Urea Formaldehyde (UF)

Urea Formaldehyde UF: Urea-formaldehyde, also known as urea-methanal, named so for its common synthesis pathway and overall structure, is a non-transparent thermosetting resin or plastic, made from urea and formaldehyde heated in the presence of a mild base such as ammonia or pyridine. These resins are used in adhesives, finishes, MDF, and molded objects. 

Properties: Urea-formaldehyde resin's attributes include high tensile strength, flexural modulus, and heat distortion temperature, low water absorption, mould shrinkage, high surface hardness, elongation at break, and volume resistance.

Chemical structure: The chemical structure of UF resins can be described as that of polymethylene. This description leaves the details of the structure undetermined, which can vary linearly and branched. These are grouped by their average molar mass and the content of different functional groups. Changing synthesis conditions of the resins give good designing possibilities for the structure and resin properties.

Production: There is approximately 1 million metric tons of urea-formaldehyde produced every year. Over 70% of this production is then put into use by the forest industry products. It produces a great resin for bonding particleboard (61%), medium density fibreboard (27%), hardwood plywood (5%), and laminating adhesive (7%).

Applications of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)

Electrical: Wiring devices, circuit breakers, wall plates, electric blanket control housings, plugs, sockets, holders and bed switches. 

Miscellaneous: Closures, buttons, toilet seats, knobs, adhesives & bonding agents, flooring, furniture, binders for foundry cores, coated abrasive papers, foams, orthopedic casts and bandages. 

Appliances: Hair dryers, food mixers, coffee percolators, table mats, telephone sets and cookware handles.