Phenolic resin countertops
Phenolic resin countertops , Compared with common laboratory countertops materials such as epoxy resin, stainless steel, and granite, phenolic resin tops have their unique advantages and disadvantages, which are as follows:
Advantages
- Excellent chemical stability: Phenolic resin table tops have outstanding chemical stability and can resist the erosion of various acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents. Their chemical stability is comparable to that of epoxy resin countertops. In environments where chemical experiments are frequent, they are not easily damaged due to contact with chemical substances and can maintain the integrity of the countertop for a long time.
- High heat resistance: Phenolic resin sheets can withstand relatively high temperatures. Generally, they can tolerate high temperatures ranging from 150°C – 200°C. Some special formulations can even withstand higher temperatures. Their heat resistance is better than that of epoxy resin countertops and is close to or exceeds that of some granite countertops. In experiments involving high-temperature operations, they are not easily deformed, discolored, or cracked due to high temperatures.
- Good mechanical properties: Phenolic worktops have high strength and hardness, as well as good wear resistance and impact resistance. They can withstand a certain degree of heavy object placement and collisions during experimental operations, similar to stainless steel countertops and superior to some relatively brittle granite countertops.
- Smooth surface and easy to clean: Their surfaces are smooth and flat without pores, making them difficult to harbor dirt. Cleaning is very convenient. Ordinary cleaning agents and wet cloths can effectively remove stains. Like epoxy resin countertops, they can meet the high requirements of laboratories for hygiene and cleanliness.
- Relatively low price: Compared with some high-end stainless steel countertops or countertops made of special materials, phenolic resin panels are more cost-effective. While ensuring certain performance, they can save costs for laboratories and have a relatively high cost-performance ratio.
Disadvantages
- Limited color and style options: Phenolic resin plates usually have relatively single colors, mostly in dark colors, and there are also relatively few styles. Unlike epoxy resin countertops, which can be made into various rich colors and patterns by adding pigments, they may not meet the requirements for laboratory aesthetics and personalization.
- Relatively poor water resistance: Although phenolic resin has a certain degree of water resistance, it may experience problems such as water absorption, expansion, and performance degradation when it is in a humid environment for a long time or exposed to a large amount of water. Its water resistance is not as good as that of epoxy resin countertops and stainless steel countertops.
- Brittle texture: Phenolic resin benchtops have a brittle texture. When subjected to significant external impacts, they may crack or break. Their toughness is inferior to that of stainless steel countertops, so it is necessary to avoid impacts from sharp objects and strong knocks during use.
- Potential release of harmful gases: Under high temperatures or specific conditions, phenolic resin may release a small amount of harmful gases such as formaldehyde. Attention should be paid to ventilation in the laboratory. In contrast, stainless steel and granite countertops do not have this problem.