This method, based on the 1954 work of Hirt, King, and Schmitt (1), may be used for the detection and estimation of melamine resin in papers. It may be used in the presence of other additives, such as glue, glycerin, and rosin, but the presence of dyes or unbleached pulp may cause difficulties. The procedure was originally issued in 1963. A complete precision study of the procedure was never completed. The current (2010) use of melamine resin in paper is minimal, in part perhaps because of the use of formaldehyde to convert the melamine monomer to the melamine resin. Based on limited current use of the method, users of the method should evaluate interferences and precision of the procedure in its intended application.

The procedure consists of a micro method intended for identification and semi-quantitative determination on small samples (1 to 4 mg) and a more precise macro method for samples one gram and heavier.