[Strawbale] corcoleum info requested

[Chris Green]

Raftercat5 at aol.com wrote:
>  
> In a message dated 01/10/2007 12:01:39 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
> strawbale-request at listserv.repp.org writes:
>
> If this  material has a lower embodied energy content than 
> concrete, and is equally  durable,  it'll be worth using.  Kindly report 
> back if--or  rather when--you find out more.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris  Green.
>
>
>
> Chris:  I, too, would love to experiment with this product!  I  emailed 
> davek@*corcoleum*.co.za (no stars) and told him (her?) that I would  pass the info 
> he provided to a group of people that belong to a message board  (us, of 
> course!)  So....don't hold your breath, but hopefully, I'll get a  response soon!
> - Kathy.
>   
I think you will. One of the business listings for Corcoleum seemed to 
suggest they were 'international.' If so, they may be interested in 
expanding their market into North America and Europe.

A little bit of follow-up on the subject. This general class of cement/ 
concrete was invented in the 19th. Century, presumably by someone named 
Sorel, and somone name is Sorel's Cement. A brader name for it is 
Magnesia cement, and in one page  read this material can have a strength 
of 12-16,000 psi. Ordinary Portland cement has a 6,000 psi rating.
It's no wonder this is durable flooring.
It can be used to make a type of artificial ivory, and for a while some 
companies made billiard balls out of it...before the invention of 
plastics. Some artists use it as a sculpting material, and they know it 
as 'magnesia marble.'

The reason that adding sawdust to this cement works is because magnesia 
cement is not alkaline and therefore has no effect on the stuff wood is 
made from.

I thought to ask one of my co-workers if he had ever worked with 
magnesia cement or concrete, and it turns out he did. So I assume it 
must be available from the same suppliers who sell bags of Portland 
cement and such. I haven't looked into that, but will. He said it was 
hard stuff to work with, compared to Portland based mixes, but in his 
estimation was a great material.

I gather it is more expensive.


Cheers,

Chris Green.