The difference between 100% acrylic solid surface and modified acrylic solid surface The difference between 100% acrylic solid surface and modified acrylic solid surface

The difference between 100% acrylic solid surface and modified acrylic solid surface

Introduction

When choosing a solid surface material, it is essential to understand the differences between 100% acrylic solid surface and modified acrylic solid surface. These materials vary in composition, hardness, bending properties, physical and chemical characteristics, and identification methods. This guide provides an in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Raw Materials

The primary components of these solid surfaces are:

UPR (Unsaturated Polyester Resin)
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
[AL(OH)3] (Hydrated Aluminum Oxide Powder)

Composition Ratio

Modified Acrylic Solid Surface:
- 8-10% MMA
- 26% UPR (including 0.3% Anti-UV resin)
- 63% [AL(OH)3]
100% Acrylic Solid Surface:
- 43% MMA
- 55% [AL(OH)3]
- Natural pigments

Hardness Comparison

The hardness of these materials differs:

Modified Acrylic: Barthel hardness of 58-60
100% Acrylic: Barthel hardness of approximately 70 (harder and more durable)

Bending Properties

Modified Acrylic: Can be bent at 80°C, with a minimum bending diameter of 450mm.
100% Acrylic: Can be bent at 120°C, allowing for greater flexibility and more intricate shaping within one hour.

Physical Characteristics

100% acrylic solid surface outperforms modified acrylic in:

Shock resistance
Pressure resistance
Bending resistance
Absorbency

Chemical Characteristics

100% acrylic also offers superior resistance to:

Yellowing
Heat
Soiling
Acidity and basicity

How to Distinguish Between 100% Acrylic and Modified Acrylic Solid Surface

If you need to identify whether a solid surface is 100% acrylic or modified acrylic, try these tests:

1. Burn Test

100% Acrylic: Emits a pleasant scent when burned.
Modified Acrylic: Emits an unpleasant odor.

2. Cutting Test

100% Acrylic: Easy to cut; the material resembles snowflakes when cut.
Modified Acrylic: Harder to cut; produces more dust instead of snowflake-like particles.

3. Boiling Water Test

100% Acrylic: Unaffected by boiling water.
Modified Acrylic: Turns white when exposed to boiling water.

Conclusion

When choosing between 100% acrylic solid surface and modified acrylic solid surface, consider factors such as hardness, durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance. If you need a high-quality, long-lasting material with superior properties, 100% acrylic is the better option.

For more information on solid surface materials, stay updated with our latest guides!

Freddy

Hi, I’m Freddy, Marketing Director of kstonesurfaces.com, I’ve been running a factory in China that makes acrylic solid surface sheets for 12 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to acrylic solid surface slabs from a Chinese supplier’s perspective.