Elemix Secures Patents For Polymeric Sphere-Bearing Mixes, Products

Between mid-December 2009 and late February 2010, five U.S. Patent Numbers directed to lightweight concrete compositions and articles made from them were awarded to Nova Chemicals for technology associated with Elemix concrete additive

Source: Nova Chemicals Inc., Pittsburgh
Between mid-December 2009 and late February 2010, five U.S. Patent Numbers directed to lightweight concrete compositions and articles made from them were awarded to Nova Chemicals for technology associated with Elemix concrete additive. The patents cover various aspects of the additive:

  • Ô Concrete containing Elemix that is substantially free of air-entraining agents and has a density of 90Ò130 pcf and a seven-day minimum compressive strength of 1,700 or 1,800 psi;
  • Ô Ready mixed concrete compositions containing Elemix with less than 1 percent air-entraining agents where the concrete has a slump of 2Ò8 inches, a density of 90Ò130 pcf, and a minimum compressive strength at 28 days of 1,700 psi;
  • Ô Claims for controlling air entrainment in ready mixed concrete articles;
  • Ô Three sets of claims directed to precast, lightweight, and precast/prestressed concrete articles (a dependent claim covers the ability to directly attach standard fasteners such as drywall screws to such articles); and
  • Ô Lightweight concrete compositions that contain a percentage of antimicrobial agent (although the company is not currently practicing or offering this technology commercially).

Composed of polymeric spheres formulated for use in concrete, Elemix additive distributes uniformly and results in a lighter-weight product at structural strengths that, according to Nova Chemicals, produce energy-efficient, durable concrete that reduces construction costs and resists cracking. Receiving these patents further illustrates the ground-breaking influence Elemix additive is having in the concrete industry, said Elemix Global Business Director Todd Becker, adding that the company anticipates several more patents covering more concrete application areas. Early commercial applications of Elemix included flat panels, tilt-up walls, block and columns.