Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Synthetic Materials.

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Chapter 12

Synthetic Materials


Objectives• Explain the composition of plastic laminates• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of

plastic laminates• List the types of plastic laminates and what each

is used for• Describe solid surface materials


Objectives (continued)

• Explain how solid surface materials and plastic laminates differ

• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of solid surface materials


Introduction• Plastic laminates and solid surface materials are

both manufactured synthetic products– Both are tough and durable, making them popular

materials for fabricating countertops and other items– Both are used widely in residential and commercial

construction


Plastic Laminates• Similar to veneers, but are synthetic and much

tougher• Waterproof and highly resistant to chemicals,

heat, and wear• Attached to a substrate such as plywood, MDF,

or particleboard


Plastic Laminates (continued)

• Core and back are made up of multiple layers of Kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin

• Top layer of paper is:– Typically thicker than other layers– Printed with a color and/or a decorative design– Impregnated with a clear melamine resin that

provides a protective layer


Figure 12-1 Plastic laminate composition.



• Layers of the laminate are bound together with a hydraulic press under heat and pressure

• Back of laminate is roughened for easier adhesion to substrate

• Top finish may be gloss, satin, low glare, or textured

• May be rigid or flexible


Figure 12-2 Examples of plastic laminates.



• Types of plastic laminates– General purpose laminates– Vertical-surface laminates– Post-forming laminates– Backing laminates– Liner laminates



• Advantages of plastic laminates:– Tough and durable– Waterproof and stain and chemical resistant– Available in a wide array of colors and patterns



• Disadvantages of plastic laminates:– Color and pattern layer is very thin– Scratches will reveal the underlying layers, which are

not colored or patterned– Scratches are not repairable– Not particularly heat resistant


Solid Surface Materials• Acrylic materials that are manufactured into flat

sheets• Not applied to a substrate

– Thicker material: most commonly seen in half-inch thicknesses

• Designed for use in both interior and exterior applications


Solid Surface Materials (continued)

• Suitable for a wide variety of applications, including kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities

• May be applied horizontally or vertically• Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns


Figure 12-4 Examples of solid surface materials.



• Most are a combination of two main ingredients: filler and binder

• Filler and binder are combined and then cast in a curing process that results in a sheet or shape



• Advantages of solid surface– Chemical, stain, water, and fire resistant– Hard enough to give impact resistance, but soft

enough to be workable with standard woodworking tools

– Stable and nonporous– Sheets may be bonded to one another using color-

matched fusion adhesives to create a continuous, seamless appearance



• Advantages of solid surface (continued)– May be inlaid with another color or pattern of solid

surface to create visual interest– Scratches, cuts, and burns can be sanded away


Figure 12-6 Inlaid solid surface.



• Disadvantages of solid surface– Substantially higher cost compared to plastic

laminates– To purchase solid surface material, buyer must

usually be certified by the manufacturer


Summary• Plastic laminates and solid surface materials are

widely used synthetic products• Both are tough products that will take a lot of

abuse• Plastic laminates are relatively thin and are

glued to a substrate• Solid surface materials can be bonded together

for a seamless appearance; because they are solid, they may be inlaid or profiled

Date post:	03-Jan-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	reynard-richards
View:	222 times
Download:	1 times

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Synthetic Materials.

Documents