International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 11, November 2013 1 ISSN 2250-3153 www.ijsrp.org Development and Acceptability of Synthetic Granite Tiles: An Alternative Construction Material Ronald M. Marty, Ed. D, Antonio E. Pegos College of Industrial Technology, University of Rizal System, Morong Campus, Sumulong St., Morong, Rizal, Philippines Abstract- Granite tiles are expensive construction material usually use for tiling of floor. The main focus of this study was the development of synthetic granite tiles as an alternative construction material. The development and fabrication of synthetic granite tiles underwent different procedures. It started with the design and construction of molder. Based from the experimentation of the synthetic granite tiles can be fabricated in different sizes, shapes and thickness which is comparable to the existing granite tiles. During the try-out and revision period the following were observed: The proportion of pebbles resins and hardener had a relation on the drying time of the product. The more hardener is added the shorter the drying time of the tile; however, excessive hardener can caused the synthetic granite tile to crack. Different thickness, sizes, shapes and colors found out to be feasible to fabricate. The tile hygroscopic property was found out to be water resistant and it did not absorb water for twenty four (24) hours. The brittleness of the tile was also the subject of testing and revising portion of this study by exposing the product under the sunlight for eight (8) hours and it was found out that product did not crack even though it was exposed directly in the sunlight. Index Terms- Granite, Synthetic Tiles, Alternative Construction Materials, Resins I. INTRODUCTION he economic progress of a country depends on technological advancement and manpower development. In a country like the Philippines with an unstable economy and an overblown population, one of the programs of the government leadership is towards research and development. This program will surely strengthen the government initiatives towards industrialization and progress. In the recent years, the construction industries underwent changes in the past. Innovations for construction industries were introduced and new construction products were invented and developed because of the growing scarcity of construction materials and increasing environmental concern of the populace today. Granite is a construction materials use for tiling floors and walls. It is an expensive materials and costly because of its beauty and attraction to the builders and house owner. Although granite is abundant in the country the quarrying problems occur because of this activity. Soil erosion and flooding in the lowlands also attributed to quarrying. Because of its use as paving block and as a building stone, the quarrying of granite was, at one time, a major industrial activity. Granite is a coarse or medium-grained intrusive igneous rock that is rich in quartz and feldspar; it is the most common plutonic rock of earth’s crust, forming by cooling of magma at depth (Britannica 2006). Alfonso (2004) observed that because of limited types of tiles available, there is a need to find new, durable and beautiful types that are inexpensive, versatile and easy to maintain. As a solution he invented a tile having a marble like finish. The result of his study showed that these types of tiles were strong and durable and can withstand any kind of weather. It can be used either for flooring or wall panels’, tabletops and the like. Ondo et. al (2003) conducted a study entitled the “Development and Acceptability of Powdered Shells for Making Tiles”. The study made used of powdered Bayuko shells into tiles. The acceptability of the product was determined using the different criteria as follows: quality, durability, workability, usefulness and economic aspect. The result of the evaluation found out that the new product was very acceptable with regards to the criteria cited. Las Marias (1995) pointed out in their invention entitled “ Process of Producing Water Resistant Laminated Hardboard “ could be made from a mixture of wood and agricultural wastes, such as saw dust or other fine particles such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is applied as an overlay to laminate the hardboard sheet Bacon et. al. (2003) findings in their study entitled “The Development of Laminated Corn Peeling Board” found out that the corn peeling board is comparable with other existing panel products and using polyvinyl acetate glue was stronger binding result than plastic resin glue. Polymer Products Philippines Inc. (2007) stressed out that a premix polyester resin is a general purpose semi flexible polyester resin used primarily with fiber glass reinforcement to make glass reinforce plastic products which require some resiliency for greater toughness and impact resistance such as boats, car bodies, tanks, etc. It also used for fiber glass cladding for strong structural repairs on metal, wood or fiber glass. It can be used for filling cracks, gaps and fractures. Republic Act 9157 or otherwise had known as “An Act Establishing the University of Rizal System in the Province of Rizal” section 2 states that: The University shall primarily offer higher professional and technical instructions and training in science and technology and promote research, extension and production services, advanced studies and specialized training in all fields deemed relevant to the development goals of the province of Rizal. Along these lines, this section mandates the university to conduct research and other programs that will lead to the attainment of the development goals of Rizal province. As a support to this mandated law and with these above cited T