Solid surface material
Solid surface material, also known as solid surface composite,[1] is a man-made material usually composed of a combination of alumina trihydrate (ATH), acrylic, epoxy or polyester resins and pigments. It is most frequently used for seamless countertop installations.
A solid surface material was first introduced by DuPont 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 Hi-Macs by LX Hausys, Hanex Solid Surface by Hyundai L&C, Staron by Lotte Chemical and Velstone.
History and characteristics
[edit]DuPont created and marketed the first solid surface material in 1967, trademarked as Corian. The product was invented by DuPont biochemist Don Slocum[2] that year, and was patented in 1968.[3] Corian consists of a blend of alumina trihydrate, acrylic resin and various pigments. Originally marketed as a countertop material for both residential and commercial applications, it has since been used in many other applications including furniture.[3]
Other companies introduced competing products of greater or lesser similarity. Competitors included Gibraltar, Fountainhead,[4] Avonite, Hanex,[5] HiMacs, Staron and Surrell.[6] Some of these brands used different resins such as polyester which have different performance characteristics[7] and some are no longer on the market. Solid surface materials are usually approximately 70% aluminum trihydrate.[1]
Solid surface materials are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.[8] Some of the patterns emulate granite and marble,[3] while other patterns are original. The most common thickness is 1/2" (13 mm)[4] although other thicknesses are available for other applications, such as tub and shower surrounds.[9]
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.[3]
Fabrication and installation
[edit]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.[4][6][10] The use of power tools with solid surface materials generates airborne dust, but any effect on health from exposure is poorly understood; one death from pulmonary fibrosis was reported in 2014 in association with long-term exposure.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c W. Kyle Mandler, Chaolong Qi, Yong Qian (2022). "Hazardous dusts from the fabrication of countertop: a review". Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health. 78 (2): 118–126. doi:10.1080/19338244.2022.2105287. PMC 9909587.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Dr. Don Slocum, Inventor of Corian Surfacing, Dies". Kitchen & Bath Design News. April 8, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Kaner, Jake; Edwards, Clive (2024). "6.4 Corian". Conservation of Twentieth-Century Furniture. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781135144487.
- ^ a b c Binggeli, Corey (2008). Materials for Interior Environments. Wiley. pp. 275–276. ISBN 9780470114285.
- ^ Postell, Jim; Gesimondo, Nancy; Postell, James Christopher. Materiality and Interior Construction. Wiley. pp. 353–355. ISBN 9781118019719.
- ^ a b MacLellan, David E.; Wolfson, George E. (2003). California Building Performance Guidelines for Residential Construction and Homeowner Maintenance Guide. Homeowners Education Association. p. 143. ISBN 9780971196902.
- ^ Hess-Kosa, Kathleen. "Countertops". Building Materials: Product Emission and Combustion Health Hazards. CRC Press. ISBN 9781315354088.
- ^ Peters, Rick (2006). Remodeling for Easy-access Living. Hearst Books. p. 106. ISBN 9781588164650.
- ^ Around the Home & Yard: More Than 800 Tips and Projects. Creative Publishing International. 2000. pp. 58–59. ISBN 9780865734869.
- ^ Binggeli, Corey (2011). Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition. Wiley. p. 309. ISBN 9781118099353.
External links
[edit]- "International Surface Fabricators Association". www.isfanow.org. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Kitchen & Bath Business | The Official KBIS Publication - KBB". Kitchen & Bath Business. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Solid surface material". Kitchen & Bath Business. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Kitchen & Bath Design News – the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade". 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces 2024-2025 Buyers' Guide by The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) - Issuu". issuu.com. 2024-11-06. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- "Solid Surface Worktops At Trade Prices - DIY Kitchens". www.diy-kitchens.com. Retrieved 2024-12-03.