Corian
Corian is a brand of solid surface material created by DuPont. Its primary use is as a countertop/benchtop surface, though it has many other applications. It is composed of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH), a material derived from bauxite ore. Corian is the original material of this type, created by DuPont scientists in 1967.[1] A number of direct solid surface competitors to Corian have emerged since the expiration of DuPont’s patent on solid surfaces.
Corian is manufactured in three thicknesses: 6 millimetres (0.24 in), 12 millimetres (0.47 in), and 19 millimetres (0.75 in). Most Corian is manufactured at a DuPont facility near Buffalo, New York.[2] Cross-section cuts show consistent color and particulate patterning evenly distributed throughout the material, giving rise to the category name “Solid Surface.”
Corian must be sold and installed by a DuPont certified fabricator and such installations come with a 10-year warranty covering both product and installation, for interior residential applications.[3]
Material characteristics
Corian is:
- Non-porous
- Stain resistant
- Seamless appearance: In the fabrication process, joints can be made nearly invisible by joining the relevant pieces with Corian’s own color-matched two-part acrylic adhesive. The pieces are clamped tightly together in order to express any excess adhesive. After the adhesive dries, the area is sanded and polished to create a near-seamless joint. This seamless appearance is a signature characteristic of the material.[17]
- Repairable and renewable: Cuts and scratches can be buffed out with a Scotch-Brite pad or orbital sander.
- Thermoformable: Flexible when heated, Corian can be shaped and molded into generally limitless forms which can be used in commercial and artistic projects through a process called thermoforming.
Heat resistance: the material is heat resistant up to 100 °C (212 °F), but can be damaged by excess heat. DuPont recommends the use of trivets when the material is installed in kitchens.[18]
Scratches: The material can be scratched, with scratches particularly noticeable on darker colors.
Corian does not lose its visual appearance or fade for many years, sometime decades.
Competitors
Corian is a type of premium decorative surface.[19] The expiration of DuPont’s patent on solid surfaces helped facilitate a number of direct solid surface competitors to Corian.
Some major competing brands include:
- Aristech Avonite
- EVO Surfaces
- Formica Group Solid Surfacing
- Lion Chemtech TRISTONE
- Hanwha Hanex
- Kerrock Kolpa
- Krion Porcelanosa Solid Surface
- LG HI-MACS
- LOTTE Staron (fka Samsung Staron)
- Meganite
- Swan Swanstone
- Wilsonart Solid Surface
Corian and other solid surfaces also compete at a price point similar to other premium decorative surfaces. These other competitors include:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corian
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