Melamine (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5 triazine, CAS nr. 106-78-1) is a white crystalline
powder with a melting point of approximately 354°C and a density of
1.573 grams/cc.
Far below its melting point, already at >200°C, melamine
is known to vaporize or sublime (diluting the fuel gases and oxygen near
the combustion source).
When sublimating it absorbs an amount of heat of
29 kcal/mole, when decomposing it absorbs an amount of heat of ~470 kcal/mole,
thus acting as a heat sink in fire situations.
Additionally melamine exhibits
low solubility in waterand most other solvents, excellent UV absorption above 250nm and a pH of 8.1 .
