Thermosetting materials

Flame testing

Hold the sample in a lighted match and smell.

Note: Take care when smelling any plastic material. Make sure the flame is totally out. Do not directly inhale the fumes from the burning sample. Hold the sample away from your nose (about 20 - 30 cm) and sniff just enough to get the smell. Do not inhale deeply. Take care of any dripping polymer - it will be very hot and can burn.

Results

Burns but is self-extinguishing. Carbolic smell present. The sample is usually black or brown - Phenol formaldehyde resin.

Burns but is self-extinguishing. Sharp acrid odour. The sample is light in colour - Phenol formaldehyde epoxide resin.

Burns with a fishy smell. The sample is usually a bright colour or white. Urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde resin. Carry out scuff test with fingernail.

Scuff testing

Scuff the sample with your fingernail.

Results

Scuffs with fingernail - Urea formaldehyde resin.

Does not scuff with fingernail - Melamine formaldehyde resin.

 

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