Formica® decorative laminates have been widely and satisfactorily used for many years in medical and industrial laboratories. Formica laminates easily meet the requirements of EN 438 test method 15, which specifies resistance to staining by 49 substances in everyday use. These include tea, coffee, milk, citric acid, acetone, alcohol, fruit juices, detergents, bleaches and colouring agents, but do not include chemicals more likely to be found in laboratories.
The following table shows the effects on standard laminate surfaces of contact with some of the more aggressive materials commonly used in laboratories. This table does not apply to Veneer Laminate and Metallic Laminate, nor to Glow items in the Plain Colours Range, all of which are less resistant to chemicals, nor to Solid Surfacing Material, which has superior performance.
For more detailed information on the resistance of particular grades of laminate to specific chemicals, please contact our Technical Services Department: Tel: 0191 259 3000
Fax: 0191 259 3361
Email: techservices@formica.co.uk
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Performance
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Chemical
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No effect after 16 hours contact.
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Acetic acid, acetone, ammonia, alcohol, amyl acetate, benzene, butyl acetate, carbon tetrachloride, caustic soda (solutions less than 10%), citric acid, detergents, olive oil, paraffin, phenol, petrol, soaps, sugar solutions, toluene, xylene.
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No effect if completely removed within 10-15 minutes.
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Caustic soda (solutions greater than 10%), ferric chloride, formic acid, hair dyes, hypochlorite bleach, hydrochloric acid (less than 10%), hydrogen peroxide (less than 30%), iodine, nitric acid (less than 10%), oxalic acid, phosphoric acid (less than 10%), potassium permanganate, silver nitrate, sulphuric acid (less than 10%).
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Permanent staining or surface attack probable; requires immediate removal.
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Hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric and sulphuric acids in concentrations greater than 10%.
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