Composite materials with bulk decorative features and process for producing same

摘要

A visually decorative material having bulk decorative effects which may be used as a surface covering or for creating decorative objects, and the method of manufacturing same. The material is formed of a pigmented castable liquid vehicle such as a resinous polymer or glass having dispersed therein a quantity of discrete particles which have a higher specific gravity than the liquid vehicle. The material is formed by pouring the vehicle-particle composite onto a suitable backing. As the liquid flows onto the backing, the particles sink and disturb the uniformity of the pigment distribution. This causes the desired bulk decorative effects in the form of "comet-tails" and other dimensionally extended streaks and curves. The backing may be removed after the castable liquid solidifies or may be left in place to create a laminate. As a floor-covering, the material may be poured in place onto a suitable sub-flooring. A protective surface coating may also be applied to the solidified casting.