Molding Resins Division, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc., DIC Building, 7-20, 3-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103 Japan

In this paper we introduce the novel molding material “Designed Granite;” a combination of high performance resin and natural granite. In kitchen countertops, furniture or interior decoration, natural stone, with its high-grade image, is widely used but it has some severe disadvantages: e.g., heavy weight, brittleness, porosity, nonuniform surface pattern, along with poor workability.

We have now developed a unique aesthetic material which overcomes these disadvantages of natural stone. This material was developed using both material and process to combine:

(a) High filler content of crushed natural granite of large diameter

(b) A new compounding and mixing process to produce BMC

(c) Special tool design

(d) High pressure and temperature compression molding

(e) Polishing and cutting operations

In comparison with a natural granite, DIC HICERAMI8 stone has better durability, stain resistance and workability. It is the best material for kitchen countertops, walls, floors, furniture and other high fashion surface-decoration applications.