Introduction

The application of melamine sponge dates back to a century ago. Manufactured by crosslinking and further processing, it exhibits numerous superb mechanical and chemical properties and is broadly applied in our daily life. This website will focus on its properties, processing, applications and related experimental data.

Abstract

Melamine sponge is a kind of novel material which is fabricated by cross linking reactions and different further manufacture processes according to it uses. It's advantages:highly porous structure, high ignition temperature makes it have varuious applications in everyday life. In this poster, we'll illustrate its history, manufacture, advantages and corresponding applications.

Key words: melamine sponge, advantage,applications,manufacture 

History

Melamine, the base material of the sponge, was invented by German chemist Justus von Liebig in 1830s.[7]Having widely used for more than a century, melamine sponge was successfully developed in the 1990s[8]. Although melamine was synthesized by Liebig as early as 1834, it wasn't until a hundred years later that melamine foam was developed due to the need for stable formation of pores when melamine molecules bind together. In the early 21st century, people discovered that melamine foam is an effective abrasive cleaner. Since then, melamine sponges have become a research hotspot due to their high porosity, excellent hydrophilicity, flexibility, low density, and low cost.  

Manufacture

Crosslinking reaction: The raw materials (melamine resin and foaming agent) are converted into the initial product through crosslinking reaction. The entire process requires a stable foaming environment.
Further processes: including die-cutting, ordinary cutting, composite with other materials, and high-frequency compression. The initial product will have different further processes corresponding to its application. ^[3]

Advantages

1. High flame retardant: can reach German DIN4102B1 without adding flame retardant. American UL-96V-0 class high flame-retardant material standard. After contacting the open fire, a dense coke layer is formed on the surface of the combustion body to block the combustion, no drip flow, nontoxic gas release, smoke density is less than 15, and the fire self-extinguishing.^[4]
2. Super sound absorption ability: the opening rate of sound absorption sponge is up to 95%, which makes the sound waves can easily and effectively enter the deep layer of the foam body and transform into the grid vibration can be consumed and absorbed, and effectively eliminate the reflected waves. ^[4]
3. Good insulation: the opening rate is up to 95%, and the three-dimensional grid structure enables the air to effectively block the heat transfer. ^[4]
4. Strong temperature resistance: suitable for long-term working in the Celsius-165 C to 180 C working conditions, -165C to 400 C no decomposition and deformation phenomenon. ^[4]
5. Low bulk weight: the product output is 4-12km /m3, which is the lightest foam plastic at present. Non-toxic health and safety: its stable chemical structure and cross-linking system make it have a unique chemical stability, fully meet the national green environmental protection and safety standards in the field of interior decoration, daily necessities and transportation noise reduction. It can be processed into different shapes and colors according to different uses.^[4]

Applications

Melamine sponge is widely used. Due to its shock absorption and sound absorption characteristics. ^[5] It is suitable for high-speed trains and building walls. It is also often used to make insulation layers for buildings. It can help reduce energy consumption by 30%. Due to its porous nature. ^[6] It has good ability to absorb liquids. Commonly used for household cleaning. It has a good effect on removing various stains.

Property Introduction ^[2]
       

Reflection

Melamine sponge is a widely used high-performance material. Its chemical properties are very stable. It is also environmentally friendly. The material is cheap. It is a practical material applied to daily life.

References

[1]“3066 Melamine Sponge,” janicoinc.com. http://janicoinc.com/melamine-sponge.

[2] “Safety Data,” www.magicsponge.com.au. https://www.magicsponge.com.au/material-safety-data-sheet.

[3]“Everything You should Know on Melamine Foam Updated 2021.” https://melaminefoamtech.com/melamine-foam/.

[4] X.-F. Zhang, L. Song, X. Chen, Y. Wang, Y. Feng, and J. Yao, “Zirconium ion modified melamine sponge for oil and organic solvent cleanup,” Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 566, pp. 242–247, Apr. 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2020.01.101.

[5]“Melamine Acoustic Foam Insulation - FoamTech,” https://melaminefoamtech.com/melamine-acoustic-foam-insulation/, Jun. 11, 2022. 

[6]“Melamine Eraser Sponge, The Superior Cleaning Alternative - FoamTech,” https://melaminefoamtech.com/cleaning-alternative-melamine-eraser-sponge/#, Jun. 23, 2022. https://melaminefoamtech.com/cleaning-alternative-melamine-eraser-sponge/#.

[7]“Melamine Dishes Became a Laid-Back Staple in the ’50s (and We Still Love Them Today),” Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/decorating/home-accessories/melamine-dishware-history/.

[8]“Everything You should Know on Melamine Foam Updated 2021,” https://melaminefoamtech.com/melamine-foam/., May 18, 2021. https://melaminefoamtech.com/melamine-foam .