Worktop material for Laboratories
A wide choice of different worktop materials is available. Therefore, the decision between the different options may not always be easy. We herewith present a comparison between the available worktop materials, which may be helpful to make a decision.
Nowadays, not only the characteristics of the material are important, the aesthetical values are growing in importance as well. The end-decision is usually based on a balance between quality, price and design.
Poly-propylene (PP) is created by poly-addition of propylene. The molecular structure determines the characteristics of the originated polymer. Because of the two-dimensional structure, polypropylene is not very heat-resistant (up to approx. 110°C), but resistant to a lot of chemicals. Hydro-fluoric acid, for example, is not a problem.
With polypropylene it is possible to have a seamless workbench by welding the parts together on location, which makes it very suitable for the use in for example Isotope-laboratories, and in laboratories where hydro-fluoric acid is used.
Stainless-steel is a composition of iron, nickel and chromium. It is resistant against a lot of chemicals. The initial costs are relatively high. Another disadvantage is that stainless steel needs intensive maintenance, which makes this product only suitable for special applications. Stainless steel worktops can be supplied in maximum lengths of approximately 3 metres, they are usually supported by watertight chipboard.
Ceramic tiles are very resistant to chemicals, but the joints are the potential weak points and they are difficult to clean. The tiles usually have a thickness of approximately 8mm, and they need to be supported. The joints are normally epoxy-resin-based. The tiles have the same physical characteristics as the ceramic worktops.
Ceramic worktops are self-wearing worktops. They are very suitable for the use in laboratories. Ceramic tops are resistant to all chemicals, with the only exception of Hydro-fluoric acid and hot alkali. The tops are made of a special composition of clay, feldspar and quartz, which is fired in a temperature exceeding 1200°C. The tops can be glazed in different colours before cooking. As ceramic is a natural product, some tolerance in colour and dimensions have to be accepted.
The maximum length of a seamless top is 2 metres, maximum width 0,9 metre. The benefits of durability, easy maintenance and excellent chemical resistance are putting the higher initial investment into the right perspective.
Epoxy-resin worktops. The characteristics of epoxy-resin are based on its three-dimensional structure. The tops are often glass-fibre reinforced.
The relative easiness of and flexibility in production is an advantage of this material. Disadvantages are the limited chemical resistance (methanol for instance is a problem) and the inability to recycle the product after use.
High-pressure Laminate is a solid material, constructed of a combination wood-fibre and phenolic resins. The tops are often decorated with a coloured melamine surface. The maximum-length is approximately 3,5 metre. Main advantage is the relatively low price. However, the chemical resistance is limited and the tops are liable to stains from dyes.
- Click here for a table with test results of several materials.
