Which one of the following is an example of melamine used for making floor tiles?

Question

Which one of the following is an example of melamine used for making floor tiles?

1. A. Polyethene
2. B. Thermoplastics
3. C. PVC
4. D. Thermosetting plastic (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Thermosetting plastic

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Thermosetting plastic.

Key Points

• Melamine is a thermosetting plastic. Thermosetting plastics (thermosets) are polymers that, once moulded and set by heat, become permanently hard and cannot be softened or remoulded by reheating, because their molecules form strong cross-linked networks.
• This heat- and fire-resistance makes melamine ideal for floor tiles, kitchenware (crockery) and heat-resistant surfaces. Bakelite is another common thermoset.
• In contrast, thermoplastics (like polythene/polyethene and PVC) soften on heating and can be remoulded again and again.

Additional Information

• options (A) Polyethene, (B) Thermoplastics and (C) PVC are all thermoplastic in nature, so the odd category that describes melamine is thermosetting plastic, option (D).