What exactly is flexible stone? How does it differ from ceramic tiles and natural stone?
FUZHEN NEW MATERIALS
What exactly is flexible stone? How does it differ from ceramic tiles and natural stone?
Understand the definition, raw materials and process of flexible facing materials in one article. See the generation gap between it and traditional building materials with real data.
SELF-WEIGHT COMPARISON ·
Why can exterior walls finally be made lighter?
Flexible Facing Tile (Flexible Stone)
3~6 kg/㎡
Traditional ceramic tiles
25~30 kg/㎡
Natural stone
50~80 kg/㎡
Data sources: Industry standard JGJ/T 126-2015, Handbook of Building Materials; the data of flexible stone are measured from Fuzhen high-density flexible stone.
What is "Flexible Stone"?
Flexible stone, also known as flexible facing tile / MCM (Modified Clay Material), is a bendable and cuttable flexible decorative material made mainly of modified natural mineral powder and formed by low-temperature curing.It is not traditional ceramic, paint or natural stone — it is a brand-new decorative material for interior and exterior walls.
Reference industry standards: JG/T 311 Flexible Facing Tiles, JGJ/T 235 Technical Specification for Waterproof Engineering of Building External Walls, GB 8624-2012 Classification for Burning Behaviour of Building Materials and Products.
To sum up its disruptive feature in one sentence: it adopts natural mineral powder to create tile textures and achieves fabric-like flexibility while retaining ceramic strength.
Flexible stone was once designated for the facade renovation project of G20 Hangzhou Summit, and its mature technical system has been included in the selection catalogue for green building products.
What is flexible stone made of?
The "raw material formula" of flexible stone may look like a chemical report, but it is actually quite simple. It is mainly composed of modified natural mineral powder, with a small amount of high-molecular polymer added to achieve flexibility.
Modified natural mineral powder: 70~85%, the main raw material and source of stone or wood imitation texture.
High molecular polymer: 15~25%, endows flexibility, bendability, antibacterial, mildew-proof and flame-retardant properties.
Data source: Product test report of Guangzhou Fuzhen Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (XJ2024B03H000092); the typical formula is based on the measured data of Fuzhen high-density flexible stone.
This defines the eco-friendly attribute of flexible stone. No mountain excavation, no quarrying and no deforestation. Every single piece is produced via low-temperature manufacturing starting from modified natural mineral powder.
How is flexible stone "refined"?
The core process of flexible stone is a four-step closed loop: modification, compounding, forming and curing. Its biggest difference lies in that it does not require high-temperature sintering at 1200℃. Instead, densification is achieved through baking at 80~180℃ followed by curing and shaping.
Flexible Stone vs Ceramic Tile
As veneer materials, they may seem similar in name, yet essentially represent a generational gap in manufacturing technologies.
Three Major Pain Points of Natural Stone
Natural stone has long been synonymous with high-end building facades. However, its three major industry pain points — high cost, heavy self-weight and severe ecological damage — are being systematically solved by Fuzhen MCM high-density flexible stone. It can achieve 95‑98% natural texture reproduction, replicating the texture of original stone through technology and reducing the exploitation of mountain mineral resources.
PAIN POINT · 01
Dry-hanging ConstructionSteel frame structure, complex working procedures and high labor costs. It is more difficult for special shapes.
PAIN POINT · 02
High CostHigh cumulative costs of raw materials, freight and installation. Color difference also affects the overall aesthetic effect.
PAIN POINT · 03
Mountain Quarrying / Tree FellingMining tends to cause mountain damage, soil erosion and severe destruction of the ecological environment.
Fuzhen High-Density Flexible Stone · Four Core Advantages
ADVANTAGE 01
Class A Non-combustible · Fire Resistance
Compliant with GB 8624-2012 Class A fire performance. It is non-combustible when exposed to fire and releases no toxic fumes, suitable for high-rise exterior walls and commercial engineering projects.
ADVANTAGE 02
Antibacterial & Mildew-proof · 99.9%
Antibacterial rate ≥99.9%, mildew resistance Class 0. It will not breed mold in long-term humid environments, especially suitable for schools and restrooms.
ADVANTAGE 03
High Density · Zero Powdering
Water absorption rate as low as 5.8% (measured by national inspection). Test results: 2.8% by China Academy of Building Research, 3.82% by Shanghai Jianke, 5.8% by National Inspection. Powdering resistance Class 0, weathering resistance of 2500h.
ADVANTAGE 04
Special Adhesive · Complete System
Specially developed matching adhesive, with bonding strength ≥0.6MPa and 100% full mortar coverage, eliminating the risk of falling off from the system level.
Authoritative Testing · Third-party Endorsement
Fuzhen high-density flexible stone has test reports issued by three authoritative institutions: China Academy of Building Research, Shanghai Jianke and National Building Materials Test Center (National Inspection). Key indicators are as follows:
The water absorption rate tested by Shanghai Jianke is 3.82%.
The water absorption rate detected by the national inspection is 5.8%.
The water absorption rate detected by the Construction Research Institute is 2.8%.
Fuzhen High-Density Flexible Stone · Completed Project Cases
2016Yangcheng Garden Project · In service for nearly 10 years
The project adopted Fuzhen MCM flexible split bricks for mass delivery of exterior walls. The facade remains clean and new up to now, verifying its long-term durability featuring low water absorption, easy cleaning and water impermeability.
Guangxi Minzu University
Fuzhen MCM flexible clay panel with water absorption rate as low as 5.8% was applied by flexible installation for curved surface wrapping, delivering a three-dimensional layered effect.
West Coast Innovation Industrial Park
Constructed with color-matched installation of Fuzhen MCM flexible split bricks and Fuzhen MCM flexible ice jade stone, it aligns with the park's energy-saving and emission-reduction positioning. The unified product system enables seamless connection for Phase II and Phase III, forming a green building cluster with consistent style.
Shenzhen Longhua Urban Renewal Project
The Shenzhen Longhua urban renewal project adopts quick-installed Fuzhen MCM flexible split bricks, greatly shortening the construction period of the renovation. The community exterior walls take on a brand-new look, with color-matched designs that perfectly fit modern architectural styles.
Wanfenglin Scenic Area Project
FUZHEN NEW MATERIALS
Reimagine walls with flexible ceramic.
Lightweight, Slim, Flexible, Breathable — Leveraging these four core strengths, ultra-low water absorption rate of 5.8%, and a full set of authoritative certifications, Fuzhen sustainable new materials redefine interior and exterior wall finishing solutions.