Overview
Working with Karonia
AB Technology
FAQs
Other Documentation
Overview
Welcome to Karonia's Product Information Centre.
In this section you will find all the supporting documentation and information relating to the application and use of our products.
Whether you are working with our products or enjoying the end result, here you will find any help that you need.
If you require any further assistance please contact us.
AB Technology
What is it?
Karonia's antimicrobial technology featured throughout our product portfolio utilises the natural properties of silver to provide an inorganic, non-chemical antibacterial system. Silver is a powerful antibacterial metal ion that attacks bacteria in many ways to prevent both its growth and multiplication. The silver ions are dispersed throughout the solid surface material using a soluble glass delivery system which allows a gradual release of the silver ions over the life of our products.
What does it do?
Karonia's antibacterial component employs the following methods to achieve its antimicrobial effects:
- The disruption of transport functions in the cell walls of microbes.
- The inhibition of cell division thus preventing multiplication.
- The interruption of cell metabolism affecting microbial growth.>
How does it work?
The emission of the silver ions from the soluble glass delivery system is triggered by ambient moisture present in the surrounding atmosphere. Sodium ions that are found in the moisture become part of an exchange process whereby they swap places with the silver ions.
The silver ions are then able to begin affecting the microbes present on the surface of the Karonia products. The microbes and the silver ions are oppositely charged so they are drawn to one another and the silver then attacks the structure of the bacteria.
Other Documentation
Please select an information sector from the left hand navigation screen to find the document you require. Simply click on the download link to open the relevant document for download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please select a topic from the left hand navigation to find the question and answer you are searching for. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to respond to you as soon as poosible.
Installation Guides
Please select an Installation Guide from the left hand navigation.
Test Data
Antibacterial Test
PDF Download - Click here to download the Antibacterial PDF test document.
CAA Fire Test
PDF Download - Click here to download the CAA Fire PDF test document.
Micro Test
PDF Download - Click here to download the Micro PDF test document.
Karonia Test
PDF Download - Click here to download the Karonia PDF test document.
Explaining the Material
What is Karonia Solid Surface?
Our Solid Surface is an advanced man-made stone surface. It is a material composed of a blend of resins and colour pigments coupled with natural mineral fillers to provide its beautiful stone-like appearance and feel. Our solid surface material provides a non-porous, homogeneous and highly flexible surface solution.
What affect does the balance of acrylic and polyester have on solid surface products?
The composition of Karonia Solid Surface is designed to best suit the applications for which it is being used. Across our ranges of products there are subtle differences which allow our products to be ideal for their use. The resin with which our solid surface is made is either a pure acrylic or a blend of acrylic and polyester. The key difference with these variants is that the pure acrylic products are better suited for achieving the most demanding radius requirements when thermoforming. Products with polyester in general have additional depth in terms of surface appearance which adds a further aesthetic advantage.
How do the other components of solid surface material affect its performance?
Karonia Solid Surface material contains a natural mineral filler called aluminium trihydrate which provides excellent fire resistance properties. In addition to this there are also colour pigments which aid in creating the numerous beautiful decors in our product ranges. Karonia also offer the possibility of building on the hygienic qualities of our solid surface material by adding our Antimicrobial silver ion technology which actively fights against the growth and multiplication of bacteria.
How does Karonia compare to other solid surface materials?
When comparing solid surface products it is important to understand the composition of the material and what the materials are designed to achieve. Another main difference is usually that some products are only available in sheet form, or some are only available as worktops. Karonia understands that products must be both designed and constructed to fit the required application so there will be a range of Karonia products that will suit your needs.
How does Karonia compare to laminate worktops?
It would be fair to say that laminate worktops are the budget end of the worktop market. The decors are wide ranging so provide a suitable match for a kitchen design. While all surfaces do scratch to an extent, laminate worktops can not be repaired once this happens unlike Karonia Solid Surface. Also jointing of laminate worktops can be problematic as well as aesthetically unpleasing because either a metal strip is used to sit across the joint, or the joint can be liable to moisture ingress. Karonia Solid Surface joints are seamless and non-porous which prevent moisture from damaging the worksurface.
How does Karonia compare to marble or granite surfaces?
The appeal of marble and granite surfaces are due to their highly attractive appearance. Karonia Solid Surface uses our latest colour development technology to provide the types of décor design to rival the marbles and granites. These natural materials do fall short in practicality terms as they are porous and have to be artificially sealed regularly to prevent staining. Karonia Solid Surface is non-porous so is exceptional for resiting staining.