Decorative laminates are laminated products primarily used as furniture surface materials or wall paneling. It can be manufactured as either high or low pressure laminate, with the two processes not much different from each other except for the pressure applied in the pressing process.
High Pressure Laminate
According to McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture & Construction, high-pressure laminates consists of laminates "molded and cured at pressures not lower than 1,000 lb per sq in. (70 kg per sq cm) and more commonly in the range of 1,200 to 2,000 lb per sq in. (84 to 140 kg per sq cm).
Low Pressure Laminate
Low Pressure laminate is defined as "a plastic laminate molded and cured at pressures in general of 400 pounds per square inch (approximately 27 atmospheres or 2.8 x 106 Pascal's).
Quality Standards
There are various industrial standards specifically applied for high-pressure decorative laminates:
European Standard EN438
The European Standard EN438 one of the standards that most decorative laminates manufacturer selling to worldwide market (such as Formica, Maica, Wilsonart) adheres to. The specific code is EN438, entitled: Decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL) sheets based on thermosetting resins, specifications. It replaces the BS3794 standard.
The specific part for EN438 which applies to high pressure laminates is Part 3. The full title to this standard is: High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called laminates) Part 3: Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates. In total there are 9 parts to the EN438.
Anti-Bacterial
Antibacterial properties are important for decorative laminates because these laminates are used as kitchen tops and counter tops, cabinets and table tops that may be in constant contact with food materials and younger children. Antibacterial properties are there to ensure that bacterial growth is minimal.
One of the standards for Anti-Bacterial is the ISO 22196:2007, which is based on the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), code Z2801. This is one of the standards most often referred to in the industry with regards to tests on microbial activities (specifically bacteria) and in the JIS Z2801, two bacteria species are used as a standard, namely E.Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, some companies may have the initiative to test more than just these two bacteria and may also replace Staphylococcus aureus with MRSA, the methicillin-resistant version of the same bacteria.
Again, different countries may choose to specify different types of microbes for testing especially if they identified some bacteria groups which are more intimidating in their countries due to specific reasons.
Anti-Fungi
A common anti-fungi standard is the ASTM G21-09. Not all manufacturers will take the initiatives for product R&D for anti-Fungi attributes. Manufacturers like Maica Laminates send their products for laboratory tests for certification following the ASTM G21-09 standard,while Formica partners with Microban Protection,which is a company manufacturing additives, including the anti-bacterial additives.
Fire Resistant and Flame Retardant
There are many different standards with regards to fire resistant and flame retardant properties of High Pressure Decorative Laminates. While different countries may have different standards for the building industry to adhere to, most countries may agree on some of the more common standards being used in the industry. Very often, just like other standards applicable to the industry, the tests may be European Standards with their equivalent in the US Standards.
For example, many Commonwealth countries may be comfortable with the British Standards 476 especially Parts 6 and 7, while there will still be US Standard equivalence in the ASTM.
Others
The list of tests applicable to decorative laminates will never be exhaustive. As the technology improves, there will be many more tests to ensure the safety of the products upon use by the end consumer, for example perhaps the tests on transfer of surface substance to food materials if prepared on the decorative laminates as a kitchen surface. The core tests will then also branch out based on the specific requirements and standards adopted by different countries.
"Green" Certificates
One of the internationally-acknowledged "Green" certificates for decorative laminates is GREENGUARD. The GREENGUARD marks are to certify that the products have low chemical emissions. Chemicals tested include VOCs, formaldehyde and other harmful particles. The tests are based on single occupancy room with outdoor ventilation following the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
There are also many other "Green" certifications, some which are requirements by the authorities before the product can be used as building materials. These include the Singapore Green Label which is recognized by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) and all its member countries.
Applications
Decorative high-pressure laminates are usually used for furniture tops especially on flat surfaces, including cabinets and tables. Decorative compact laminates are sometimes constructed as toilet cubicle systems, laboratory tables and kitchen tops. Some new usage models include wall panels with conceptual designs and custom prints.