Some non-news (and also somehow inaccurate).<p>I started using this kind of expanding agents in 1985 or 1986, it was AFAIK originally developed in Japan under the brand name Bristar:<p><a href="http://www.taiheiyo-m.co.jp/english/product/productSubtop_4/" rel="nofollow">http://www.taiheiyo-m.co.jp/english/product/productSubtop_4/</a><p>I believe it was invented and commercialized initially during the late 1960's/early 1970's:<p><a href="http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/taiheiyo-cement-corporation-history/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/taiheiyo-ce...</a>