Abstract: A process for forming an acrylic sheet material comprises preparing a mixture comprising: (I) 20-89% wt of an acrylic polymer which is a copolymer containing 50-99% wt of methyl methacrylate unites and 1-50 wt % of a copolymerizable alkyl acrylate; (ii) 10-80 wt % of a mineral filler composition selected from the group comprising alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, talc and barium sulphate; and (iii) 1-40 wt % of decorative particles; and melt-moulding the mixture at a temperature above 150° C. to form a solid article. The process enables thermoformable acrylic articles which have the natural appearance of granite to be produced.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a wash tub, a water-supply mechanism for supplying water into the wash tub, and a disposition section in which a solid antimicrobial agent containing an organic compound having a nitrogen-halogen atomic combination is disposed. The disposition section is provided in the water-supply mechanism. The antimicrobial agent is brought into contact with water thereby to release hypohalogenous acid into the water.