What is Melamine?

Formerly known as Melamine Formaldehyde or Melamine Resin, Melamine can be categorized as thermoset plastic with ehat resistant and hardness attributes that distinguishes it from PVC, PP or other thermoplastics. These characteristics make it an appealing material for variety of product applications such as household products (tableware and sanitary ware), industrial products (fire retardant materials, Formica, filters), electrical components and parts (light switches and socket boxes) and agricultural inputs (fertilizer). 

Melamine was first synthesized in 1834 in Germany and it was in the 40s that it was used in commercial applications. A similar polymer, Urea Formaldehyde was discovered in the 60s and was synthesized at a lower cost as compared to melamine and proved to be beneficial for its properties like low density and imparting light weight to finished products. Unique characteristics of both UF and MF make these suitable for variety of products, MF is typically used for products which are subjected to high levels of heat like coffee mugs, plates, soup dishes etc, while UF is for all kinds of hard plastic products like toilet seats, trays and more. 

At present, China is counted amongst the largest manufacturers of MF and UF compounds.

What is the difference between MF and UF?

An organic compound, Melamine is used in combination with formaldehyde to develop melamine resin, a synthetic polymer which is resistant to heat and fire. Melamine is a versatile item having a stable structure which can be easily molded into any shape when warm and will set into a fixed form, making it appropriate for specific industrial applications but difficult for recycling. Although it can withstand fire and heat as against other plastics, when exposed to enough heat, it will melt therefore it is recommended to not expose dishware to high temperatures like in an oven or micro wave. Melamine is used in floor tiles, whiteboards, fire retardant fabrics, commercial filters and kitchenware. 

UF resin is an opaque thermoset resin which is obtained by heating formaldehyde and urea in pyridine or ammonia solution. It is available in spray dried powder or viscous liquid that demands addition of water before application. This resin is used as a molding component or material of protective finishes and adhesives or as a binding agent in fire board industry. It possesses flexibility, high tensile strength and heat distortion resistance and forms a resilient finish, when cured. These attributes have mad this polymer a highly useful and demanded additive for a wide range of products like binding agents, wood finishes or adhesives.  It is also used in various household products like tableware, kitchenware, electrical accessories, sanitary ware, finishing products etc. although it is widely used in various areas, the biggest disadvantage of this resin is the release of formaldehyde gas in certain conditions. 

Usually formaldehyde resins are scratch resistant and tough polymers which makes them apt for both industrial and domestic applications. 

Key Features of Melamine Tableware

1. Break-resistant“ As compared to ceramic, glass, porcelain based products, items made of Melamine can withstand rough handling and occasional falls

2. Easy to clean and maintain

3. Easy to handle“ low breakage during loading/unloading or transportation

4. Lighter than glass based and ceramic tableware

5. Clean shiny and seamless finish

6. Customizable at manufacturing level in terms of designs

7. Cannot be used in the microwave or oven. Some heavier items like kiloy plates can be placed in the microwave for maximum 1 minute

8. Scratch resistance and not affected by sharp or dense objects made from metal or glass

Key Features of Melamine Sanitary-Ware

1. Better hygiene levels (standards) as compared to plastic or MDF toilet seats because of low porosity

2. Stronger than plastic as well as MDF because of its high tensile strength

3. Lighter than MDF

4. Easy to clean and maintain

5. Heat tolerant as well as fire resistant