Phenolic resin is a petroleum based chemical resin used to saturate and impregnate kraft paper in a composite system to form a phenolic resin sheet material underr high heat and pressure. This laboratory counter top sheet material gives table tops, bench tops and shelving a distinct advantage over other work surface systems. They are lighter in weight, chemical resistant, easy to field fabricate, less expensive to ship.
Epoxy resin, also an oil-based bi-product, is poured in a mold, heated and formed into a homogenous laboratory table top or laboratory top sheet material. Epoxy has excellent heat and chemical resistance but is heavier in weight, more difficult to field fabricate and costs more in shipping. With growing markets in the Uninted States and overseas in Asia and the Middle East such as in China, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other advancing international regions of the world, lab furniture has experienced a growth in the specification and utilization of phenolic resin laboratory composite sheet materials.
Phenolic resin sheet systems are being utilized as laboratory counter tops and bench toppings, along with chemical resistant shelving, reagent shelving, acid storage cabinets and chemical resistant casework and lab furniture. Epoxy resin tabletop or laboratory top surfaces are higher priced but widely specified alternative to phenolic resin composite systems. Phenolic resin is quickly gaining ground over the high volume epoxy resin sheet material and is increasing its presence in specifications and in manufacturer's production schedules. Phenolic resin and epoxy resin are two major laboratory counter top materials offered by Total Laboratory Solutions and their international partners.