melamineformaldehyde

Melamine-formaldehyde, commonly referred to as melamine resin or MF resin, is a thermosetting polymer produced by the condensation of melamine with formaldehyde. It forms a hard, heat‑resistant, and chemically stable network that is insoluble once cured. MF resins are widely used both as standalone molding resins and as surface coatings or binders in composite materials.

A typical process begins with the reaction of melamine with formaldehyde to form methylolmelamines, which then condense under acidic or basic catalysis to create methylene and dimethylene ether linkages between melamine rings. The extent of condensation determines whether the resin is used as a partial prepolymer or fully cured network. The resulting thermoset exhibits high crosslink density.

MF resins cure to hard, dimensionally stable materials with good thermal resistance and electrical insulation. They resist many solvents and chemicals, have a relatively high glass-transition temperature, and retain their strength at elevated temperatures. However they can be brittle and may discolor or delaminate under prolonged UV exposure or moisture if not properly formulated. Residual formaldehyde can be released under certain conditions, especially in poorly cured or degraded products.

Applications include decorative and protective laminates in high-pressure laminate countertops and surfacing materials, molded plastic items (such as household goods and cookware), electrical insulators and encapsulants, and as adhesives or binders in wood composites and coatings.

Because formaldehyde is toxic and a known irritant and potential carcinogen, MF resins are typically designed to be fully cured to minimize emissions. Regulations in many countries limit formaldehyde emissions from MF-containing products, particularly for consumer goods and food-contact surfaces.