Kinds of artificial stone

Depending on the technology of production there are three main types of artificial stone: ceramic granite, agglomerates (also known as conglomerates) and artificial stone on concrete. Ceramic granite is composed of two or more types of clay, silica sand, feldspar, mineral additives and colored pigments. The pigments often use metal oxides, providing material color uniformity and durability. Porcelain tile is made by pressing the masses at a pressure of 400-500 kg/cm2, and then are fired at a temperature of 1200-1300 ° C. The result is a homogeneous material - environmentally friendly, having high tensile strength and fracture resistant, UV and temperature changes from -50 to +50 ° C, able to withstand almost all kinds of acids (except hydrofluoric, reacts with the glass). Despite the increased durability, granite has properties more like not so much on the rock than on glass or ceramic. He is not subject to restoration, responds poorly to complex machining in order to get figured products (countertops, sinks, etc.), and therefore mainly used to manufacture floor tiles less of veneer walls. The texture of granite can be matte, semi-matt, glossy, Semi, polished, glazed, embossed (simulated surface of the stone) and anti-skid notches (used for steps). With proper installation of granite flooring withstands pressures up to 200 kg/cm2. Agglomerates (conglomerates) and composite materials, also known as an industrial marble, cast marble, cast stone, polymer concrete, cast stone, manufactured using polyester resin - 4-20%, and natural filler in the form of crumbs and pieces of natural stone (limestone, marble, granite, quartz sand, etc.) - 80-96%. Combination of the latter and the use of colored pigments can create a variety of colors and picturesque solutions. Agglomerates on the basis of marble and polyester resin have a high bending strength and compression, have low water absorption and frost resistance increased (more than 50 cycles of freezing / thawing). However, resistance to abrasion and UV are lower than those of natural stone, and the acidic fluid is left on the marble agglomerates spots that can only be removed by grinding. Agglomerates containing quartzite, in addition to high frost resistance are characterized by high resistance to abrasion, and hardness are comparable to granite. Depending on the filler compressive strength ranges from 130 to 200 MPa. This kind of artificial stone simulates marble, granite, slate, malachite, onyx, jasper, lapis lazuli, serpentine. The most popular pale pink color marble and dark green - a malachite. Used for the production of slabs and finished products, such as bathtubs, sinks and countertops, sometimes - tiles. But such a tile is not recommended for decorating the floor heating: the main binding component of these materials - polyester resin - when heated may cause deformation of plates. For the production of floor tiles used conglomerates that are based on stone chips and cement binder. Due to the absence of voids by grinding natural filler and the use of vibration compaction in the production process, a material stronger than granite, marble and even natural stone. It is used for walls, floors, stairs, catwalks, bathrooms, swimming pools, as well as the facades of buildings. The most common among the species of finishing material is an artificial stone on concrete. It is composed of cement (or Portland), sand, lightweight fillers (expanded clay, expanded perlite, ceramic powder, pumice), plasticizers, hydrophobic and reinforcing additives and pigments. Sometimes the paint will only superficial way, but the best is the double painting - throughout the mass with the use of external staining. At the last stage of stone covered with a special water-repellent composition. Artificial stone on concrete practical, durable, eco-friendly and waterproof. Compressive strength of 130-170 kg/cm2. Artificial stone in two to three times lighter than natural, so no need to further enhance the surfaces on which it is placed. Products are easy to use as it is made specifically for lining: on the one hand, they have a flat face, on the other - the kind of natural stone. A variety of forms allows us to implement the boldest and most unexpected solutions designers. Tile and the individual elements of artificial stone can be used for both internal and external decoration of buildings. For the production of this type of material used two methods: block-making and vibrocasting. Technology vibropressing is that the concrete mix with low water-cement ratio in the form of vibrated under pressure. The result is a product of high density and strength. Often the method of block-making is made paving tiles. Vibrocasting method has been increasing in the manufacture of artificial stone cladding. Expanded clay-cement mixture is poured into special shapes that mimic print texture of natural stones. Forms can also be made of plastic, plaster or polyurethane, depending on which stone is imitated. Typically, the number of forms ranging from 5 to 15 different variations. The more variety of ready-made elements are obtained, the more natural it will look finished masonry. One of the properties that distinguishes high-quality stone - the texture and shape of stone must be unique for every 5.3 square meters. m. The next stage of the process - vibrocompaction mixture required to displace the air bubbles and a compact component distribution. Small elements of filler go down, resulting in the surface layer of the future of rock is a more dense and durable than internal. After that, the product is left for curing for a day. After that time, concrete slabs are removed from the forms and send the finished product warehouse. Low-cost artificial stones in comparison with natural as well as his good performance led to its rather high, ever-growing popularity.