Laminate
Grace McDonald
General Information
Laminate is a synthetic material that can be either a thermoset plastic or a thermoplastic - so the material is quite versatile. It's a polymer composite that is cured under heat and pressure. Laminated plastics are available in sheet, tube, and rod shapes that are cut and for various applications.
Laminate plastic has low moisture absorption and is fungus resistant. It also has great mechanical and bond strength. This material can be used in home industrial furnishings. Specific examples include kitchen counters, tabletops, and cabinetry due to its abrasion resistance.
Environmental Impact
Laminates are very durable and have a long lifespan as well as a low life-cycle cost. It becomes toxic to humans and overall air quality when burned due to concentrations of formaldehyde or epoxy resins. This means that laminate has a very unfavorable impact on the environment.
However, bioplastics, which are made from renewable biomass sources, are becoming increasingly popular in design and different applications. And, because of its thermoset and thermoplastic qualities, laminate plastic can be recycled into different objects and materials.
Use in Interior Setting
1. This Aesop store installed plastic laminate countertops and sink hardware. It provides a unique combination of style choices of modern and retro, as well as creates balance with texture.
2. Laminate is most oftentimes seen mimicking wood. The owners of this cabin finishes its interiors with plastic laminate.
3. Plastic laminate is commonly applied to feature walls and cabinet surfaces. Since laminates are so durable, they are preferred in commercial spaces to visually enhance the interior.
4. Plastic laminate in furniture is becoming increasingly popular due to sustainable qualities and versatility. This chair combines art and function using 100% plastic laminate.
Flooring
Laminate is created by the fusion of paper, plastic, and melamine, making it extremely durable. It give floors an elevated look and is used in a lot of commercial interiors. It comes in a variety of finishes, making it a very versatile and common interior application.
Testing Organizations:
The Formica Corporation - https://www.formica.com/en-us
North American Laminate Flooring Association - https://nalfa.com/
Plastic Institutes of America - http://www.plasticsinstitute.org/
Relevant standards through ASTM:
ASTM D709-17 - Standard Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials
ASTM D638 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
