Impact resistance of Krion® LUX: comparison with other materials

Impact resistance is an essential characteristic for materials used on surfaces in high-traffic areas. When selecting between different options for projects, such as hotels or retail, it is crucial to choose those that offer greater resistance to impact damage.

What will you learn in this article?

• What determines a material's impact resistance
• How impact resistance is measured
• Which materials are usually more resistant to impact

What determines a material's impact resistance?

A material's impact resistance is influenced by a number of factors that determine how it will react when a load or blow is applied to it. These include the internal composition of the material, its properties, and other factors. Below, we detail the main elements that influence this characteristic.

Internal composition and structure

The internal composition of a material is a fundamental factor that determines its ability to resist external forces. Those with a homogeneous structure efficiently distribute the energy generated by impacts, thus reducing the risk of fractures or significant damage. On the other hand, those with a porous structure or internal cavities tend to be more vulnerable, as the energy is not dispersed evenly, increasing the possibility of breakage or deformation.

Toughness vs. hardness: different concepts

Although they are related terms, the hardness and toughness of a material are two distinct properties. Hardness refers to a material's ability to resist abrasion or scratching, while toughness refers to the material's ability to absorb energy without breaking. A material can be hard, such as quartz, but if it does not have sufficient toughness, it can easily fracture under a strong impact. Toughness is essential to ensure that a material does not break under stress.

Other external conditions: temperature, support, geometry, thickness

External conditions can also influence a material's impact resistance. The temperature to which a material is exposed can affect its flexibility or rigidity. In addition, the shape of the material, its thickness, and the type of support on which it rests play an important role in its ability to withstand impact. A thin or poorly supported material may be more prone to fracture when struck.

How is impact resistance measured?

The impact resistance of materials is evaluated using different tests that measure the amount of energy a material can absorb without breaking or suffering permanent deformation. Below, we describe the most common methods for measuring it.

Pendulum test: Charpy test / Izod test

The Charpy test and the Izod test are standard tests for measuring the toughness of materials against impact. Both tests measure the amount of energy absorbed during the fracture of a material test piece, providing an assessment of its ability to resist impact damage. The key difference between the two lies in the shape of the test piece and the type of support:

• Charpy test: In this test, the test piece has a notch in the center (usually V-shaped) and is supported horizontally. A pendulum is released from a specific height and strikes the test piece. The energy absorbed is measured from the angle of displacement of the pendulum after impact. This method is suitable for materials that experience a type of fracture that can be easily measured, such as metals.
• Izod test: In contrast, in the Izod test, the test piece is vertical and supported at a single point at its base. The pendulum is also dropped from a specific height and strikes the material. The absorbed energy is calculated in the same way, but the test design allows the material's response to more localized impacts to be studied.

Free fall/ball impact test

The free fall or ball impact test is a method used to evaluate resistance to impact from falling objects or concentrated blows. In this test, a metal sphere is dropped onto the surface of a material from a specific height, according to the standard. In some cases, heavier spheres or greater heights are used to increase the severity of the test.

Compression and flexural testing

Although not specifically designed to measure impact resistance directly, compression and flexural tests allow the evaluation of how a material reacts to concentrated or distributed loads, which are common conditions in industrial and commercial environments. These tests focus on a material's ability to resist deformation or failure when a significant external load is applied.

• Compression test: A test piece of the material is placed between two plates and subjected to an axial load. The load is gradually increased until the material experiences significant plastic deformation or failure.
• Bending test: Here, a test piece of the material is placed on two support points, and a load is applied to the center of the test piece. As the load increases, the material bends until it reaches a point of breakage or irreversible deformation.

Which materials are typically most impact resistant?

When selecting materials for applications exposed to constant impacts or shocks, such as countertops or furniture, impact resistance is a key factor. The most common materials used in these applications include natural stone, quartz surfaces, wood, and other composite materials. Below, we will analyze how these materials behave in terms of impact resistance and how they perform in specific tests.

Krion® LUX as the most impact-resistant material

In the impact resistance test, 1000-gram metal spheres were used, far exceeding the 325 grams required by regulations, and were dropped from a height of two meters, also above the minimum requirement of 1.3 meters. In this test, various solid surfaces were evaluated, including marble, granite, engineered quartz, and wood.

The result was clear: none of the conventional solid surfaces passed the test without breaking. Only Krion® LUX remained intact, without suffering any visible damage. This result confirms that, under the same test conditions, Krion® LUX is the surface with the highest impact resistance, surpassing other materials commonly used in high-traffic and heavy-use environments.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can impact damage to Krion® LUX be repaired?

Yes, one of the main advantages of Krion® LUX is its ability to regenerate. If the material suffers superficial scratches due to impact, these can be easily repaired. Simply polish the surface evenly to restore its original appearance.

How does the impact resistance of Krion® LUX affect its overall durability?

Krion®'s high impact resistance contributes significantly to its overall durability. By being able to absorb impacts without suffering serious damage, Krion® LUX maintains its integrity and aesthetics over time. Its ability to regenerate also ensures that any surface damage can be quickly repaired, further increasing its service life and making it an ideal choice for applications that require high-performance, low-maintenance materials.

Why is Krion® LUX more impact resistant than other materials?

Krion® LUX's impact resistance is due to its composition, which mainly includes alumina trihydrate (ATH), a mineral compound known for its high durability. This material forms a homogeneous and dense structure, which allows the energy generated by an impact to be distributed efficiently, reducing the risk of fractures or damage. In addition, the resin used in its manufacture acts as a binder, providing flexibility and toughness to the material, which improves its ability to absorb impacts without breaking.