Long known as a tough, mar resistant, decorative dinnerware sold under the trade name MELMAC® and a very hard, cut and heat resistant, decorative countertop product sold under the trade name FORMICA®; this thermosetting polymer, though not a PHENOLIC, better belongs in this section as its characteristics, uses, manufacture and forms are also of the "industrial laminate" type. MELAMINE is one of the few polymers not derived from oil; its components are by-products of fermentation. Like PHENOLICS, reinforcing media are employed to enhance the properties of MELAMINE. For our purposes, only the woven glass fabric grades are of importance and they closely relate to Epoxy. The main feature of MELAMINE is its outstanding hardness. Until recently with the availability of PBI (see Specialties), no polymer came close to the hardness of MELAMINE and PBI certainly is several magnitudes more expensive. As well, like Epoxy with woven glass fabric reinforcement, the physical and impact strengths are quite high, dimensional stability is good temperature resistance is good and very similar to Epoxy. MELAMINE has quite good flame resistance and electrical insulation properties, in grade G-9, are also good. Chemical resistance is better than PHENOLICS but not as good as Epoxy; weak and mineral acids, weak alkalais and organic solvents do not affect MELAMINE. Strong alkalais attack MELAMINE and strong oxidizers decompose it. However, with its laminate structures, fluid chemical exposure is not recommended due to the potential of seepage into the laminations and the delamination of the product. While MELAMINE, with its high hardness, strength and heat resistance machines well, the presence of glass fibres makes it impossible to achieve quality finishes without expensive secondary operations. Also, tool wear, even with carbide inserts, is high. And, the production of formaldehyde vapour and glass particle dust are serious health hazards.
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