A method of making activated carbon including: compressing a mixture of an alkali metal hydroxide, a carbon source, and a solid thermosetting polymer precursor into a pellet; and a first heating of the compressed mixture, as defined herein; and optionally crushing, washing, or both, the resulting first heated mixture, as defined herein; and optionally a second heating, as defined herein.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.

A pellet includes a starch in an amount of approximately 50 to 98 weight percent, a plasticizer in an amount of approximately 2 to 25 weight percent, water in an amount of approximately 1 to 40 weight percent, and a blowing agent in an amount approximately 1 to 25 weight percent. The pellet may have a density of approximately 20 to 65 pounds per cubic foot. The blowing agent may include sodium bicarbonate and/or ammonium bicarbonate.

A layered polymer composite includes at least one composite layer that includes a plurality of inorganic and/or ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein the inorganic and/or ceramic particles are prewetted with a wax, plasticizer, or surfactant before mixing and/or processing into the layered polymer composite.