User:Shriyashah9/sandbox

Laboratory Countertops

Characteristics of laboratory countertops are determined according to what reagents and/or corrosive chemicals are being used. The purpose of the countertop would be different depending on whether it is used in a chemistry lab, food science lab, microbiology or a biology lab. They can be used to place equipments, tools, projects and Chemicals. Common characteristics of preferred laboratory countertops are ones that are strong, durable, and water/moisture resistant or chemical resistant. Sometimes, they are additionally required to be acid or heat resistant. Many laboratory countertops are equipped with drawers that can be used to store materials that might get in the way of the experiment. Materials such as lab notebooks, pencils, extra papers and folders are expected to be stored away in the provided spaces. The laboratory countertops' styles and variations may differ according to where they are (geographical location) and what labs they are being used for. They are also often made of different materials depending on their usage. The most common and durable type of material is phenolic raisin because they are lightweight, strong, chemical and moisture resistant. It can handle heat exposure up to 350°F (176°C), beyond this temperature Epoxy Resin is used. They are both functionally equivalent, but differ in their heat handling abilities. Other materials to build laboratory countertops may include plastic laminate, stainless steel and even wood.