Panel · 15–40 mm
Aggregate-Based — indicative fig. C·02
Fire Not classifi… Not classifi…Embodied carbon 25kgCO₂e/kg HighCompressive 150-250MPa StructuralDesign life 25yr
Quartz-rich composite panels with resin binders (typically 7-15% resin) that deliver low water absorption and high strength. In Australia, engineered stone benchtops/panels/slabs with at least 1% crystalline silica are banned from 1 July 2024 (legacy work only).
01 Physical
Density 2000-2450kg/m3
Specific gravity 2.1-2.7
Porosity <0.5%%
Water absorption 0.10 max% by mass
Hardness up to 7Mohs
UV resistance Poor - unsuitable for direct sunlight except special formulations
Chemical resistance Good for pH 3-10, etching above pH 10
pH tolerance pH 3-10 optimal range
Surface roughness Ra 0.02-0.1 μm (polished finish)µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 8-15 MPa (estimated)MPa
Compressive strength 150-250MPa
Flexural strength 40-65MPa
Shear strength 12-18 MPa (estimated)MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.20-0.25
Impact resistance 2-8+J
Creep resistance Data not available - minimal expected
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 1.3W/(m*K)
Specific heat 840-880 J/(kg·K)J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 21-50x10^-6 /C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Not classified to AS 1530.1 (see reaction-to-fire ratings)
Fire resistance level No FRL rating - combustible resin content
Ignition temp Data not available°C
Flame spread index ASTM E84 Class A
Smoke dev. index ASTM E84 Class A
Heat release rate Data not available
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon Estimated 25-40 kg CO₂-eq/m²
Carbon footprint Higher than natural stone baseline 21.4 kg CO₂-eq/m²
Embodied energy 150-250 MJ/m²MJ/kg
Water footprint Data not availableL/kg
Recyclability 0-30% (resin-based), 80-95% (cement-based)%
Recycled content 0-15% typical%
Renewable content 0%%
Circular score 2/10 (poor end-of-life options)
VOC emissions Styrene 3.57 mg/m³, Toluene 1.70 mg/m³ during cutting
Toxicity rating High during fabrication (crystalline silica dust)
LEED contribution MR credits possible with recycled content
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 25-40 years (historical data)
Maintenance interval Cleaning 6-12 months, sealing 3-5 years
Warranty period 10-15 years typical (void after ban)
Material cost (range) $400-1800/m² (thickness dependent)
Material cost (per unit) 15mm: $520-750/m², 20mm: $400-1500/m², 30mm: $650-1200/m², 40mm: $800-1800/m²
Lead time Not available - production ceased
Lifecycle cost $535-775/m² over 25 years
Annual maintenance $2-5/m² (cleaning), $15-30/m² (professional)
Market availability Discontinued - banned from July 2024
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Uniform appearance and consistent properties
- Low water absorption (≤0.05%)
- High scratch resistance (Mohs 6-7)
- Chemical resistance to household acids
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Wide color and pattern range
- Non-porous surface inhibits bacterial growth
- Dimensional stability when properly installed
Constraints
- BANNED in Australia from July 2024
- Severe silicosis risk during fabrication
- Contains combustible polyester resins
- Fails AS 1530.1 combustibility requirements
- Limited fire resistance rating
- UV degradation in direct sunlight
- Thermal shock sensitivity
- High embodied energy
- Limited recyclability (resin-based types)
- Requires professional installation
08 Applications
A1 Interior wall cladding (historical use only)
A2 Kitchen benchtops (banned from July 2024)
A3 Bathroom vanity tops (discontinued)
A4 Commercial facade panels (limited fire rating)
A5 Retail shopfronts (alternative materials recommended)
A6 Feature walls (natural stone alternatives preferred)
A7 Laboratory benches (specialized alternatives required)
A8 Healthcare surfaces (porcelain alternatives)
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.