outdoor wall lights,garden lights,festoon lights,outdoor string lights HSONG LIGHTING CO,. LTD , https://www.hsonglighting.com
Introduction to artificial marble
Artificial marble is crafted using materials like natural marble or granite gravel, combined with binders such as cement, gypsum, and unsaturated polyester resin. This mixture is then processed through stirring, grinding, and polishing to create a product that mimics the appearance of natural stone.
One common type of artificial marble is cement-based. In this version, cements serve as the primary binding agent, while sand acts as a fine aggregate. Coarse aggregates include crushed marble, granite, and even industrial waste residues. These components are mixed together, shaped under pressure, steamed, and finally polished to produce what is commonly known as terrazzo.
Another popular form is polyester artificial marble. Here, unsaturated polyester serves as the binder, mixed with materials like quartz sand, marble, and calcite powder. Once cast into molds and allowed to set under the influence of a curing agent, these pieces undergo additional steps such as demolding, drying, and polishing before being finalized. This method is widely employed in China for producing artificial marble.
Often referred to simply as "artificial marble," this material imitates the surface textures of real marble. It boasts mechanical properties similar to genuine marble, allowing designers to control patterns and ensure consistent reproduction. Additionally, it’s lightweight, strong, thin, resistant to corrosion and pollution, and easy to work with. Its flexibility enables creation of curved surfaces and complex shapes, making installation straightforward.
Composite artificial marble combines inorganic and organic polymer materials. Initially, fillers are bonded using inorganic substances to form a base structure. Then, this "green body" is submerged in an organic monomer solution under specific conditions until polymerization occurs. Typically, cheaper and more stable inorganic materials make up the lower layers, whereas upper layers incorporate polyester and marble powder.
Sintered artificial marble involves blending feldspar, quartz, pyroxene, calcite powder, hematite powder, and a bit of kaolin. The mixture is prepared via the mud method, pressed semi-dryly, and fired at around 1000°C within a kiln to achieve sintering.
Of all these types, polyester-based artificial marble stands out due to its superior physical and chemical properties. Patterns are easily designed and reproduced, making it versatile for numerous applications, though it tends to be pricier. Cement-based versions remain the least expensive option but suffer from poor corrosion resistance and susceptibility to micro-cracking, limiting them mostly to sheet goods. The remaining two methods involve intricate procedures with limited practical use.
As we continue exploring ways to enhance durability and aesthetics, innovations in artificial marble could revolutionize construction industries worldwide. With ongoing advancements, future possibilities seem limitless!