Melamina

Melamina is a chemical compound with the formula C3H6N6. It is a trimer of cyanamide, and is also known as cyanuric triamide. Melamine is a white crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water. It is primarily used in the production of melamine-formaldehyde resins, which are thermosetting plastics. These resins are known for their durability, hardness, and resistance to heat and scratches.

The main application of melamine-formaldehyde resins is in the manufacture of laminates, such as those used for countertops and flooring. They are also used in dinnerware, coatings, and adhesives. Melamine itself has a very low toxicity, but when heated to decomposition, it can release toxic fumes, including hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides.

Historically, melamine gained notoriety due to incidents where it was illegally added to food products, particularly infant formula and pet food, to artificially inflate their apparent protein content. This practice was dangerous and led to severe health problems and fatalities due to kidney damage. Strict regulations and testing are now in place in many countries to prevent such adulteration. Melamine is a key component in fire-retardant materials due to its high nitrogen content, which releases nitrogen gas upon heating, displacing oxygen and inhibiting combustion.