Solid Surface

Solid surface is a man-made non-porous material usually composed of polymer resins (polyester or acrylic) and the mineral filler aluminium trihydrate (ATH), as well as pigments.

Acrylic solid surfaces consist of around 1/3 acrylic resin (polymethylmetacrylate or PMMA) and 2/3 natural minerals, primarily aluminiumhydroxide (ATH). This material enables the manufacturing of worktops, washtops, showers, bathtubs, wall claddings, fronts and furniture.

The benefits of using solid surface materials are:

• Mechanical processing (woodworking tools)
• Thermal forming (limited for Polyester)
• Smooth and seamless bonding
• Massive, homogeneous and imporous
• Amenable to backlighting (translucent)
• Hard-wearing, fadeless and solid
• Hygienic and easy-clean: Solid surface materials are non-porous and do not harbour bacteria. Solid surface products can easily be machined using ordinary woodworking tools, such as routers, saws, planers, lathes, drills and sanders.
• Eco-friendly and recyclable (limited for Polyester)

For solid surface products with acrylic resin, the Sibelco ATH filler is essential because:

• The low Mohs hardnes sof ATH enables cutting, shaping and sanding.
• The high brigthness combined with the refractive index of ATH enables translucent products or deep-toned colored products.
• Provides the product with flame retardancy.
• Coated ATH with increased matrix compatibility improves the stain resistance.