What is laminate made of? |
Laminate board has at least four main layers. Each manufacturer has its own total number of layers as well as materials for its manufacture. A multi-layer structure is essential in a fixed laminate structure. Each layer has a specific function and carries it out with the material most suitable for a given function.
The middle layer is a water-resistant wood-fibre plate which is a bearing base. The plate is covered on top with paper, which is used for decorative purposes. Drawings are made on them to look like valuable species of tree. The decorative layer is covered with a transparent layer of melamine or acrylic resin, which gives many useful qualities to the laminate; they make it durable and resistant to temperature changes and the influence of sun rays. This cover provides mechanical strength by making laminate board resistant to such influences as the impact of heels, pressure of furniture, burning cigarette, etc. The layers of extra-strong paper soaked with synthetic resins provide an additional rigid surface layer. They are placed in between the foundation and decorative paper covers and increase shock resistance. However, all these are only about the upper layers. The laminate panel is covered from below with a paper layer (waxed or coved with gum). This is the stabilizing layer. Its purpose is to prevent moisture from penetrating deep into the plates and to balance the pressure that arises during congelation of the upper layers of resin and glue, at the base and at the same time preventing the laminate panel from wrapping. The thickness of the stabilizing layer is 0.1-0.8mm. Paper and plastic could be used alongside as a stabilizing layer. A separate layer is sound-absorbing and mitigates all kinds of loud sounds.
read comments (0)