Cementitious packaging containers

• US 5,654,048 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 08/05/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
• Original Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
• Inventors: Andersen, Per Just, Hodson, Simon K.
• Primary Examiner(s): McCamish, Marion E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Copenheaver, Blaine R.
• Application Number:
  US08/486,864
• Time in Patent Office: 790 Days
• Field of Search: 428/34.5, 428/35.7, 428/36.4, 428/36.5, 428/703, 428/34.7, 428/312.4, 428/317.9, 106/672, 106/675, 106/676, 106/713, 106/714, 106/726, 106/DIG. 2, 206/524.1, 206/524.6, 206/524.7
• US Class Current: 428/34.5
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/511 characterised by the composition of the liquids or solids
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/56 by introducing solids in liquids, e.g. dispersing or dissolving
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 1/00 Producing shaped prefabricated articles from the material using presses B28B3/00; shaping on moving conveyors B28B5/00; producing tubular articles B28B21/00 ; producing articles with embedded elements B28B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 1/52 specially adapted for producing articles from mixtures containing fibres, e.g. asbestos cementby wrapping on to mandrels B28B1/42
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 11/00 Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles specially adapted for tubular articles B28B21/92; decoration or surface treatment in general B05, B44; compacting concrete in situ in connection with building E04G21/06; drying F26
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 11/003 the shaping of preshaped articles, e.g. by bending B28B11/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 11/008 Blow moulding, e.g. with or without the use of a membrane
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 13/021 by fluid pressure acting directly on the material, e.g. using vacuum, air pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 13/06 Removing the shaped articles from moulds by means incorporated in, or carried by, the moulds B28B7/10
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 23/0081 Embedding aggregates to obtain particular properties
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 23/0087 Lightweight aggregates for making lightweight articles
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/00 Producing shaped articles from the material by using presses shaping on moving conveyors B28B5/00; Presses specially adapted therefor presses in general B30B
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/02 wherein a ram exerts pressure on the material in a moulding space; Ram heads of special form
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/126 on material passing directly between the co-operating rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/20 wherein the material is extruded extrusion moulding of plastics B29C48/00
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/2645 using means for inserting reinforcing members
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 7/42 for heating or cooling, e.g. steam jackets , by means of treating agents acting directly on the moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B28C 7/02 Controlling the operation of the mixing
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2049/4608 Nitrogen
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2791/006 Using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2795/007 : after shaping
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2949/0715 : the preform having one end closed
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/00 : Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses B29C61/006
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/003 : characterised by the choice of material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/02 : of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles B29C35/0227 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/22 : of articles of indefinite length
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/222 : characterised by the shape of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/24 : Calendering
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/3402 : Details of processes or apparatus for reducing environmental damage or for working-up compositions comprising inert blowing agents or biodegradable components
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/0013 : using fillers dispersed in the moulding material, e.g. metal particles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0012 : combined with shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. foaming
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0017 : combined with blow-moulding or thermoforming
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/08 : flexible, e.g. films
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/12 : Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/13 : Articles with a cross-section varying in the longitudinal direction, e.g. corrugated pipes
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/0005 : characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/04 : Extrusion blow-moulding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/06 : Injection blow-moulding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/0691 : using sheet like material, e.g. sheet blow-moulding from joined sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/6605 : Heating the article, e.g. for hot fill
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/002 : characterised by the choice of material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/04 : Combined thermoforming and prestretching, e.g. biaxial stretching
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/08 : Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/082 : by shaping between complementary mould parts
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/10 : Forming by pressure difference, e.g. vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/063 : combined with folding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/58 : helically
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 55/18 : by squeezing between surfaces, e.g. rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 67/242 : Moulding mineral aggregates bonded with resin, e.g. resin concrete shaping ceramic compositions without binder or water-setting cementitious material B28B; compositions per se C04B
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/50 : for producing articles of indefinite length, e.g. prepregs, sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or cross moulding compounds [XMC]
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2001/00 : Use of cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulose derivatives, e.g. viscose, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2003/00 : Use of starch or derivatives as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2005/00 : Use of polysaccharides or derivatives as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2089/00 : Use of proteins, e.g. casein, gelatine or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/04 : cellular or porous
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/12 : of short lengths, e.g. chopped filaments, staple fibres or bristles
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/16 : Fillers
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2024/00 : Articles with hollow walls
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/608 : Honeycomb structures
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/712 : Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages closures therefor B29L2031/56; ink or toner cartridges B29L2031/7678; squeeze tubes B29L2023/20; suitcases B29L2031/7418
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 13/02 : with fibres or particles being present as additives in the layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/04 : as impregnant, bonding, or embedding substance not used
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/20 : using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/00 : Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 : characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/144 : using layers with different mechanical or chemical conditions or properties, e.g. layers with different thermal shrinkage, layers under tension during bonding constructional features for tensioning B32B38/1825
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/02 : characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer layer formed of metallic wires B32B15/02; layer formed of natural mineral fibres B32B19/02; layer formed of wood fibres B32B21/02
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 11/02 : of curved cross-section thermally insulated B65D81/3813
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2301/20 : made of plastic material
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2565/385 : especially suited for or with means facilitating recycling
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 43/162 : the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece B65D43/161 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/00 : Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper rigid pallets with side walls B65D19/02
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/38 : Packaging materials of special type or form
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/466 : Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 12/04 : Alkali metal or ammonium silicate cements ; Alkyl silicate cements; Silica sol cements; Soluble silicate cements alkali metal silicates per se, their preparation C01B33/32; ammonium silicates per se, their preparation C01C1/00
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/02 : Granular materials , e.g. microballoons
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/06 : Quartz; Sand
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/064 : Silica aerogel
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/12 : Expanded clay
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/16 : porous, e.g. pumice
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/18 : Perlite
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/202 : Vermiculite
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/24 : porous, e.g. foamed glass
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/301 : porous or hollow
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/302 : Aerogels
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/303 : Alumina
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 14/38 : Fibrous materials; Whiskers
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 16/02 : Cellulosic materials cellulosic waste materials, e.g. sawdust, rice husks, C04B18/24
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 16/04 : Macromolecular compounds C04B16/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 18/022 : agglomerated by an organic binder
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 18/08 : Flue dust , i.e. fly ash
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 18/16 : from building or ceramic industry
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 18/248 : from specific plants, e.g. hemp fibres
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 20/002 : Hollow or porous granular materials
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 20/0048 : Fibrous materials
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2103/0079 : Rheology influencing agents
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2103/304 : Air-entrainers
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2111/00413 : Materials having an inhomogeneous concentration of ingredients or irregular properties in different layers
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2111/00612 : as one or more layers of a layered structure
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2111/00948 : for the fabrication of containers
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 22/04 : Metals, e.g. aluminium used as blowing agent
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 24/00 : Use of organic materials as active ingredients for mortars, concrete or artificial stone, e.g. plasticisers
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 24/14 : Peptides; Proteins; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 24/24 : Macromolecular compounds C04B24/14 takes precedence; macromolecular compounds comprising sulfonate or sulfate groups C04B24/16
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 24/38 : Polysaccharides or derivatives thereof C04B24/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 24/383 : Cellulose or derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 26/00 : Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing only organic binders , e.g. polymer or resin concrete mechanical aspects of moulding polymer or resin concrete B29C67/242
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 26/02 : Macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 26/026 : Proteins or derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 26/28 : Polysaccharides or derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 28/00 : 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
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 28/02 : containing hydraulic cements other than calcium sulfates
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 38/00 : Porous mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramic ware; Preparation thereof treating slag with gases or gas generating material C04B5/06 ; expanded graphite C04B35/536
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 38/0006 : Honeycomb structures from one or more corrugated sheets by winding or stacking C04B38/0083
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 40/00 : Processes, in general, for influencing or modifying the properties of mortars, concrete or artificial stone compositions, e.g. their setting or hardening ability active ingredients C04B22/00 - C04B24/00; hardening of a well-defined composition C04B26/00 - C04B28/00; making porous, cellular or lightening C04B38/00; mechanical aspects B28, e.g. conditioning the materials prior to shaping B28B17/02
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 40/006 : involving the elimination of excess water from the mixture
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 41/009 : characterised by the material treated
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 41/45 : Coating or impregnating paints C09D, e.g. injection in masonry, partial coating of green or fired ceramics, organic coating compositions for adhering together two concrete elements ion-implantation C04B41/0027
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 41/61 : Coating or impregnation
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 1/28 : Alkyl ethers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/02 : Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/04 : Macromolecular compounds according to groups C08L7/00 - C08L49/00, or C08L55/00 - C08L57/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 3/00 : Compositions of starch, amylose or amylopectin or of their derivatives or degradation products
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 3/02 : Starch; Degradation products thereof, e.g. dextrin
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/02 : Dextran; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/12 : Agar or agar-agar , i.e. mixture of agarose and agaropectin; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/14 : Hemicellulose; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 89/06 : derived from leather or skin , e.g. gelatin
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 97/02 : Lignocellulosic material, e.g. wood, straw or bagasse manufacture of articles made from lignocellulosic material by dry processes B27N
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 1/02 : made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/602 : for containers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 30/91 : Use of waste materials as fillers for mortars or concrete
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 106/02 : Perlite
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/131 : Glass, ceramic, or sintered, fused, fired, or calcined metal oxide or metal carbide containing [e.g., porcelain, brick, cement, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1314 : Contains fabric, fiber particle, or filament made of glass, ceramic, or sintered, fused, fired, or calcined metal oxide, or metal carbide or other inorganic compound [e.g., fiber glass, mineral fiber, sand, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1321 : Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1372 : Randomly noninterengaged or randomly contacting fibers, filaments, particles, or flakes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1376 : Foam or porous material containing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1379 : Contains vapor or gas barrier, polymer derived from vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride, or polymer containing a vinyl alcohol unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249968 : Of hydraulic-setting material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249986 : Void-containing component contains also a solid fiber or solid particle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249991 : Synthetic resin or natural rubbers

Abstract

Cementitious containers which have a cementitious structural matrix for use in the packaging, storing, partitioning, and/or shipping of goods. The containers are manufactured from cementitious materials in order to be strong, durable, tough, lightweight, cushioning, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used in packaging, storing, and/or shipping goods. The cementitious structural matrix of the containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland cement) in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose. Preferred embodiments may also in include various aggregate materials, fibrous materials, and air voids, which add the necessary strength while making the product lightweight, and which can provide insulative properties (if desired) at a cost which is economically justified in comparison to conventional paper and polystyrene products. The molded cementitious mixtures generally have sufficient strength in the green (or uncured) state to maintain their molded shape. The cementitious mixtures can be formed into flat sheets having greatly varying thicknesses depending upon the intended use of the container. Corrugated sheets can be made to increase the container strength.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container, at least a substantial portion of said container being formed from a cementitious mixture comprising a hydraulic cement, fibers and water, the fibers having a minimum concentration of about 5% by weight of the cementitious mixture, the cementitious mixture forming a cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 2 cm, wherein the fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the cementitious structural matrix such that the structural matrix is sufficiently flexible that it may be significantly mechanically deformed without complete rupture of the structural matrix.

2. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 1 cm.

3. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 3 mm.

4. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 1 mm.

5. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a strength to density ratio within the range from about 0.5 MPa-cm³ /g to about 50 MPa-cm³ /g.

6. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is a portland cement.

7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is a microfine cement.

8. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is selected from the group consisting of slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, plaster, silicate cement, gypsum cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high-alumina cement, magnesium oxychloride cement, aggregates coated with microfine cement particles, and mixtures of the foregoing.

9. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious mixture has a water to hydraulic cement ratio in the range of from about 0.1:

1 to about 10;

1.

10. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, said cementitious mixture further including an aggregate material.

11. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of perlite, vermiculite, exfoliated rock, hollow glass spheres, sodium silicate macrospheres, lightweight concrete, porous ceramic spheres, tabular alumina, aerogel, lightweight expanded clay, expanded fly ash, expanded slag, pumice, and mixtures thereof.

12. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of metals, polymers, ceramic, alumina, and cork.

13. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of clay, sand, gravel, rock, limestone, calcium carbonate, sandstone, gypsum, alumina, silica, ground quartz, and mixtures thereof.

14. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material comprises particles of a polymeric material, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a surface and a center, and wherein said particles are more concentrated near the surface of the cementitious structural matrix than near the center.

15. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of seeds, granulated starches, gelatins, solid agar materials, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

16. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein the aggregate material has a concentration up to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

17. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein aggregate material has a concentration in a range from about 1% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

18. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 10, wherein said aggregate material has a concentration in a range from about 20% to about 50% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

19. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes at least one aggregate material which increases the insulation ability of the container.

20. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of abaca, glass, cellulose, hemp, metal, ceramic, and silica fibers, and mixtures thereof.

21. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibers have an aspect ratio of at least about 10:

1.

22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibers have a concentration from about 5% to about 20% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

23. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious mixture further includes a rheology-modifying agent which increases the plastic characteristics of the cementitious mixture during a molding process and imparts form stability to the cementitious structural matrix after molding.

24. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent includes a cellulosic material.

25. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 24, wherein the cellulosic material is selected from the group consisting of methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

26. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent includes a starch or a derivative thereof.

27. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 26, wherein the starch or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of amylopectin, amylose, sea-gel, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, amine starches, phosphate starches, dialdehyde starches, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

28. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent includes a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, phycocolloids, agar, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

29. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent includes a protein or a derivative thereof.

30. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 29, wherein the protein or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of prolamine, gelatin, glue, casein, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

31. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent comprises a synthetic organic material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic acid salts, polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acid salts, polyacrylimides, synthetic clay, latex, ethylene oxide polymers, and mixtures thereof.

32. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent has a concentration in a range from about 0.2% to about 10% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

33. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 23, wherein the rheology-modifying agent has a concentration in a range from about 0.5% to about 5% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

34. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious mixture further includes means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglommerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix.

35. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 34, wherein the means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglommerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix includes an air entraining agent.

36. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 34, the cementitious mixture further including an stabilizing agent for retaining the finely dispersed air voids within the cementitious mixture as it forms the cementitious structural matrix.

37. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 34, wherein the means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglommerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix includes a metal which reacts with basic components in the cementitious mixture to produce a gas in order to incorporate voids into the cementitious structural matrix.

38. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes a discontinuous, nonagglommerated phase including finely dispersed voids.

39. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, further including a coating on at least a portion of the surface of the cementitious structural matrix.

40. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 39, wherein the coating on at least a portion of the surface of the cementitious structural matrix prevents leaching of any material into or out of the cementitious structural matrix.

41. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 39, wherein the coating on at least a portion of the surface of the cementitious structural matrix of the container renders such portion waterproof.

42. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 39, wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting of melamine, prolamine, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, sodium silicate, calcium carbonate, polyacrylate, and a ceramic.

43. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a box.

44. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is suitable for holding a food or beverage product.

45. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior.

46. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 45, wherein the container further includes at least one cementitious flap that is hingedly attached to a cementitious wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

47. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 45, wherein the container further includes a removable cementitious enclosure that is selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

48. An article of manufacture defining claim 47, wherein the removable cementitious enclosure is removed by at least partially deforming a portion of the cementitious structural matrix of the container.

49. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container further includes cementitious partitions.

50. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a cup.

51. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a plate.

52. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a tray.

53. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a clam shell container.

54. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a carton.

55. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of an envelope.

56. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a bottle.

57. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is in the shape of a can.

58. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the structural matrix comprises a corrugated cementitious sheet sandwiched between two sheets having generally smooth surfaces.

59. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement has a concentration in a range from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

60. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement has a concentration in a range from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

61. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes means for restraining the movement of an object within the container.

62. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes means for cushioning an object within the container.

63. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes means for preventing an object within the container from being crushed.

64. A cementitious container formed from a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, a rheology-modifying agent, and water, the cementitious mixture forming a cementitious structural matrix, wherein the container includes an opening and at least one cementitious flap that is hingedly attached to a cementitious wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum density of about 1.6 g/cm³.

65. A cementitious container as defined in claim 64, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a thickness less than about 3 mm.

66. A cementitious container as defined in claim 64, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a thickness less than about 1 mm.

67. A cementitious container as defined in claim 64, wherein the attachment between the cementitious flap and the cementitious wall comprises a laminated cementitious structural matrix.

68. A cementitious container as defined in claim 64, further including a liner within the container.

69. A cementitious container as defined in claim 64, wherein the cementitious mixture includes fibers in a concentration greater than about 5% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

70. An article of manufacture comprising a container formed from a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, a rheology-modifying agent, fibers and water which harden to form a cementitious structural matrix having a density of less than about 1.6 g/cm³ and a thickness less than about 2 cm, wherein the fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the cementitious structural matrix such that the structural matrix can be at least partially deflected or bent to significantly mechanically deform the matrix without complete fracture of the cementitious structural matrix.

71. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a thickness less than about 3 mm.

72. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a thickness less than about 1 mm.

73. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further includes a coating thereon.

74. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the cementitious mixture further includes fibers in a concentration greater than about 5% by weight of the cementitious mixture.