A Comprehensive Look at Artificial Stone: Types, Characteristics and Applications

Artificial stone, as a rising star in the field of building decoration materials, is gradually transforming our living spaces with its diverse types, unique characteristics and wide range of applications.

Rich and Diverse Types

The artificial stone family is vast and diverse, with main members including resin-based artificial stone, composite artificial stone, cement-based artificial stone and sintered artificial stone. Resin-based artificial stone is made by mixing unsaturated polyester resin as the binder with natural marble chips, quartz sand and other inorganic fillers, and adding catalysts, curing agents, pigments and other additives, followed by multiple processing steps. It has good luster, rich and vivid colors, and strong processability, making it a commonly used type in interior decoration projects. Composite artificial stone uses both inorganic and organic polymer materials as binders. It first makes a cement mortar body with cement, stone powder, etc., and then immerses the body in an organic monomer for polymerization. This type of artificial stone is relatively low in cost, but the polyester surface is prone to peeling or cracking due to temperature differences. Cement-based artificial stone uses various types of cement as the binder, and sand and natural crushed stone particles as aggregates. It is made through processes such as mixing, stirring, and pressure steam curing. Common examples include terrazzo and mosaic tiles. It is convenient in production materials and low in price, but its decorative performance is relatively poor. Sintered artificial stone is produced in a process similar to ceramic technology, where various powders are mixed and formed, then fired at high temperatures. It has good decorative performance and stable properties, but it has high energy consumption and cost. Among the various types of artificial stone, resin-based artificial stone, which uses unsaturated polyester resin as the binder, is the most widely used due to its stable physical and chemical properties and wide application range.

Outstanding Characteristics

Artificial stone has many remarkable characteristics. Firstly, it has excellent environmental performance. Its main raw materials are widely available, such as natural stone powder and industrial waste, reducing the reliance on natural resources and aligning with the concept of sustainable development. Moreover, waste generated during the production process can be recycled and reused, reducing environmental pollution. In terms of processing performance, artificial stone has more advantages than natural stone. It is easy to cut, carve and polish, and can be shaped into various complex and exquisite forms and smooth surfaces, meeting the demands of high-end decoration. In terms of color and texture, artificial stone demonstrates strong plasticity. Through artificial blending, it can achieve a wide variety of colors and textures, whether imitating the realistic effect of natural stone or creating unique and novel patterns, all can be easily achieved, fully meeting consumers' personalized needs. In terms of physical performance, artificial stone has excellent compressive, flexural and wear resistance, and is less affected by external environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. It maintains good stability in humid or large temperature difference environments. Cleaning and maintenance are also relatively easy. Its surface is smooth and sealed, making it difficult for stains to adhere, and it is easy to clean. Unlike some natural stones, it does not require regular waxing, significantly reducing maintenance costs and workload.

Wide and Diverse Applications

Artificial stone has a wide range of applications. In ordinary countertop applications, it can be seen in kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, window sills, dining tables, commercial counters, reception counters, writing desks, computer desks, bar counters, etc. It combines the natural texture and firmness of marble, the smoothness and fineness of ceramics, and the easy processability of wood, bringing both beauty and practicality to various countertops. In hospitals and laboratories where environmental requirements are strict, artificial stone is the preferred material for countertops due to its excellent acid and alkali resistance, easy cleaning and maintenance, and seamless splicing to prevent bacterial growth, meeting the strict requirements for a sterile environment. In sink applications, such as washbasins, laundry sinks, and vegetable washing basins, artificial stone is used, featuring durability, easy maintenance, resistance to aging, and always maintaining a bright and new appearance. In the field of commercial decoration, in architectural decoration, personalized door columns made of artificial stone, with their rich expressiveness and malleability, create artistic shapes exuding cultural atmosphere, adding an elegant touch to the architectural space. The smooth surface, diverse colors, and strong plasticity of artificial stone make it an ideal match for window sills. In commercial and entertainment venues, artificial stone can create a luxurious and elegant space effect with a reasonable layout. Special curved designs, exquisite inlays, and rough arches, combined with various materials and processing methods, highlight unique commercial themes and entertainment atmospheres. In home furniture, artificial stone is an ideal material for the tabletops of high-end furniture, adding a sense of quality to the home. In bathroom applications, artificial stone sanitary ware, bathtubs, and other products, with their rich expressiveness and malleability, bring unique design inspirations to the bathroom space, perfectly adapting to both simple modern and solemn and stable styles. Additionally, in the field of artistic processing, artificial stone also demonstrates unique charm in the processing of flower pots, sculptures, and handicrafts, leading future consumption trends.