FAQ's melamine

Melamine is a white powder with unique properties - the chemical compound melamine (triamino-triazine - C3N6H6), consisting of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. The German scientist Justus von Liebig first synthesized a compound in the 1830s and called it melamine. Commercial interest and synthesis of the compound started in 1937. Nowadays melamine is an important starting material for the production of synthetic thermosetting products worldwide.

Melamine enables the creation of hard, glossy surfaces which are durable and hardwearing. Melamine surfaces and products are safe, hygienic, non-allergic and highly resistant to heat, chemicals and moisture. Melamine in glues for wood-based panels contributes to achieving low-emissions targets.

DSM produces melamine in two different processes: a low-pressure, catalytic, gas-phase process and a shortened liquid-phase process.
The starting materials for the production of melamine are natural gas and carbon dioxide. Urea is used as a feedstock in a highly sophisticated DSM proprietary poduction processes.

The main use of melamine is as a reactive intermediate for the manufacturing of melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins. Most melamine-based resins are used in decorative surface laminates and in adhesives for the production of water- and moisture-resistant wood-based panels. The wood-based panel industry supplies end-markets such as the construction industry with boards, panels and beams. The majority of these panels are surfaced with durable, hardwearing decorated melamine papers. Panels and laminates are used as kitchen worktops and tabletops, and for furniture, flooring and wall coverings. For an overview, see Melamine end markets and Melamine applications.

Other than wood-based applications, melamine and melamine resins are also used as:

- Thermosetting compounds for making "melamine" dinnerware
- Cross-linking additives in coatings for cars, cans and coils
- Additives for paper and textiles
- Water-reducing concrete admixtures (liquefying agents)

Melamine powder is used as:

- Flame-retardant additives for foams (e.g., in furniture and mattresses) and plastics
- A starting material for many derivatives and compounds in a multitude of chemical applications

For more information, see Melamine applications and Melamine end markets.

Melamine is a stable, non-hazardous product. It has no acute or chronic toxic effects on human health. For more detailed information, see the Safety Data Sheet. Melamine-surfaced products (e.g., tabletops, flooring laminates) and melamine dinnerware are non-toxic, non-allergic and safe in use.
More information on this page: Health and safety aspects of melamine

Melamine is not harmful to the environment. In the event of emission to water, soil or air, its impact is minimal.
For more information, see environmental impact.