ROMA contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
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 (SiO2), polymer concrete and engineered marble stone.[1] The application of these products depends on the original stone used. For engineered marbles the most common application is indoor flooring and walls, while the quartz based product is used primarily for kitchen countertops[2] as an alternative to laminate or granite.[3] Related materials include geopolymers and cast stone. Unlike terrazzo, the material is factory made in either blocks or slabs, cut and polished by fabricators, and assembled at the worksite.
Engineered stone kitchen countertops with undermount sink and cooktop installed. Tops are cut and polished at the fabricator's shop.Engineered stone is also commonly referred to as agglomerate or agglomerated stone, the last term being that recognised by European Standards (EN ), although to add to the terminological confusion, this standard also includes materials manufactured with a cementitious binder.[citation needed] The quartz version (which end consumers are much more likely to directly deal with) is commonly known as 'quartz surface' or just 'quartz'.[4]
Manufacturing equipment
[
edit
]
Breton S.P.A., a privately held company of Treviso, Italy, that developed the large-scale Breton method in s,[1] is the dominant supplier of equipment for making engineered stone.[citation needed] Although Breton was the original manufacturer of moulding equipment and still holds multiple international patents on the process, there are now several other companies producing similar machinery.
Composition
[
edit
]
99.9% pure silica in grits and powder form constitutes 90&#;93% of the body by weight dispersed in a matrix of unsaturated polyester resin (7&#;10%) mixed with peroxide catalyst and cobalt accelerator which facilitates the curing of the thermoset at ambient temperature. The cured material is normally kept for 24&#;48 hours before polishing and finishing absorbers are also dosed into the chemical mix to inhibit the discoloration as a result of reaction of unsaturated polyester resin with UV light. Engineered quartz stones manufactured by using unsaturated polyester resins are characterized by low water absorption, superior chemical durability, high hardness, flexural strength and good thermal shock resistance compared to granite and marble.[5]
Process
[
edit
]
Compaction by vibrocompression vacuum process uses elastomeric molds in which a crushed stone/resin mix is cast on a moving belt. The mixture of approximately 93% stone aggregates and 7% polyester resin by weight (66% quartz and 34% resin by volume) is heated and compressed under vacuum in a large press. The vibration helps compact the mixture and results in an isotropic slab with virtually no porosity.[1] Engineered stone is then processed in basically the same manner as its natural counterpart.
Some companies import boulders themselves to crush into agglomerates (stone powders) of various grain size for their products, others simply buy already-crushed stone powders.
Properties
[
edit
]
Engineered stone is typically worked in the same way as natural stone using a water jet cutter or a diamond blade. This is in contrast with solid surface materials which can be cut with regular saws.[6]
The material can be produced in either 12 mm, 20 mm or 30 mm thicknesses. The most common slab format is mm x mm for Quartz and mm x mm for Breton-based marbles, but other sizes like mm x mm are produced according to market demand.
Engineered stone is non porous,[7] more flexible, and harder than many types of natural stone. Since it has a uniform internal structure, it does not have hidden cracks or flaws that may exist in natural stone and also has a color/pattern consistency from slab to slab.[8] Polyester resin binding agents allow some flexibility, preventing cracking under flexural pressure. But, the binding agents often continue to harden, leading to a loss of flexural strength over time. The polyester resins are not completely UV stable and engineered stone should not be used in outdoor applications.[9] Continuous exposure to UV can cause discoloration of the stone, and breakdown of the resin binder.
The material is sometimes damaged by direct application of heat. Quartz engineered stone is less heat resistant than other stone surfaces including most granite, marble and limestone; but is not affected by temperatures lower than 150 °C (300 °F). Quartz engineered stone can be damaged by sudden temperature changes. Manufacturers recommend that hot pots and pans never be placed directly on the surface, and that a hot pad or trivet is used under portable cooking units.
When used as floor tiles, care is required in ensuring compatibility with the adhesive used. Reaction resin adhesives and rapid drying cementitious adhesives are generally successful, but bond failure or discoloration can occur with other cementitious adhesives. Additionally, agglomerate stone tiles are more sensitive to both thermal expansion and contraction and to dampness from underlying screeds, necessitating the inclusion of movement joints at a higher frequency than for stone or ceramic floor tiles (see for example British Standard BS -5: ) and verification by testing of the dryness of underlying layers.
Difference between marble and quartz
[
edit
]
Although both the marble- and quartz-based engineered stones are created through a similar process, and multiple companies produce both at the same time, there are distinct differences in their properties and applications.
Are you interested in learning more about Natural Quartz Countertops? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Marble is a relatively soft material which is prone to scratching, but simple to maintain. Typically it can be repeatedly polished until it becomes too thin. Marble is much more common and accessible around the world, and comes in a wider variety, which gives its engineered counterpart a significant edge in pricing, and more variety in pattern and colors. Engineered marble is typically used as flooring materials for large commercial projects such as hotels, shopping centers, business lobbies, where it combines the attractive appearance of marble with budget-friendly cost and reliable delivery time.
Quartz is a much harder material. The Mohs scale hardness of marble is roughly 3, whereas that of quartz is around 7. This makes it much more resistant to scratching, however it also makes re-polishing and general processing a more difficult task, which is why it is most commonly used for kitchen counter tops, where the value added through processing can offset its considerably higher cost.
There is also a difference between quartz and quartzite, which may be confused because of the similarities in the name. Quartz countertops are man-made even though quartz is a natural material. Quartzite countertops on the other hand are natural and they are considered to be a high end countertop material.[7]
Market development
[
edit
]
Italy was the most dominant country in the supply of engineered stone products from the s until the early s, especially in engineered marble. The growth of the Chinese economy has changed the market drastically as China now has the most producers and largest overall quantity produced. There are estimated to be more than 100 engineered stone suppliers in China alone. India also has roughly 40 slab producing units as of December . The original companies that operate Breton machines such as the Italian companies, Quarella, Santa Margherita and the Taiwanese company Romastone remain the most recognizable brands for marble. The private Spanish company Cosentino brand Silestone and the public Israeli company Caesarstone are the most recognizable brands for quartz, as well as Totem Quartz, an Iranian company which has a huge market in the middle east and Central Asia. Gulfstone, an Oman-based company, is the only producer of engineered quartz stone in the GCC. China is now probably the largest market for engineered marble due to new construction projects, while engineered quartz is primarily sold in North America and Europe as high end residential kitchen counter tops. [citation needed]
Health issues
[
edit
]
As with any silica-containing stone, silicosis can result from breathing dust produced when cutting or processing engineered stone made with quartz. The risk of inhaling quartz dust can be mitigated by taking appropriate safety precautions.[10][11] Risk of silicosis is high when little or no safety precautions or protective equipment are used. This may occur in small shops or in countries where the industry is not regulated or monitored.[12][13]
In Australia, a National Dust Diseases Taskforce was established in July .[14] In Western Australia, legislation was introduced to support the early detection of silicosis caused by engineered stone.[15] Medical practitioners in Western Australia are advised to follow strict guidelines for the health surveillance of at risk workers.[16] In February Australian trade unions called for banning the importation of engineered stone into Australia.[17] In December of the same year, Australia became the first country to ban engineered stone in response to workers developing silicosis.[18]
In California, 77 workers at quartz countertop fabrication shops have been diagnosed with silicosis as of July, . Inspections by safety officials in and showed that 72% of these shops were out of compliance with federal silica dust exposure standards. The state's Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board approved emergency regulations in December, .[19]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
If you are in the market for new and affordable countertops, then you are probably faced with making your first decision: choosing natural stone or quartz for your new project. Maybe you knew the difference before, and maybe you didn&#;t, but it&#;s important to know that there are some major differences between these two options. We will be discussing the differences between these two materials and the pros and cons of choosing either for your new countertops!
Quartz, in its natural state, is found in large crystals or small, sand-like grains. Once mined, the stone is mixed with man-made materials, like resin, which allows for a cleaner cut and more scratch and stain resistance. Quartz is one of the most popular materials for counters and backsplashes, due to its durability and antimicrobial, non-absorbent properties.
Natural Stone, as the name suggests, comes straight from the earth. Every piece of natural stone is truly unique and unlike any other! Natural stone, such as marble or granite, shows off distinctive and raw patterns that quartz can only mimic through man-made processes. If you are looking for a completely unique and eyecatching piece of stone, then natural stone is the choice for you.
In terms of durability, natural stone is considered more brittle than engineered quartz. Natural stone is also naturally more porous than quartz which means it can absorb liquids in the event of a spill. Before bringing natural stone into your home, you have to know how to properly seal and take care of your natural stone countertops. Sealing should take place every 1-2 years unless extreme wear and tear have taken place on the surface. It is also affected by acidic spills such as wine and juices. Any spills need to be cleaned up immediately so as not to permanently damage the stone.
Quartz countertops have the added benefit of being more flexible making them less likely to chip or crack. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing &#; ever. These stones offer a virtually maintenance-free kitchen work surface! Due to the resin in quartz countertops, they can also be considered stainless. One drawback that you should definitely take note of is the quartz can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If part of your counter receives strong UV rays from the sun while another part doesn&#;t, over time you may see a color difference!
When it comes to appearance and style differences, it can be very subjective. Since Natural Stones are individually unique, it is impossible to have the exact same pattern or colors in the different pieces of your countertops if that is something you desire. With quartz, you are able to really pick and choose the color and pattern style of your countertops! Ultimately, there are many pros and cons to natural stone vs. quartz in terms of style and design. It is truly up to you and your personal taste or vision for your new countertops or remodeling project!
Both Natural Stone and Quartz are great options when it comes to your countertops, and choosing one over the other can come down to personal preference, budget, and lifestyle needs! Some homeowners swear by natural stone while others will tell you that you should only go with quartz. If you still aren&#;t sure which would be the best pick for you, contact Distinctive Marble & Granite! We offer a wide range of beautiful, unique options for affordable countertops &#; whether you choose granite, marble, or quartz! We would love to tell you more about the process for both quartz and natural stone countertops and help you determine which is best for you!
For more information, please visit Premium Natural Quartz.