GE Plastics recently introduced
a resin that will compete
with solid surfacing products
such as Corian and Avonite,
and even ceramic or wood.
Referred to as heavy Valox, it
is made from polybutylene
teraphthalate or PBT. About
65% of the material is a proprietary
mix of mineral fillers.
(Other solids as well as cultured
marble and onyx also use ––
filler specifically alumina trihydrate
— see "Solid Surfacing
Options," 11/90). The mineral
filler gives the plastic weight,
durability, flammability
protection, and a certain "feel."
Heavy Valox product
manager, Blair Anthony, sees
some advantages over other
formulations. "It's easily thermoformed
and can even be
injection molded with standard
tooling."
This means it can be used in
kitchens and baths not only for
countertops and cast sinks but
molded parts