DECORATIVE PANELS, LAMINATES & SURFACES 41 PROPERTIES OF ARPA LAMINATES The heat (140/150°C) and high pressure (>7MPa) to which it is subjected, ensure that Arpa HPL possesses exceptional qualities of hardness and scratch, impact, abrasion, chemical and heat resistance, properties that make it the ideal material for the widest variety of applications. Its main mechanical, physical and chemical characteristics are as fol lows: Attractive aesthetic qualities Resistance to the effects of water, steam & heat High mechanical strength Good fire resistance Flexibility Ease of cleaning Dimensional stability Hygienic qualities Durability (impact, wear and graffiti resistance) Anti-static properties (does not attract dust) Lightfastness of colour Ease of instal lation Good chemical resistance HYGIENE HPL laminate surfaces are durable, compact and highly impermeable due to the melamine resin they are made from and are not damaged by food and chemicals commonly used in the home; HPL is a thermosetting material and does not react with these substances. It is not subject to corrosion or oxidation and therefore does not require additional protective enamel or varnish. It is hygienic. It represents hostile territory for the proliferation of germs and bacteria and, unlike other materials of synthetic origin, has antistatic properties and therefore does not attract dust. In addition, HPL laminate panels may be of large dimension and are therefore ideal for cladding extensive areas without joints or crevices where dirt could more easily col lect. They are therefore particularly suitable in al l situations that require maximum hygiene. SUITABLE FOR CONTACT WITH FOOD Arpa HPL is ideal for convenience, hygiene, durability and ease of cleaning. It also represents a hostile territory for the proliferation of germs and spores and is therefore an ideal material for al l applications involving direct contact with food. RESISTANCE TO BACTERIA HPL are more hygienic and easier to clean than ordinary furniture finishes. One of the properties of Arpa HPL is exceptional resistance to the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, moulds and fungi. This quality makes them ideal for applications where hygiene plays an essential role. REACTION TO FIRE In general, HPL laminates have excel lent fire performance with low smoke emissions. In the event of fire, they do not catch fire easily (only at very high temperatures) and do not soften or run. FORMALDEHYDE RELEASE The very low permeability of HPL provides a barrier against the possible emission of formaldehyde and other volatile substances (VOCs) that might come from any timber substrates forming part of composite panels. Arpa laminates have obtained “GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality” and “GREENGUARD Children and Schools” certification and sustainability certificates which set even more restrictive criteria. LAMINATES & SURFACESDECORATIVE PANELS,