Melamine formaldehyde
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
thermoset products became leading members of the
amino resin family, including urea and thiourea,
because of superior properties.
MF resins were developed through the 1930s and
1940s in companies such as American Cyanamid,
Ciba and Henkel. Early applications,
including fabric impregnation and adhesives, were
followed by the introduction of moulding powders
containing cellulosic fibres, pigments and
fillers.
Outstanding properties such as clarity,
stability to heat, light, chemicals, abrasion and
fire resistance met the great surge in domestic
demand in the USA and elsewhere in early post-war
years. Principle among these were high-pressure
MF faced decorative laminate sheets, e.g. Formica®
used for heavy duty surfacing. The great
variety of patterns and colours transformed
kitchens, cafés, ships and trains into easily
maintained aesthetically enhanced surroundings.
The development of MF fine faced chipboard
allowed rapid production of light duty decorative
panels for furniture application in very high
volumes which continues today.
Another great impact was seen in MF moulded
domestic table and kitchenware where attractive
durable products, e.g. Melaware, enhanced family
life.
The many valuable applications of MF
derivatives include adhesives, paints, electrical
mouldings and glass reinforces substrates.
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