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melamine

melamine (mel'umēn") [key], common name for 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine. Melamine is a trimer (see polymer) of cyanamide, H2NCtriple bondN, and is synthesized from calcium carbide. It condenses with formaldehyde to give a thermosetting resin. Melamine resins have many uses, including the manufacture of plastic dishes under the trade name Melmac.

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