What is Decorative Laminate?
High pressure laminate can be described as a thermosetting composite sheet that has been subjected to high temperature and pressure to form an irreversible chemical bond between the specific layers.
Layers of brown ‘kraft paper’ make up the underside of the laminate which are impregnated with Phenolic resins. When fully cured these layers provide strength, rigidity and grade performance, i.e. postforming, flame retardant or standard.
The ‘decorative paper’ normally found on one side only is impregnated with melamine resin, this provides a very hard wearing and easily maintained surface. Some patterns will also be produced using an additional layer known as an overlay which is also impregnated with melamine resin.
Textures can be applied to the surface during the pressing process by means of steel plates or high density paper foils.
Sheets are produced in a wide range of sizes and thickness but usually range them between 0.6mm and 1.3mm. ‘Compact’ sheets are designed to be self supporting and differ from conventional laminates by virtue of having a decorative surface on both sides. They are produced in a range of thicknesses from 3mm to 30mm.
High pressure laminates are tested in accordance with BS EN 438-1 1991.
