Fig. 3 shows a kitchen worktop with a decorative laminated surface. The item shown is commonly used in design and technology projects. It has been designed ...

(a) Name the thermosetting polymer commonly used to make the decorative laminated surface labelled A [1]

Melamine / melamine formaldehyde [1]. This thermosetting polymer is produced as thin decorative sheets that are bonded under heat and pressure to a substrate (typically chipboard or MDF) to create laminated worktops and surfaces.

(b) State two properties of this thermosetting polymer that make it suitable for a kitchen worktop surface [2]

Any two from the following, each worth [1]:

• Heat resistant / does not soften when heated - as a thermoset, melamine formaldehyde has permanent cross-linked bonds that do not break down with heat, so hot pans placed on the surface will not cause it to deform or melt.
• Scratch resistant / hard surface - the high surface hardness resists scratching from knives, utensils, and abrasive cleaning, maintaining its appearance over years of use.
• Waterproof / moisture resistant - it does not absorb water, preventing swelling, warping, or degradation in the wet kitchen environment.
• Stain resistant / easy to clean - the smooth, non-porous surface does not absorb food stains, grease, or cleaning chemicals, and can be wiped clean easily.
• Can be produced with a decorative/coloured finish - melamine sheets are available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures (including wood grain and stone effects), giving designers visual flexibility.