Translucent marble

Synthetic Marble. Synthetic marble-like resin products are prepared by casting or molding a highly filled monomer mixture or monomer—polymer symp. When only one smooth surface is required, a continuous casting process using only one endless stainless steel belt can be used (52,53). Typically on the order of 60 wt % inorganic filler is used. The inorganic fillers, such as aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, etc, are selected on the basis of cost, and such properties as the translucence, chemical and water resistance, and ease of subsequent fabrication (54,55). 

The water resistance of "cultural marble" produced from clay or calcium carbonate-filled polyester mortars has been improved by treating the filler with a silane, such as gamma-methacryloylpropyltrlethoxysilane.22 The translucency of "cultured marble" may be improved by the use of ATH as a filler. 

Synthetic Marble. Highly filled monomer or monomer-polymer syrup mixtures are used to form synthetic marble materials. A single belt approach can be employed in the formation of synthetic marble with only one smooth side (57,58). Aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, etc, are used at loading levels of 60% the specific materials of choice are determined according to the translucence, chemical-resistance, and water-resistance properties desired (59,60). 

Marble. Adhesives for marble are similar to those for other rigid flooring materials. However, there is another potential consideration with marble the translucency of some marbles may permit dark-colored adhesives to show through. Therefore, the adhesive must be rather light in color. 

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