliorer le procédé de fabrication de plaque de plâtre.
PCT/US2016/038885 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Modificateurs de mousse destiné à des laitances cimentaires, procédés et produit WO2017058316A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (31)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MX2018003925A MX2018003925A (es) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Modificadores de espuma para suspensiones cementosas, métodos y productos.
UAA201804681A UA123866C2 (uk) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Модифікатори піни для цементуючих суспензій, способи та вироби
CA2999966A CA2999966A1 (fr) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Modificateurs de mousse destine a des laitances cimentaires, procedes et produit
EP16736335.7A EP3356307B1 (fr) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Plaque de gypse moussée et son procédé de fabrication
AU2016331507A AU2016331507B2 (en) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Foam modifiers for cementitious slurries, methods, and products
JP2018516426A JP7253921B2 (ja) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 セメント系スラリーのための発泡調整剤、方法、及び生成物
RU2018116074A RU2721197C1 (ru) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Модификаторы пены для цементирующих суспензий, способов и продуктов
KR1020187012089A KR20180063196A (ko) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 시멘트질 슬러리를 위한 폼 개질제, 방법, 및 제품
PL16736335T PL3356307T3 (pl) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Płyta ze spienionego gipsu i metoda jej wytwarzania
CN201680066329.5A CN108349811A (zh) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 用于似水泥的浆料的发泡改性剂、方法和产品
MYPI2018701218A MY188482A (en) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Foam modifiers for cementitious slurries, methods, and products
BR112018006530-7A BR112018006530B1 (pt) 2015-10-01 2016-06-23 Placa de gesso formada usando um agente espumante especializado
BR112018076224-5A BR112018076224B1 (pt) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Método para produzir uma placa cimentícia espumada
AU2017284000A AU2017284000B2 (en) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Method and system for on-line blending of foaming agent with foam modifier for addition to cementitious slurries
PCT/US2017/024677 WO2017218061A1 (fr) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Procédé et système de mélange en ligne d'agent moussant et de modificateur de mousse pour l'ajout à des laitiers cimentaires
EP17716723.6A EP3472120B1 (fr) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Procédé de mélange en ligne d'agent moussant et de modificateur de mousse pour l'ajout à des laitiers cimentaires
ES17716723T ES2905731T3 (es) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Método para la combinación en línea de agente espumante con modificador de espuma para la adición a suspensiones cementosas
PL17716723T PL3472120T3 (pl) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Sposób mieszania na bieżąco środka pianotwórczego z modyfikatorem piany w celu dodawania do zawiesin cementowych
CA3027518A CA3027518A1 (fr) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Procede et systeme de melange en ligne d'agent moussant et de modificateur de mousse pour l'ajout a des laitiers cimentaires
JP2018566294A JP7254521B2 (ja) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 セメント系スラリー添加用の発泡調整剤を用いた起泡剤のオンラインブレンド方法
CN201780037688.2A CN109328183A (zh) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 用于添加到胶结浆料中的用于在线共混发泡剂与泡沫改性剂的方法和系统
PT177167236T PT3472120T (pt) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Processo de mistura em linha de um agente espumante e um modificador de espuma para adicionar a pastas cimentícias
KR1020197000126A KR102375073B1 (ko) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 시멘트질 슬러리에 첨가하기 위한 폼 개질제와 발포제의 온라인 블렌딩 방법 및 시스템
MX2018015849A MX2018015849A (es) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Metodo y sistema para la mezcla en linea de agente espumante con modificador de espuma para la adicion de lechadas cementosas.
PE2018003233A PE20190239A1 (es) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Metodo y sistema para la mezcla en linea de agente espumante con modificador de espuma para la adicion de lechadas cementosas
UAA201812712A UA124881C2 (uk) 2016-06-17 2017-03-29 Спосіб і система для поточного змішування піноутворюючого агента з модифікатором піни для додавання у цементуючі суспензії
SA518391245A SA518391245B1 (ar) 2015-10-01 2018-03-31 عوامل تعديل مادة رغوية لأنواع ملاط أسمنتي
CONC2018/0003825A CO2018003825A2 (es) 2015-10-01 2018-04-10 Modificadores de espuma para suspensiones cementosas, métodos y productos
ZA2018/02700A ZA201802700B (en) 2015-10-01 2018-04-23 Foam modifiers for cementitious slurries, methods, and products
CL2018003640A CL2018003640A1 (es) 2016-06-17 2018-12-14 Método y sistema para la mezcla en línea de agente espumante con modificador de espuma para la adición de lechadas cementosas.
CONC2019/0000203A CO2019000203A2 (es) 2016-06-17 2019-01-11 Método y sistema para la mezcla en línea de agente espumante con modificador de espuma para la adición de lechadas cementosas

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US10309771B2 (en) 2015-06-11 2019-06-04 United States Gypsum Company System and method for determining facer surface smoothness
JP2019527628A (ja) * 2016-07-06 2019-10-03 ユナイテッド・ステイツ・ジプサム・カンパニー 非イオン性ポリマーバインダーで結合された積層マルチプライ紙カバーシートを含む石膏壁板および方法
CN111605041A (zh) * 2019-06-21 2020-09-01 淮南北新建材有限公司 一种可提高泡沫量稳定性的石膏板生产工艺
WO2024042114A1 (fr) * 2022-08-23 2024-02-29 Saint-Gobain Placo Plaque de plâtre et fabrication de celle-ci

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10309771B2 (en) 2015-06-11 2019-06-04 United States Gypsum Company System and method for determining facer surface smoothness
JP2019527628A (ja) * 2016-07-06 2019-10-03 ユナイテッド・ステイツ・ジプサム・カンパニー 非イオン性ポリマーバインダーで結合された積層マルチプライ紙カバーシートを含む石膏壁板および方法
CN111605041A (zh) * 2019-06-21 2020-09-01 淮南北新建材有限公司 一种可提高泡沫量稳定性的石膏板生产工艺
WO2024042114A1 (fr) * 2022-08-23 2024-02-29 Saint-Gobain Placo Plaque de plâtre et fabrication de celle-ci
FR3139139A1 (fr) * 2022-08-23 2024-03-01 Saint-Gobain Placo Plaque de plâtre et fabrication de celle-ci

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