The raw materials utilized to manufacture BRETONSTONE® blocks are Aggregates, Mineral Fillers, Bonding Agents, Additives and Coloring Agents, all easily available in the market.
AGGREGATES
Stone materials are mixed with a bonding paste to create a mixture that needs to be compacted. The aggregates used in the production of the blocks are calcareous stone in nature, such as marble, dolomite, colored stones, etc. Stone-like materials such as glass, shells, mirrors, etc, can also be added to create desired unique effects. The aggregates used can be either in sand form or granular and/or stones of various size.
The nature, size and granular scale of the aggregates are chosen according to the appearance and physical- mechanical properties that are desired of the final product. Aggregates can be purchased directly from companies that produce them, dry and already divided into the various granular dimensions required, or, a suitable system for the crushing and screening of materials can be installed next to the BRETONSTONE® production plant.
MINERAL FILLERS
Mineral fillers are mixed with the bonding agent to form the “bonding paste”. These fillers consist of various types finely pulverised of calcareous stone materials.
BONDING AGENTS AND ADDITIVES
The bonding agents used are either polyester resin or the Ecodrolic® binder previously described (solvent-free bonding mix dispersed in water), according to the intended end use of the final BRETONSTONE® marble product. Any additives are included in the mix in small percentages to obtain specific aesthetic results.
COLORING AGENTS
The mixes can be colored by the addition of metal oxide pigments. These coloring agents play an important role in the process, because, combined with the natural color and size of the aggregates, and thanks to special mixing, compacting and treating equipment, they offer unlimited choices in the color and final appearance of BRETONSTONE® products.