Abstract: This invention provides a moldable engineered stone composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated acrylic polymer capable of being covalently crosslinked, a mineral particulate, and an ionic crosslinking agent which forms ionic bonds within the syrup of unsaturated acrylic polymer via unreacted acid groups, causing thickening prior to curing and prior to the formation of covalent bonds via the double bonds of the polymer chain. The composition is then capable of being extruded and molded in a press. Articles formed by curing the composition and methods for producing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a moldable engineered stone composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated acrylic polymer capable of being covalently crosslinked, a mineral particulate, and an ionic crosslinking agent which forms ionic bonds within the syrup of unsaturated acrylic polymer via unreacted acid groups, causing thickening prior to curing and prior to the formation of covalent bonds via the double bonds of the polymer chain. The composition is then capable of being extruded and molded in a press. Articles formed by curing the composition and methods for producing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sprayable granite-like coating composition useful for forming simulated stone surfaces, such as polished granite, which have improved fire resistance. The coating composition comprises gel resin matrix based on unsaturated crosslinkable polyester or acrylic resins, a free radical initiator for such resin, a hydrated inorganic salt, granules comprising thermoset resins or mixtures of thermoplastic and thermoset resins containing an inorganic filler and as a binding agent comprising the acrylate phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered stone composite produced from a mineral aggregate, a synthetic resin and a binder using compression and vibration to obtain a high strength mineral composite with a high mineral content and a method for its preparation.

Abstract: A sprayable granite-like coating composition useful for forming simulated stone surfaces, such as polished granite, such surfaces having high-impact strength, superior hardness and an aesthetically pleasing look. The coating composition comprises gel resin matrix based on unsaturated crosslinkable polyester or acrylic resins, a curing accelerator composition and granules comprising thermoset resins or mixtures of thermoplastic and thermoset resins. The gel coat resins and the granules are visually differentiable, substantially immiscible and substantially equal in density. The composition, is characterized by forming coatings of uniform thickness and quick curing that even at low thickness provides a uniform granite appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three layer laminate of (i) an outer layer comprising a filled crosslinked polyester layer, which has a stone-like appearance, (ii) an intermediate layer comprising a crosslinked acrylic resin and (iii) an inner layer comprising a rigid polyurethane foam backing.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved simulated mineral article which comprises a discrete suspended plastic material and a continuous thermoplastic matrix. The plastic material and the thermoplastic matrix are visually distinguishable and each contains a coupling agent. The subject invention also provides a method of preparing a simulated mineral article which entails preparing a liquid thermoplastic to serve as a matrix and then suspending a plastic material therein. The plastic material is composed of a thermoset plastic made from resin which comprises an acid component having thermoplastic characteristics. The invention also concerns a method of coating a thermoplastic article with a thermoset surface coat which has increased binding affinity toward the article.

Abstract: A sprayable coating composition is useful for forming a simulated granite surface having high-impact strength, superior hardness and an aesthetically-pleasing look. The coating composition has a gel coat and granules which include thermoplastic and thermoset plastic components. The gel coat and granules are visually differentiatable, substantially immiscible and substantiatly isopycnic in density. The composition, when combined with a hardener, may be sprayed into a mold and backed with fiberglass, plastic or other suitable resin to form a panel or similar structure, or may be directly applied to surfaces to provide a simulated-granite appearance.

Abstract: A decorative facing can be placed on a block so as to render an ordinary block decorative. This provides the advantage of reducing transportation costs, since locally produced construction blocks can be used in place of the glazed blocks produced at a relatively limited number of facilities. The facing in addition to being decorative enhances the water impermeability of the block and facilitates clean-up.