Melamine is an organic compound that is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a synthetic polymer which is fire resistant and heat tolerant. Melamine resin is a very versatile material with a highly stable structure. Uses for melamine include whiteboards, floor tiles, kitchenware, fire retardant fabrics, and commercial filters. Melamine can be easily molded while warm, but will set into a fixed form. This property makes it ideally suited to certain industrial applications.
Melamine resin is manufactured by mixing urea with formaldehyde under heat and pressure. The substances begin to polymerize and are forced into a mold which will create the desired shape. Under pressure, melamine releases water, which could make the plastic unstable if it is not removed. The materials finish polymerizing and create a finished product, melamine resin.
Melamine resin is known as a thermoset plastic, because the plastic is fixed after molding. If exposed to enough heat, melamine will melt. For this reason, melamine dishware should not be exposed to high temperatures like those in the oven and microwave. However, the plastic is able to withstand higher temperatures than other plastics. Because it is a thermoset plastic, melamine resin is difficult to recycle.
Melamine can be made into a foam product. Melamine foam has a distinctive structure composed of stacked bubble shapes, which are extremely hard and therefore can easily clean a wide variety of substances. Melamine foam is marketed under a variety of commercial names including Magic Eraser, a cleaning tool well known for removing scuffs and dirt from a wide range of surfaces.
Melamine resin is used in Formica and similar construction products made from composite materials. Formica is made using melamine resin, which is used to coat the fibers in the upper layer of the construction product. The melamine resin makes the end result heat resistant, so that hot objects can be set on the counter without concern. The surface of the material is designed to be easily wiped and cleaned, creating a long lived household product.
Melamine also plays a role in a wide range of flame resistant materials. These include textiles used in upholstery and the uniforms worn by firemen. Thermal liners, heat resistant gloves, and aprons to protect from splashback of hot substances are made using melamine. Melamine will protect a wearer from heat hazards, and will help to resist the spread of fire in aircraft and buses by providing a fire blocker.
Melamine is also used in the manufacture of some filters. The material is porous and will admit substances to pass through, but can be used to filter out particles of a particular size. Melamine filters are capable of handling a high capacity and can be used in hot environments due to the heat resistance of melamine. Melamine filters are also extremely efficient.
Aside from common commercial uses, melamine became a topic of much discussion in early 2007, when veterinary scientists determined it to be the cause of hundreds of pet deaths, because of pet food contamination. Prior to these reports, melamine had been regarded as non-toxic or minimally toxic. However, because of the unexplained presence of melamine in wheat gluten added to mass-produced dog and cat foods, it is the most likely cause. Pet owners report symptoms that are commonly associated with renal failure, which could be explained by the ammonia that may result from the digestion of the melamine.
There are numerous kinds of cookware that offers the most features which is real value for money. These kitchen tools are made up of durable materials for better performance and durability. Some classic cookware offers hand-made craftsmanship with the use of raw materials, which is a good material for cooking, and avoids toxins due to some chemicals used in cooking surfaces.
Cookware is an essential tool for cooking. They are commonly used for food preparation that comes in different types such as saucepans, cooking vessels, frying pans, kitchen knives, and many more.
These kitchen essentials are made of different materials like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, ceramics, glass and a lot more. There are various types of professional cookware available in the market today, which offers a lot of functionality for the cooking professionals.
Here is some of the best cookware available in the market:
Emerilware Stainless Cookware by All Clad
The Emerilware Stainless line by All Clad was designed in combination with Emeril Lagasse, perhaps the most popular chef and television character of our time. The Emeril Stainless Cookware line boasts its solid performance with reasonable prices. The base is made up of stainless steel, which is combined with aluminum and copper for perfect heat conductivity and satisfactory performance. In addition, the base disk is enclosed by an external elegant stainless steel for ease of cleaning and adds perfect resistance to rust. The cooking surface of the pan is made up of a non-reactive stainless steel and also comes with an ergonomic heat resistant handle that is securely mounted to the pan. The lids are made of tempered glass, with a stainless band for easy visibility.
Kuhn Rikon Circolo Cookware
The exclusive Kuhn Rikon Circolo cookware is one of the popular kitchen cookware in the US. This cookware is a perfect companion for the chef because of its perfect performance. The cookware is made of an aluminum core for better heat distribution and high performance. The exterior is made of polished stainless steel and a brushed stainless cooking surface. The handle does not have any interior rivets for easy cleaning. This piece of cookware is safe to put in dishwashers.
Cuisinart Cookware
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro cookware is one of the famous names in the cookware industry. Cuisinart Multiclad Pro comes with an aluminum core with brushed stainless exterior finish. The cooking surface is made up of the best material that does not discolor. Other Cuisinart Multiclad Pro cookware features include:
•Dishwasher safe
•Cool Grip handle
•Oven safe to 550F
•Tight-fitting lids seal in moisture and nutrients.
Piral Italian Terracotta Cookware
This cookware is an 1870 cookware collection by Piral. This is an excellent classic cookware that is hand crafted using the most honored Italian method of pottery making. The cookware is made of simple combination of Italian clay and water.
By using these raw materials, these kitchen tools offer a healthy cooking experience. Dishes can cooked on even heat and these kitchen essentials offer an alternative way of cooking by avoiding the hazards of by-products or toxins, which are being sucked into the food from the cooking surface. In addition, the glass-like finish makes the item easy to clean and can be used for cooking, food service and food storage as well.
Le Creuset Cookware
The Le Creuset Cookware is another product boasting the French craftsmanship of a hand-finished cookware. The classically-designed cookware can uniquely perform the needs of the most demanding chefs. These products are considered one of the favorites of chefs around the world.
Le Creuset Cookware features:
•Porcelain coated cast iron spreads heat more evenly.
•Can retain heat longer.
•Does not react to acidic foods.
•Tight-fitting lids that gently cooks food while sealing in the flavors.
•Porcelain coated cast iron can be used with nearly all heat sources: electric, induction, gas, and ceramic cover ranges.
•Phenolic handles and knobs are safe in the oven up to 450°Fahrenheit/232°Centigrade.
•Le Creuset can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
The Le Creuset porcelain coated cast iron cookware is guaranteed by a lifetime warranty.
In cooking, it is essential to have the best cookware in order to maintain a perfect cooking experience that will surely result in exciting and delicious food.
