Molding Compounds Color Resin Amino Moulding Powder Urea Formaldehyde Melamine Compound for Making Tableware Kitchenware MMC

Melamine Moulding Compound Powder (MMC) is a thermosetting polymer-based material with a chemical structure primarily composed of ‌melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin‌ as the matrix, reinforced with fillers, cellulose, and additives. Below is a breakdown of its chemical composition and structure in the context of Iranian applications:

1. Base Polymer: Melamine-Formaldehyde Resin (MF Resin)‌

Chemical Structure‌:

Derived from the condensation polymerization of ‌melamine‌ (C₃H₆N₆) and ‌formaldehyde‌ (CH₂O) under alkaline conditions.

Forms a highly cross-linked, three-dimensional network structure through methylene (–CH₂–) and methylene  (–CH₂–O–CH₂–) bridges.

Repeat Unit‌:

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Copy Code

[–N–C(NH₂)–N–CH₂–]  

Properties‌:

Excellent heat resistance (up to 120–130°C).

High mechanical strength and chemical stability.

2. Reinforcements and Fillers‌

To tailor MMC for Iran’s industrial and consumer applications, the MF resin is blended with:

Cellulose Fibers‌:

Provide mechanical reinforcement (e.g., tensile strength).

Common in food-grade MMC for tableware production.

Mineral Fillers‌ (e.g., silica, alumina):

Enhance thermal stability and reduce shrinkage during molding.

Glass Fibers‌:

Used in industrial-grade MMC for electrical insulation parts.

3. Additives‌

Iranian manufacturers incorporate additives to meet specific performance or regulatory requirements:

Pigments‌:

Enable Pantone-matched color customization (e.g., for tableware and household products).

Lubricants‌ (e.g., zinc stearate):

Improve mold release during high-temperature compression molding.

Flame Retardants‌:

Critical for electrical components to meet safety standards.

4. Cross-Linking and Curing‌

During molding (at ~150–160°C under pressure), the MF resin undergoes ‌final cross-linking‌, forming an infusible, rigid structure. This process ensures:

Resistance to deformation and chemicals (e.g., detergents, oils).

Compliance with food safety standards (e.g., EU Regulation 10/2011 for food-contact materials).

Key Relevance to Iran’s Market‌

Food-Grade Compliance‌: MF resin’s non-toxic, formaldehyde-emission-controlled formulation aligns with Iran’s emphasis on safe tableware production.

Thermal Stability‌: Suits Iran’s demand for heat-resistant kitchenware (e.g., microwave-safe containers).

Customization‌: Additives allow Iranian manufacturers to tailor MMC for regional aesthetics (e.g., Middle Eastern color preferences) and export standards.

This chemical architecture underpins MMC’s versatility in Iran’s domestic and export-focused industries, balancing durability, safety, and cost efficiency.