Recycled matrix concrete kitchen sinks Concrete kitchen sinks have already been here for quite some time now but they are becoming more and more popular due to the green trend. So, the manufacturers have already started to mix recycled materials such as recycled porcelain, 100% post consumer glass, organic compounds and coal fly ash in order to come up with extremely durable and beautiful designs that match every green requirement. Portland cement was a main component in the case of such recycled kitchen sinks but due to its high levels of CO2 emissions, some manufacturers have already switched to using a ceramic cement in order to get the necessary compositions for the recycled sinks.
For instance, Lithistone and Vitrastone are among the compositions that are based on ceramic cement. Ceramic cement uses less energy when compared to the Portland cement – actually, it uses 30-40% less energy thus reducing the undesirable carbon footprint of the kitchen sinks manufactured from it. The ceramic cement matrix sinks are likely to be totally VOC free – little or even no off gassing is to be expected. For instance, most of the recycled porcelain and glass is sourced locally in order to reduce the carbon footprint.
Another interesting idea used in the case of the eco-friendly sinks is the constant use of a wide range of organics in the necessary mixtures of materials. For instance, materials such as fly ash, recycled porcelain and rice hulls are used in order to provide extra design elements and color to every kitchen sink design. The vast majority of these eco-friendly sinks have sealers applied on them right before delivery. Such an eco-friendly kitchen sink will also require an extra maintenance – consider occasional waxing in order to preserve water repellence, sheen and original color. For instance, you should try and use a natural wax (Carnauba wax) in order to maintain your kitchen sink made from cement matrix.
In addition to custom pieces, the company now offers a standardized line of sinks, tiles, and slabs in 13 colors and 12 aggregates of Syndecrete, a cement-based composite that utilizes natural minerals and recycled materials as its primary ingredients and that contains no resins or polymers. The product is half the weight of standard concrete but has twice the compressive strength, the maker says, and it is more resistant to chipping and cracking. 310-829-9704. www.syndecrete.com.
