From the heat of a Bunsen burner to the bubbling chemicals in a beaker, science labs are home to some of the most exciting experiments. But behind every reaction, flame and chemical test is a lab surface that needs to withstand the elements. Whether setting up a high school chemistry lab or middle school science classroom, choosing the right top material is crucial for safety, durability and performance.
Two of the most trusted lab surfaces in the science community are epoxy resin and phenolic resin. Both offer excellent durability and chemical resistance, but each has unique advantages.
Let’s compare the two so you can choose the best surface for your lab.
What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a durable, high-performance lab surface ideal for experiments with high heat and chemicals. It’s made by combining resin, silica, hardener and filler, then pouring the mixture into a mold and oven-curing it into a solid slab.
Why Choose Epoxy?
1. Heat Resistance: Epoxy resin withstands temperatures above 275°F and can be exposed to open flames, making it perfect for labs using Bunsen burners or hot plates.
2. Chemical Resistance: Epoxy holds up against a wide range of harsh chemicals, making it great for chemistry labs and other high-use environments.
3. Moisture and Bacterial Resistance: Its non-porous surface prevents bacteria growth and is easy to clean.
Key Considerations:
1. Higher Cost: Epoxy resin is more expensive than phenolic resin, which can be a determining factor for schools with budget constraints.
2. Maintenance Needs: To keep epoxy tops in good condition, it’s important to protect exposed edges from impact and be mindful of potential scratches over time. Check out our Epoxy Top Care Instructions for tips on maintaining longevity and performance.
What Is Phenolic Resin?
Phenolic resin is a versatile lab surface that shares 90% of the characteristics of epoxy resin. It’s made by adhering layers of kraft paper and resin together and compressing it at a high temperature to a solid surface.
Why Choose Phenolic?
1. Cold Resistance: Unlike some materials that can become brittle or crack under freezing temperatures, phenolic resin maintains its structural integrity when exposed to dry ice and other cold substances.
2. Chemical Resistance: Phenolic resin is highly chemical resistant, offering similar protection as epoxy.
3. Cost: Phenolic is more affordable than epoxy resin, which makes it a great choice for schools with limited budgets.
4. Durability and Maintenance: Phenolic resin is highly durable and more scratch-resistant than epoxy. It also has good impact resistance, which makes it the better choice for mobile applications.
5. Moisture and Bacterial Resistance: Its non-porous surface prevents bacteria growth and is easy to clean.
Key Considerations:
1. Heat Limitations: While it can handle up to 275°F, phenolic resin is not designed for direct flame exposure like epoxy.
Other Lab Surface Options
In addition to epoxy and phenolic resin, there are other lab surfaces worth considering, such as ChemGuard. Check out our general overview that compares different top options.
Choosing the Right Lab Surface
When deciding which lab surface is best, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every lab has different needs! That’s why we’ve created a Science Lab Worksurface Guide to help you decide. All you need to do is fill out the form to get your copy.
For specific questions and assistance, please contact us!