Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Synthetic Materials
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Objectives (continued) Explain how solid surface materials and plastic laminates differ Identify the advantages and disadvantages of solid surface materials
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 12-1 Plastic laminate composition.
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Plastic Laminates (continued) 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 12-2 Examples of plastic laminates.
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Plastic Laminates (continued) Types of plastic laminates –General purpose laminates –Vertical-surface laminates –Post-forming laminates –Backing laminates –Liner laminates
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Plastic Laminates (continued) Advantages of plastic laminates: –Tough and durable –Waterproof and stain and chemical resistant –Available in a wide array of colors and patterns
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Plastic Laminates (continued) 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 12-4 Examples of solid surface materials.
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Solid Surface Materials (continued) 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Solid Surface Materials (continued) 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Solid Surface Materials (continued) 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
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 12-6 Inlaid solid surface.
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Solid Surface Materials (continued) Disadvantages of solid surface –Substantially higher cost compared to plastic laminates –To purchase solid surface material, buyer must usually be certified by the manufacturer
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning 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