Solid Surface Material on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
Solid surface material, also known as solid surface composite, is a man-made material usually composed of a combination of
Other companies introduced competing products of greater or lesser similarity. Competitors included Gibraltar, Fountainhead, Avonite, Hanex, HIMACS, Staron
Krion
and Surrell. Some of these brands used different resins such as polyester which have different performance characteristics and some are no longer on the market. Solid surface materials are usually approximately 70% aluminum trihydrate. Solid surface materials are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some of the patterns emulate
Solid surface material, also known as solid surface composite, is a man-made material usually composed of a combination of alumina trihydrate
Aluminium hydroxide, , is found as the mineral gibbsite (also known as hydrargillite) and its three much rarer Polymorphism (materials science), polymorphs: bayerite, doyleite, and nordstrandite. Aluminium hydroxide is Amphoterism, amphoteric, ...
(ATH), acrylic, epoxy
Epoxy is the family of basic components or Curing (chemistry), cured end products of epoxy Resin, resins. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The epoxide fun ...
or polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain one or two ester linkages in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include some natura ...
resin
A resin is a solid or highly viscous liquid that can be converted into a polymer. Resins may be biological or synthetic in origin, but are typically harvested from plants. Resins are mixtures of organic compounds, predominantly terpenes. Commo ...
s and pigment
A pigment is a powder used to add or alter color or change visual appearance. Pigments are completely or nearly solubility, insoluble and reactivity (chemistry), chemically unreactive in water or another medium; in contrast, dyes are colored sub ...
s. It is most frequently used for seamless countertop
A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), bunker (Scottish English) is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens o ...
installations.
A solid surface material was first introduced by DuPont
Dupont, DuPont, Du Pont, duPont, or du Pont may refer to:
People
* Dupont (surname) Dupont, also spelled as DuPont, duPont, Du Pont, or du Pont is a French surname meaning "of the bridge", historically indicating that the holder of the surname re ...
in 1967 under the name of Corian. Since the expiration of their patent other manufacturers have entered the market with their own branded products. These include Krion® by Porcelanosa Grupo, HIMACS by LX Hausys, Hanex Solid Surface by Hyundai L&C, Staron by Lotte Chemical and Velstone.
History and characteristics
DuPont
Dupont, DuPont, Du Pont, duPont, or du Pont may refer to:
People
* Dupont (surname) Dupont, also spelled as DuPont, duPont, Du Pont, or du Pont is a French surname meaning "of the bridge", historically indicating that the holder of the surname re ...
created and marketed the first solid surface material in 1967, trademarked as Corian. The product was invented by DuPont biochemist Don Slocum that year, and was patented in 1968. Corian consists of a blend of alumina trihydrate
Aluminium hydroxide, , is found as the mineral gibbsite (also known as hydrargillite) and its three much rarer Polymorphism (materials science), polymorphs: bayerite, doyleite, and nordstrandite. Aluminium hydroxide is Amphoterism, amphoteric, ...
, acrylic resin
186 px, Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate is a typical acrylate resin.
An acrylic resin is a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substance typically derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and acrylate monomers such as butyl acrylate and me ...
and various pigments. Originally marketed as a countertop
A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), bunker (Scottish English) is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens o ...
material for both residential and commercial applications, it has since been used in many other applications including furniture.
Other companies introduced competing products of greater or lesser similarity. Competitors included Gibraltar, Fountainhead, Avonite, Hanex, HIMACS, StaronKrion
and Surrell. Some of these brands used different resins such as polyester which have different performance characteristics and some are no longer on the market. Solid surface materials are usually approximately 70% aluminum trihydrate. Solid surface materials are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some of the patterns emulate
granite
Granite ( ) is a coarse-grained (phanerite, phaneritic) intrusive rock, intrusive igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. It forms from magma with a high content of silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly coo ...
and marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock consisting of carbonate minerals (most commonly calcite (CaCO3) or Dolomite (mineral), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) that have recrystallized under the influence of heat and pressure. It has a crystalline texture, and is ty ...
, while other patterns are original. The most common thickness is 1/2" (13 mm) although other thicknesses are available for other applications, such as tub and shower surrounds.
These products are non-porous, sanitary, moderately heat resistant and repairable. Versions of solid surface materials based on acrylic resins can be thermoformed into components of various curved shapes.
Fabrication and installation
Standards for properly working with solid surface materials are well established within the construction industry. These include procedures for creating inconspicuous seams, built-up decorative edges and various styles of backsplashes, and for installing sinks, including integral solid surface sinks. The use of power tools with solid surface materials generates airborne dust, but any effect on health from exposure is poorly understood; one death frompulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs become scarred over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, and nail clubbing. Complications may include pulmonary hypertension, respiratory ...
was reported in 2014 in association with long-term exposure.
See also
*Engineered stone
Engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive to create a solid surface. The adhesive is most commonly polymer resin, with some newer versions using cement mix. This category includes engineered quartz ...
*Epoxy granite
Epoxy granite, also known as synthetic granite, is a polymer matrix composite and is a mixture of epoxy and granite commonly used as an alternative material for machine tool bases. Epoxy granite is used instead of cast iron and steel for improve ...
*Paper composite panels
Paper composite panels are a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material made from partially recycled paper and phenolic resin. Multiple layers of paper are soaked in phenolic resin, then molded and baked into net shape in a heated form or press. ...
References
External links
* * * * * *{{Cite web , title=Solid Surface Worktops At Trade Prices - DIY Kitchens , url=https://www.diy-kitchens.com/solid-surfaces/ , access-date=2024-12-03 , website=www.diy-kitchens.com Materials Kitchen countertops