Melamine is used in hard plastics, and it is necessary to produce laminated plastics that give countertops longevity and make them easier to clean. Melamine also acts as a formaldehyde scavenger in plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board. Melamine is used to make a product that gives materials flame-retardant properties. Melamine, when used in the production of polyurethane foam, makes that foam fire retardant. Melamine products do not require as much solvent when used in spray paint and adhesives as other resins. Because of melamine, automobile and appliance manufacturers have also reduced emissions from paint application processes.
