Properties and Composition of Artificial Marble
The basis of this material is the main element - polyester resin .It provides the necessary strength. Also, there are added all kinds of fillers, pigments and hardeners. As a filler, CaMg( CO3) 2 is most often used, and Butanox M-50 hardener is used( this is in production conditions for casting marble, and in houses, cement and pebbles are used).
A special method of mixing pigments allows you to get stains, stains and veins exactly the same as on natural stone. Of its basic properties, it is distinguished:
- Fire safety .This material does not burn and does not conduct an electric current. That is why it is recommended to be used in many offices and apartments for the cladding of electrical equipment( batteries, ovens, plates).
- High resistance to aggressive substances , including detergents, alkalis, acids, solvents. Plus, artificial marble does not absorb stains from coffee, tea, fruit and fat. Because it is a good material for the creation of countertops.
- It also has a high resistance to to pollutants such as gasoline, acetone, footprints from shoes, pets, cigarette butts. In this regard, it is often used as a floor covering of the house, in the garage, public and industrial premises.
- Environmentally friendly .In the process of exploitation it does not emit any harmful substances and is absolutely safe for humans and the environment. That is why it is often used for finishing in medical institutions.
- This is a durable material that does not delaminate with time. It also has a high impact resistance .Any falling objects are not afraid of flooring.
Artificial marble: manufacturing technology
Artificial marble, the technology of which will be described below, by its characteristics is many times superior to real marble.
You can make it at home. The main thing is to follow simple instructions. And before starting work it is important to prepare all related tools and materials. They include: a mold or a matrix of polyurethane, paint of the required color, brushes, river sand, water, gelcoat, cement, plasticizer, pebbles, film, mixer.
The first thing to do is make up the line-up. For this, sand, cement and filler are mixed. Then add the appropriate dyes, plasticizer and 0.8% water. The mixer all this is properly mixed until a plastic mass is obtained. At the end, add the rest of the water and mix again. Before you put it all in the form, you need to prepare it. It should be dry and clean.
Then they apply a gelcoat and wait until it finally withers. Only after this, the mixture can be placed in molds. Surplus solutions are eliminated, and a special film is applied over it. After about 10 hours, an artificial marble stone will be ready, which is important to accurately extract from the matrix.
Useful tips and care advice
Artificial marble is a stone for which there are recommendations for care. We will describe only some of them. First, it is not advisable to use those wipes that can contain linseed oil. It has a detrimental effect on the entire coating. Secondly, do not use detergents containing silicone. This also has a negative effect.
Third, cleaning can be done as you do with other covers, using the usual Mr. Muscle .Fourthly, after you have made artificial marble, it can be processed.