Benefits of a Chemical Resistant Countertop

Chemical resistant countertops also are known as chemical resistant work surface are commonly found in research and school laboratories but are also used in home kitchens and healthcare & medical facilities.

Chemical resistant material is available in a variety of resistant levels, this makes selecting the right countertop material crucial to your work environment. Let’s take a look at the advantages of using a chemical resistant countertop and types of chemical resistant material.

While working with chemicals it is important to have a work surface that is capable of handling chemical spills and durable to impact. These are a few things to consider when choosing a work surface.

Importance of Chemical Resistance

Chemical resistance countertops are typically used in research and school laboratories. These facilities are inclined to accidents due to daily use of chemicals and inexperienced students handling of corrosive chemicals. Highly corrosive chemical spills can pose an enormous risk of damage to laboratory workstations. Chemical spills are not the only danger but fire and heat from reactive chemicals and Bunsen burners can also damage a work surface. A chemical resistant and heat resistant countertop material will provide protection during a spill, exposure to heat and daily abuse extending the life of your worktable.

Types of Chemical-Resistant Countertop Material

As mentioned above, chemical resistant materials are available in a variety of resistance levels. We will cover 4 material to consider using for a lab countertop.

Phenolic Resin

Phenolic resin countertop is extremely durable, lightweight, and highly chemical resistant. Created by layering craft paper soaked in resin, processed under high heat and combined to form a solid countertop. This material is considered to be the first polymeric product to be mass-produced commercially. Beside being chemical resistant, phenolic resin tops are capable of handling continuous heat exposure of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, durable to impact damage and resistant bacteria due to its non-porous surface.

Chemical Resistant Laminate

Classified as a high chemical resistance level, chemical resistant laminate is ideal when working with highly corrosive chemicals. Manufactured by covering melamine resin over the embellished surface paper, then bonded to a core of kraft paper soaked with phenolic resin, producing a strong and chemical resistant work surface. This work surface is capable of withstanding highly corrosive chemicals, exposure to heat up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit at an affordable price. The disadvantage of this countertop material is low resistance to bacteria, fungal, water, and moisture.

Epoxy Resin

Considered to be the standard countertop for most laboratory environments, Epoxy resin is able to withstand exposure to corrosive chemicals and is resistant to heat, moisture, and impact damage. Epoxy resin is manufactured by mixing resin, silica, hardener, and filler then molded and cured into a solid slab. Its non-porous surface prevents bacteria and mold from growing and spreading.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most used materials used in the production of countertops. Used in a variety of industries, including hospitals, surgical rooms, and commercial and residential kitchens, due to its durability and hygienic properties. Made from low carbon steel with a 10% addition of chromium producing its corrosion and stain resistant property. Stainless steel countertops are classified at a moderate chemical and corrosive resistance level.

It is extremely important to consider the type of material being used for countertop and anticipate what type of chemicals will be handled. Countertops are a long-term investment so make sure to consult with an expert before purchasing a chemical resistant countertop.

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