Chemical formula C 3 H 6 N 6

Melamine is a chemical (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine), symmetrical triazine amine derivative, cyanamide trimer or cyanuric acid triamide, organic base, halogen-free flame retardant. Chemically pure melamine is a colorless, odorless crystals, practically insoluble in cold water and most organic solvents. Melamine belongs to the class of cyclic cyanamides and has a set of properties resulting from the energy stability of triazine nuclei. These include heat, light and chemical resistance, as well as the ability to form polyfunctional reactive chemical compounds. That is why melamine is a valuable raw material for the production of many polymer compounds. Melamine is a base; it forms complex salts with acids, which decompose when heated. When heated above 354 ° C, melamine decomposes with the elimination of ammonia (NH 3) and the formation of melem. Melamine easily reacts with aldehydes, condenses with cellulose, sugars, glycols and other organic compounds containing OH groups.

In 1834, when potassium thiocyanate was fused with ammonium chloride, Justus Liebig first obtained melamine. Later, in 1913, scientists Stole and Krauch produced it in a different way - from dicyandiamide. The first industrial installations based on this method appeared much later, at the end of the 30s of the 20th century. After the end of the Second World War, the development of a technology for the production of melamine from carbamide began. The synthesis of melamine from urea was first carried out in the early 40s, and only in the 60s attracted the attention of industrialists. Until the 70s of the last century, two types of melamine production plants continued to operate: from dicyandiamide and from carbamide. The rise in popularity of the method of synthesizing melamine from carbamide coincided with the rise in popularity of the latter as an effective fertilizer. As the production of urea became mass-produced and the technology improved, the production of urea-based melamine became more and more efficient and economically preferable. Everything is currently world production Melamine is the process of obtaining it from carbamide.

Melamine is obtained from carbamide (urea) CO (NH 2) 2 at 350-450 ° C and a pressure of 50-200 MPa. Two variants of the urea pyrolysis process have been widely developed and industrialized: at low pressure (LP) in the presence of a catalyst and at high pressure (HP) in the absence of a catalyst. The low pressure process produces finely dispersed melamine. Fineness is a requirement for the quality of melamine, which is made by manufacturers of high-quality specialty paints (for example, fire retardants, intumescent paints and car enamels).

Melamine imparts to the materials in which it is included, such beneficial features, as resistance to open fire, heat, water, and other external influences. Thanks to these characteristics, melamine has found application in almost all industries, from the manufacture of household items to the construction industry. In addition, melamine has original decorative properties and makes materials more durable, wear-resistant and durable.

Melamine is the most important raw material in the paint and varnish industry and the plastics industry. Melamine-formaldehyde resins obtained on the basis of melamine have many advantages over urea-formaldehyde resins: significantly lower toxicity, greater strength and heat resistance, resistance to burning, high decorative qualities and the ability to be painted in all kinds of colors. The production of melamine-formaldehyde resins is the main direction of melamine consumption, which is widely used in the production of various technical and household products. Melamine is used:

Melamine is a promising and demanded product on the Russian market, but it is not currently produced in Russia. Until 1989, meeting the demand for melamine on the domestic market of Russia and other republics former USSR was carried out through the production of melamine with a capacity of 20 thousand tons / year at the Vanadzor (Kirovakan) plant "Rubin" and through the purchase of the missing amount of the product from imports. In 1988, due to the earthquake in Armenia, the enterprise was closed. From 1989 to the present, Russia has been importing melamine. Marketing research melamine market indicate the following growth dynamics of melamine consumption in Russia:

Areas of use	2005 year		2010		2015
	thousand tons	%	thousand tons	%	thousand tons	%
Wood board lamination (chipboard, MDF, OSB)	17,4	68,2	34,2	77,2	44,0	78,9
Laminates	2,5	9,8	3,1	7,0	3,6	6,5
plastics	1,1	4,3	1,4	3,2	1,9	3,4
Varnishes and paints	1,8	7,0	2,6	5,7	3,2	5,7
Other consumers	2,7	10,7	3,0	6,9	3,1	5,5
Total	25,5	100	44,3	100	55,8	100

The main consumer of melamine, as before, is the sub-sector of production of wood-based panels of the timber industry complex. It accounts for more than 70% of the total melamine consumption. Timber industry enterprises in Russia use melamine for laminating wood-based panels (chipboard, MDF, OSB). Their production is one of promising directions in the manufacture of furniture and wooden housing construction. The development of this industry is determined by the presence of the capacity of the domestic market and the ever-growing demand for these products.

Offers a whole range of melamines and products based on it.

HPL and CPL
Decorative laminates consist of layers of paper impregnated with thermosetting resins. The top layer consists of a melamine impregnated overlay, decorative paper and, if required, a barrier layer.
The core of the laminate is kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resins.

Under the influence of temperature and pressure, the resins spread and then immediately cure. As a result of the polymerization of resins reinforced with cellulose fibers of paper, a very monolithic dense material with a closed surface is obtained.

There are two ways to obtain decorative laminates:
1.Traditional, when the material is produced by a cyclical method on the floor presses of periodic action. These are the already mentioned plastics high pressure (HPL).

2. Continuous pressing method on double belt presses - this product is called CPL(Continuous Pressure Laminat - “continuous pressing plastic”).

With a continuous production method, it is impossible to obtain plastic with a thickness more 1.5 mm, with cyclic - less 0.5 mm.

Laminatin- a relatively new thin facing material on the Russian market based on thermosetting resins.
Due to the fact that this thin plastic can be bent to a minimum radius and does not break, the material is suitable for wrapping moldings of various degrees of complexity.
Also used for door cladding furniture facades, manufacturing volumetric door panels, laminating flat surfaces of MDF, HDF, chipboard, plywood and other board materials.

Thermoplastic films
Cladding boards with polymer films is similar to cladding with decorative plastics, except that the thermoplastic polymer film does not have such good adhesion to wood, therefore it is pressed on a board with a pre-applied adhesive coating.
The same technological lines are used (for example, laminating plants) that are used for veneering or paper plastics.
The main type is films based on polyvinyl chloride ( PVC), finishing materials based on polystyrene, acrylic polymers, etc. are less common.

Environmental friendliness
Laminated boards are not considered environmentally friendly due to the presence of formaldehyde in the composition, although natural wood also releases this substance.
European standards fix the limit value of the formaldehyde emission class E1.
According to the results of the chamber test, this value is 0.124 mg/m³ of air (0.1 ppm)
The World Health Organization has approved this as a "safe level".
Recently, the Russian national standard (link to GOST in the first post) has been just as rigid. All Russian Ikea supplier plants have been working according to these standards for many years.
The introduction of a new emission class E1-plus with a limit value for formaldehyde emission of 0.080 mg/m³ air (0.065 ppm) is currently being discussed in the European Committee for Standardization, based on the results of a chamber test.

05sen

Office furniture: melamine or veneer?

Almost all modern office furniture is made from chipboard or MDF. They are compressed sawdust blocks in which various synthetic substances are used as a connector. Compared to solid wood products, furniture board models are much cheaper and provide their manufacturers with much more opportunities for decorative processing surfaces and facades. Also, they are favorably distinguished by a more affordable cost.

After the crimping procedure, furniture boards are lined with protective surfaces that protect them from scratches and chips, and allow them to effectively withstand sharp fluctuations in humidity and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The most common materials covered are melamine and veneer. Consider these materials and their practical characteristics in more detail.

Melamine is a thin layer of plastic or high-strength paper impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resins. It is applied to chipboards at a temperature of 170-175 degrees, using special equipment. Under the influence of high temperature, the resins melt and form a flat and smooth surface. This cladding technology is called lamination and has been actively used by furniture makers for more than thirty years.

Office furniture with melamine coating is characterized by a very high resistance to mechanical damage. There are practically no scratches even from sharp objects on a laminated worktop or cabinet front. This property lined with laminate products retain throughout the entire period of its operation. Also melamine is resistant to fading and is quite easy to care for. To remove dirt from laminated surfaces, you can use a regular sponge or a soft cloth dipped in water.

However, this material also has significant drawbacks. First of all, formaldehyde resins and phenyls used in the manufacture of melamine can cause serious harm to human health. According to their environmental characteristics, models lined with melamine are significantly inferior to products covered with natural veneer. Also, office furniture of this class does not like household chemicals, under the influence of which it very quickly loses its original appearance.

IN Lately real competition to melamine is artificial veneer. Like melamine, it is also made by impregnating a paper or fabric base with synthetic resins, but much more environmentally friendly and safe, without formaldehyde. Artificial veneer is applied at more than high temperature 210-215 degrees.

The main advantages of this material lie in the decorative plane. Modern artificial veneer can imitate the surfaces of dozens of natural wood species, natural or artificial stone. Recently, veneer brands have appeared on the furniture market that imitate various fabrics and even natural leather. At the same time, it is almost impossible for a non-professional to distinguish an artificial veneer that imitates the surface of oak or beech.

This material is applied primarily to cabinet furniture, one- and two-leaf cabinets, side and draw-out pedestals, and many models of shelving. Also, artificial veneer is applied to furniture for managers and employees, entrance and interior doors.

As for practical advantages, here veneer is much inferior to melamine. It has a low resistance to mechanical damage, so scratches sit on it quite easily. Also, the veneer is sensitive to the level of humidity in the room, when it changes, it can dry out and crack. Finally, he does not tolerate cleaning with household chemicals, including alcohol-containing liquids and abrasive powders. But in its environmental friendliness veneered

Chipboard, chipboard, MDF, fiberboard, plywood. Advantages and disadvantages of materials for furniture

Features and differences, disadvantages and advantages, we understand together.

In order for the choice of material for your own wardrobe or chest of drawers to be meaningful, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of furniture materials. What is the difference between chipboard and MDF? How much cheaper furniture if you buy raw chipboard sheet and then laminate it than pay for laminated chipboard? What materials are generally used for the production of modern furniture.

Chipboard
(chipboard)

Chipboard is made from sawdust and chips impregnated with a binder, namely formaldehyde resins. Chipboard is the most common material for cabinet furniture, built-in wardrobes and interior design. Chipboard is widely used in construction - the construction of roofs and partitions. Used for kitchens and baths special kind Chipboard - with increased moisture resistance.

The edge is needed at the final stage of facing chipboard or MDF board. A high-quality edge is the key to the success of any furniture. As a rule, two types of facing edge are used: melamine and PBC (polyvinyl chloride).
Melamine edge used for finishing interior parts that do not experience heavy loads.
PVC edge has higher operational characteristics and is used for processing external parts. Today, the method of finishing countertops using the postforming method is especially popular with manufacturers. With this technology, a finishing material, such as a PVC film, is stretched over the part, covering both the plane of the plate and its ends. With this processing of the product, the problem of the edge disappears by itself.

Expensive and angry
Veneer- the most expensive cover. For its production, natural wood of a wide variety of species is used (both tree trunks and their roots are used). The most common are mahogany, beech, oak, Karelian birch. In fact, veneer is a large thin shaving that is carefully cut from the trunk. The resulting strips, with a thickness of 0.4 to 3-5 mm, are connected, and then glued onto the base. The value of the coating made of veneer lies in its uniqueness. It is this quality that has singled out veneer in the category of expensive representative materials. Veneer furniture is suitable for offices of high officials. Unlike synthetic finishes, natural veneer is not as resistant to scratches, abrasion, heat, and moisture. Wood protection is provided only by layers of varnish.
The combination of high price and low wear resistance makes veneer a material unsuitable for the production of operational furniture.

Non-traditional materials
Glass in fashion for several years. Now they use special tempered glass. Tables with a glass surface are well suited for executive offices of high-tech and dynamically developing companies.
Leather is used for decorative ornament executive offices. In some cases, leather inserts and accessories are simply indispensable. A natural veneer countertop won't last long if you don't put a leather pad on top of it. Scratches, pressure from a ballpoint pen, marks left by a cup of hot coffee - all these prints will “decorate” the table if it is not protected by a good writing pad.
Corian has long been known to architects and decorators as a high-quality and unpretentious material. Not so long ago, DuPont, together with the American office furniture manufacturer Steelcasc, launched a project to produce corian workstations. From one hundred and three standard shades of the material, eight most suitable for office interiors were selected.

Application area

• kitchens and bathrooms
• office equipment
• hotel and catering equipment
• trade and exhibition equipment
• furniture for residential premises and educational institutions

Egger branded products

Melamine coated boards

Chipboard (chipboard) is covered with a laminate - a layer of paper with a pattern impregnated with synthetic resin. Laminated facades are produced both plain and with a wooden texture, under the veneer. Modern chipboard has a higher density than previous generation boards, and is often impregnated with moisture-proof compounds.

Cost - from 1,200 rubles/sq.m.

pros
The most affordable material. Outwardly, it is very similar to laminated MDF, but about 5 times cheaper. In addition to cost, there are other advantages. Chipboard furniture is made the fastest, since the material is almost always processed locally. If you need to make adjustments to the dimensions, the sawing of the plates can be carried out at the installation site, without increasing the installation time of the kitchen. Laminated facades are very practical - they are extremely difficult to scratch, they do not leave traces of water, and dirt is easily removed. For cleaning, you can use any detergent, including powder.

Minuses
The appearance of laminated facades is quite monotonous - these are always flat surfaces. The reason is that the chipboard structure is coarse-fibered, and the material is difficult to "artistic" processing, it is impossible to give it convex shapes, apply a milled pattern or install hidden handles. The only option is traditional, overhead handles.

When used as intended, the toxicity of melamine is much lower than common table salt. Melamine has been widely used since the second half of the 20th century. It is included in the composition of varnish and paints, fabrics and wallpapers, securities, cards, pens, buttons, buttons, keys, tools, household electrical appliances. The safety of melamine tableware remains controversial, but do not confuse furniture and dishes.

Is melamine furniture considered luxury?

Laminated chipboard Kronostar

Laminated
Chipboard can decorate any furniture. Depending on the wishes of the customer, he can
choose laminated chipboard Kronostar with different texture and texture. Choice of plates with
rustic pores, perfectly smooth surface, birch structure, etc.
Further. Chipboard with the texture of natural wood is in great demand: walnut,
mahogany, cherry, oak, alder. Cutting and sawing chipboard is carried out according to
approved drawings and patterns using modern equipment. Urgent orders
completed in two days. Many customers order the edge gluing service.

Chipboard processing

The decorative appearance of chipboard plates is given using the following technologies:

• coating with several layers of paper impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resins (melamine-coated chipboard is also called laminated);
• laminating - paper is also used, but the cladding takes place using a different technology;
• lining with thermoplastic film;
• facing with natural wood veneer.

rich choice of colors, you can choose from the RAL catalog;
various types of coatings: matte, gloss, special effects (mother of pearl, pearls, chameleon);
easy to wash;
do not absorb odors and moisture;
the possibility of manufacturing curved facades.

flaws:
high price, painted facades expensive facades covered with PVC film and plastic;
fingers leave marks on the surface;
fade under the influence of sunlight;
the back side is usually white;
they are afraid of mechanical damage, after impacts, chips may appear.

Solid wood fronts are unbeatable if you like classic kitchens.

Kitchens with natural wood facades undergo expensive treatment with varnishes and antiseptics. solid wood facades. Solid facades are more expensive to manufacture. After all, wood is a material that is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and requires careful care. Over time, cracks appear on the tree, the facades are deformed. Therefore, to avoid these problems paneled facades. Not very suitable for small spaces, can look bulky. High-quality facades made of this material are the most expensive. There are solid and modern style kitchens create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Recently, they have been used in

Facade with panel is the most common option. In this case facade frame is made of solid wood, and the panel (internal filling) is made of veneered MDF or chipboard. Such combination of materials, on the one hand, makes it possible to reduce the cost facade production, on the other hand, the panel does not allow the facade to deform over time. Externally such facades look exactly the same as if they were produced from an array.

Production in Russia.

Floorpan laminated floors are made of high quality HDF impregnated with resins and laminated with impregnated decorative paper with a protective coating on the most modern German equipment. They are a locking system of floor coverings and are ready for laying on a flat, dry surface without additional preparations.
Presented in six main collections, imitating dozens of different types of wood, with abrasion coefficients from 32 to 36. They have two bevel options and two texture options.
Designed for both residential and public spaces.

You can find out everything about the Floorpan collection here: www.floorpan.ru

Leather.

Leather and leather substitutes are actively used not only in the production of upholstered furniture, but also in the manufacture of cabinet furniture: for decorating facades, furniture supports, inserts in furniture handles, etc. This is a full-fledged decorating material that was appreciated by designers. Leather is a natural product, it breathes and adapts to temperature changes, which allows it to be comfortable at any time of the year. Leather is a timeless material, it only gets better with time. The colorful marks often found on the skin are not a defect (although many people think so). These variations in color and veining are the result of the animal's life and give your furniture its uniqueness. During processing, the skin is dyed with aniline dyes. Chromed leather is leather that has been treated with a tanning solution containing various chromium compounds. Extracts from leaves and fruits of trees can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to the chemical. According to experts, even a spent tanning solution of plant origin is non-toxic and practically does not pose a danger to the environment.

metal

In the modern furniture industry, stylish chrome-plated metal parts are indispensable. Aluminum frames, door frames, handles, furniture supports add an elegant zest, perfectly combined with wood textures. But it is more appropriate to talk about metal in a publication about fittings.

In the world of the furniture industry, more and more new materials are being created all the time, new trends are emerging. We see furniture made of wood, plastic, metal, glass. Making furniture is a whole art using leather, fabric, porcelain, stones. Thanks to all this abundance of various materials, colors, decors, each consumer has the opportunity to choose furniture that suits his tastes.

Not every person knows what melamine is. This product of the chemical industry is increasingly penetrating into our lives. Melamine products can be found in every home. But few people realize how dangerous they are to human health.

What is melamine

It is a synthetic product with high strength and wear resistance. Melamine is a special coating that is resistant to moisture and mechanical stress. Due to its appearance and some properties, this material is also called artificial veneer.

The melamine coating imitates natural wood. Therefore, it is often used in the furniture industry. Melamine is used to make chipboard panels and edges, which are subsequently used to cover the hard parts of furniture. These materials are thick multilayer paper impregnated with melamine resin.

The unique properties of melamine have made it popular in many industries. Today, almost every household item uses melamine. What is this? Only a few will be able to answer the question. But on appearance Melamine is familiar to everyone.

Melamine in the plastics industry

Melamine is also an important intermediate in the production plastic products. Components are often added to this material that affect its color and chemical activity.

Ordinary plastic emits a strong odor immediately after production. Over time, it erodes, and the products become safe to use. Such plastic wears out quickly, breaks. It becomes hazardous to health. At the same time, melamine tableware is made on the basis of a composition with formaldehyde resins. They provide strength to products, but are toxic substances that can cause poisoning and allergies.

Discussions are currently underway around the world about the feasibility of using this heavy-duty plastic. Consumers began to refuse toxic products. But manufacturers still continue to use melamine.

Properties

1. High resistance to mechanical damage. Melamine coating withstands scratches, chips and impacts of any strength.
2. Not afraid of moisture. Melamine is not affected by water, which allows it to be used in many areas of production.
3. Chemical resistance. Melamine materials do not come into contact with solvents, paints, alcohols.
4. Beautiful appearance. Melamine coating is almost indistinguishable from natural wood. This allows the use of melamine to decorate and decorate objects.
5. No special care required.
6. Resistant to sunlight.

Application

Now it is difficult to find a sphere of life in which melamine would not be used. What does it mean? The answer to this question lies in the characteristics of melamine. The strength and practicality of this material are its most important values.

So, melamine is used as a raw material for the production of plastics. Nearly all of the world's melamine production is used to make melamine-formaldehyde resins. They, in turn, are important material in the production of laminated plywood, particle boards. Melamine is even used for decorating rooms.

The use of this material is also observed in the production of wallpaper, securities, cards. Recently, melamine has been widely used to create paint and varnish coatings. Due to its excellent wear resistance and color stability, melamine is used in the painting of household appliances and cars. It is the main component of Pigment Yellow 150, which is used in plastics and paints. Melamine is also an important component for the manufacture of concrete.

Advantages and disadvantages of melamine coating

The modern furniture industry is increasingly using melamine. What does it give the consumer?

So, melamine coating has the following advantages:

1. Low cost.
2. Strength.
3. Resistance to mechanical damage.
4. The ability to create different patterns of any color.

The disadvantages of coating with melamine are:

1. Possibility of damage by sharp objects.
2. Not resistant to aggressive chemicals. If some household products are used incorrectly, there is a risk of spoiling the melamine surface.
3. The need to treat the seams and joints of melamine boards with sealants. Modern technology production does not close all the pores of the surface. Therefore, to protect products with melamine coating, additional sealing of cracks is required.

Melamine sponge

A real find for housewives is a melamine sponge. It is a mass of colorless, poorly soluble crystals in water. Eraser sponge (melamine - production material) was obtained by laboratory synthesis of melamine by heating guanidine and trimerizing cyanimide.

Useful properties of a melamine sponge are shown during its use. Thus, upon contact with a hard surface in a humid environment, a melamine sponge releases foam. At this point, contaminants are removed without the use of special chemicals. Melamine rubber works like a highly abrasive eraser. Its hardness can be compared to glass, but the removal of dirt is carried out carefully. The melamine sponge cleans even traces of a permanent marker without scratches and streaks.

Melamine sponge is very easy to use. The eraser needs to be wetted with water and squeezed a little. Then you should gently rub the contaminated surface with a corner of the sponge, as it crumbles a lot. Foamed melamine should be wiped with a dry cloth. If necessary, the treated surface can be washed with water.

Where can I use a melamine sponge

Melamine rubber bands are designed to remove children's drawings on furniture, traces of ink and markers on different surfaces, for cleaning laminate, linoleum, mirrors, doors, glass, household and office equipment, tiles. The foam sponge can also be used for caring for leather goods and cleaning car interiors.

Do not use a melamine sponge to clean dishes and other kitchen utensils that are used for storing, preparing and eating food.

Melamine tableware

Today, almost every store with kitchen utensils sells melamine dishes. Outwardly, it looks like ordinary porcelain products with a smooth or matte surface.

Melamine tableware is made in China, Turkey and some other countries. But its implementation is not carried out all over the world. For example, in the European Union it is forbidden to sell dishes made of melamine. As a result of numerous studies, such products are recognized as low-quality and dangerous to human health. For this reason, melamine tableware is often labeled "not for sale in the EU".

Distinctive features of melamine tableware

Everyone should be able to identify melamine. What is it and what harm does it do to health? These questions are decisive when choosing melamine tableware.

Distinguishing melamine products is easy. This cookware is lightweight and durable. In appearance, it resembles porcelain. Most melamine plates, cups and other kitchen utensils are labeled "melamine" on the back. But there are manufacturers who do not indicate it. In this case, you need to knock on the object of interest with a wooden stick. If the sound is crackling and deaf, then the dishes are made of melamine. You can also identify such products by smell. Melamine cookware always has a chemical "flavor".

Especially carefully you need to choose tea sets. The fact is that manufacturers of such sets usually use different colors to decorate saucers and cups. Their composition is not always safe. And in the case of melamine dishes, the risk of ruining health increases several times. Drawings printed on melamine tableware are not fired and are not covered with a protective layer. Therefore, during the use of such items, the paint dissolves and enters the drink.

Harm to health

Doctors around the world are sounding the alarm to ban the production of melamine tableware. This material consists of toxic components that adversely affect human health. With the constant use of melamine tableware, the amount of released substances increases and reaches a dangerous value.

Not only melamine is dangerous for human health. Damage to the body is caused by dyes that are added to it. They emit such heavy metals as lead, manganese, cadmium. The tests carried out showed that mutations and oncological diseases were detected in animals that ate from melamine dishes.

Many people refute these results, proving the safety of melamine tableware, because formaldehyde resins are deep inside. But when filling a plate or other container, harmful substances begin to be released from this type of plastic, which immediately fall on food. And when using dishes for hot dishes, the effect increases significantly. Moreover, if the surface is damaged with a knife or fork, the dishes become even more dangerous.

Formaldehydes, which are contained in melamine dishes, act gradually. They are a dangerous allergen that provokes the development of eczema, disorders of the respiratory system. Also, these substances disrupt the activity of the liver, stomach, kidneys, spleen, worsen the processes of hematopoiesis. Accumulation of toxic melamine products can be a factor in fetal mutation in women of childbearing age.

Features of care

Melamine items do not require special care. The main thing is to always keep them clean.

Melamine coated furniture should be treated with sprays or liquids other than those containing abrasive particles. If such products are not at hand, you can wipe the surface first with a damp cloth, and then with a dry one.

It is important to protect the surface of melamine products from sharp objects. Although the melamine coating is particularly hard, strong impacts with metal objects can damage it.

Owners of melamine tableware should always monitor its condition. If small cracks or minor scratches appear, the item must be replaced with a new one. Violation of the integrity of the coating contributes to the release of hazardous substances into food.