Urea-formaldehyde

Urea-formaldehyde (also known as urea-methanal), 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. The polymer is formed by condensation polymerization, where water is a byproduct.

Chemistry

Urea-formaldehyde is produced from the reaction of urea and formaldehyde. The reaction involves the condensation of the amine group on the urea and the aldehyde group on the formaldehyde, releasing water in the process. The resulting polymer is a three-dimensional network of interconnected polymer chains.

Properties

Urea-formaldehyde has a number of properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It is a strong, rigid material with high heat resistance, making it suitable for use in a variety of industrial applications. It is also resistant to solvents and has excellent electrical insulating properties.

Applications

Urea-formaldehyde is used in a variety of applications. It is commonly used in the production of particle board and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). It is also used in the production of molded objects, including electrical fittings and casings. In addition, urea-formaldehyde is used as an adhesive in the production of plywood and other wood products.

Health and Safety

Exposure to urea-formaldehyde can cause health problems, including respiratory issues and skin irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems, including cancer. As a result, the use of urea-formaldehyde in certain applications, such as residential insulation, has been restricted in some countries.

See Also

• Formaldehyde
• Urea
• Polymer