This page defines commonly used terms in our industry. The terminology listed below may appear in our Technical Bulletins or may be used in a conversation with one of our Technical Personnel while discussing your application.
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A-Stage
An early stage in the reaction of certain thermosetting resins in which the material is fusible and still soluble in certain liquids.
Adhesive
A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. Note- Adhesive is the general term and includes among other cement, glue, mucilage and paste. All of these terms are loosely used interchangeably.
Aggregate
A hard fragmented material used with an epoxy binder as a flooring or surfacing medium. Also a coarse filler used as a core for epoxy tools.
Aging
The change of a material with time under defined environmental conditions, leading to improvement or deterioration of properties.
Ambient
Usually used to describe temperature; meaning same as the surroundings. Ambient usually, but not always, implies a temperature in the range of 60-90°F/15-32°C.
Amine
Curing agent for epoxy resins that is any of a class of ammonia derivatives. The are derived from Ammonia (NH3).
Annulus
A space between two objects forming a ring.
Artificial Weathering
The exposure of product to cyclic laboratory conditions involving changes in temperature, relative humidity, and ultra violet radiant energy, with or without direct water spray, in an attempt to produce changes in the material similar to those observed after continuous outdoor exposure. Note- The laboratory exposure conditions are usually intensified beyond those encountered in actual outdoor exposure in an attempt to achieve an accelerated effect.
ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials.
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B-Stage
An intermediate stage in the reaction of certain thermosetting resins in which the material softens when heated and swells when in contact with certain liquids, but may not entirely fuse or dissolve. The resin in an uncured thermosetting system, is usually in this stage.
Baking Temperature
A temperature above 150°F/65.6°C. Refers to curing materials at these elevated temperatures.
Binder
The cementitious part of a grout, mortar, or concrete that binds the aggregate or filler into a cohesive mass.
Bond
The union of materials by adhesives.
Bonding System
The product resulting from the combination of all the components supplied for use as a bonding material.
Bond Strength
The unit load applied in tension, compression, flexure, peel, impact, cleavage, or shear, required to break an adhesive assembly with failure occurring in or near the plane of the bond. Note-The term adherence is frequently used in place of bond strength.
Brookfield Viscosimeter
An instrument for measuring the viscosity of formulated adhesives under standard conditions of temperature.
Bubble
Internal void or a trapped globule of air or other gas.
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C-Stage
The final stage in the reaction of certain thermosetting resins in which the material is relatively insoluble and infusible. Certain thermosetting resins in a fully cured state are in this stage.
Calorie
A thermal unit. A calorie is that amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water, one degree centigrade.
Catalyst
A substance which markedly speeds up the cure of an adhesive when added in minor quantity as compared to the amounts of the primary reactants.
Centigrade
A scale of temperature that features 0° and 100° as the freezing and boiling points of water, respectively. To convert Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 and add 32, e.g., (100°C x 1.8) + 32 = 212°F.
Centipoise
1/100th of a poise; (dyne-sec/cm2); a viscosity measurement unit.
Chalking
Formation of a dry powdery chalk-like appearance or deposit on the surface of a material. It is due to a breaking down of the material after being exposed to ultraviolet light, or other weathering.
Chemical Resistance
The ability of a material to resist the degradation from exposure to various reagents.
Clarity
Degree of clearness in a cured epoxy system.
Class A
An ASTM classification that refers to materials suitable for use below 40°F.
Class B
An ASTM classification that refers to materials suitable for use between 40°F and 60°F.
Class C
An ASTM classification that refers to materials suitable for use between 60°F and the allowable temperatures defined by manufacturer.
Closed-Cell Foamed Plastic
A cellular plastic in which there is a predominance of noninterconnecting cells.
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
Once cured, a measure of the change in length of an epoxy system over a given temperature range. It is expressed in inches per inch per degree C. ASTM D696-44.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
Change in a unit of length or volume that accompanies a unit change in temperature.
Cohesion
The state in which the particles of a single substance are held together by primary or secondary valence forces observed in the tendency of the substance to stick to itself. As used in the adhesive field, the state in which the particles of the adhesive (or the adhered) are held together.
Component
A constituent that is intended to be combined with one or more other constituents to form a bonding system.
Compressive Modulus
The ratio within the elastic limit of compressive stress to corresponding compressive strain (deformation per original length). It is expressed in pounds per square inch. ASTM D695-54.
Compressive Strength
The breaking point of a material when subjected to a load. The test is conducted by squeezing or pressing together a specimen of the material until it ruptures.
Compressive Strength, Ultimate
The maximum load in pounds that can be carried per square inch of cross section of the material under test.
Conductive
Having the quality of power of conducting or transmitting heat, electricity, or static electricity.
Conductivity
Reciprocal of volume resistivity. Conductance of a unit cube of any material.
Cross-Link
Tying together large molecules and hence changing the physical properties of material. Cross-linking usually involves formation of three dimensional molecular network and is customarily associated with thermosetting resins.
Cure
To change the physical properties of an epoxy by chemical reaction through polymerization, usually accomplished in the presence of heat and catalyst, alone or in combination.
Cure Cycle
The schedule of time periods at specified temperatures to which a reacting thermosetting plastic or rubber composition is subjected in order to reach certain specified properties.
Cure Time
The period of action when a material attains its ultimate physical properties.
Curing Agent
A substance that causes the conversion of a fluid resin system to a solid cured resin by means of a chemical reaction.
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Delamination
Loss of adhesion and separation between coatings or between a coating and its substrate.
Density
The ratio of a substance’s mass to its volume at a given temperature and pressureample-water at 25ÉC, 1 atmere of pressure =1.0 gr/cm3 = 8.35 lb./gal.
Dielectric Constant
When electrical energy is applied in a circuit, the insulating material of the electrical charge and releases it when the current is broken. Capacitance is the ratio of charge absorbed to the potential (voltage applied). Dielectric Constance is the ratio of an insulator's capacitance to that of dry air. (1.0). A dielectric constant of 5 means an insulator will absorb 5 times more electrical energy than air.
Dielectric Strength
The voltage which an insulating material can withstand before breakdown occurs, expressed in volts per Mil.
Diluent
A liquid that ether lowers the viscosity of epoxy formulations and reacts chemically with them.
Dispensing Supplies
Medium used to apply epoxy to pieces or units. Squeeze bottles, syringes, needles, and meter mix equipment are all examples.
Discoloration
Any change from an initial color possessed by a material, either due to environmental or internal conditions.
Dissipation Factor
The measure of electrical energy absorbed and lost in the insulating material when energy is applied in a circuit. 20-3060 has a dissipation factor of .01. This means that .01% of the energy being stored (capacitance) is lost. Dissipation factor is the ratio of the resistive component of a capacitor to the capacitive reactance of the capacitor. Also referred to as Loss Tangent. ASTM D150-59T.
Domed
Showing a symmetrical distortion of a flat or curved section of an object so that as normally viewed. Term often used when clear "epoxy domes" are applied to labels, pins, magnets, key tags, etc.
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Elasticity
That property of materials by virtue of which they tend to recover their original size and shape after deformation. Note-if the strain is proportional to the applied stress, the material is said to exhibit Hookean or ideal elasticity.
Elastomer
A material which at room temperature can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to its approximate original length.
Elongation

The state of being lengthened or extended. The test for elongation is applicable only to flexible materials in that it measures the elasticity or ability to stretch until it breaks. The value is expressed in % distortion of parallel reference lines.
Encapsulation
Used interchangeably with Potting. Refers to the enclosure of an item in a substance. Sometimes used specifically in reference to the enclosure of capacitors or modules.
Epoxy
A thermosetting resin made by polymerizing an epoxide; the reaction products of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol - A. Epoxy resins, when cured are known for their versatility and dimensional stability.
Epoxy Concrete
A combination of epoxy resin and fine and coarse aggregate in a consistency similar to Portland cement concrete.
Epoxy Grout
A fluid epoxy compound used to fill cracks, set dowels, etc., in manner similar to conventional grout.
Evacuation
The removal of entrained air from an epoxy system by vacuum. Also referred to as degassing.
Exotherm
The liberation of heat energy during a chemical reaction. Exotherm is increased in large masses.
Extender
An available or relatively inexpensive compatible material which can be added to a more valuable substance so as to increase the amount of material in useful form. The use of extenders may involve adulteration under some conditions.
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Failure, Adhesive
The failure at the bond line between substrates and an adhesive; the adhesive separating entirely from the substrate.
Failure, Cohesive
Failure within the adhesive under a stress, resulting in a broken bond with all adhered surfaces still covered with adhesive.
Failure, Substrate
The failure of the substrate material itself, upon subjecting bonded adhered surfaces to a stress.
Filler
A substance, often inert, added to a system to improve properties and/or decrease cost.
Fisheyeib
Small globular mass which has not blended completely into the surrounding material and is particularly evident in a transparent or translucent material.
Flame Retardance
The ability of an epoxy system to resist combustion or burning. Some materials tend to extinguish themselves when subjected to a flame. Such materials are classified as self-extinguishing. ASTM D790-63.
Flash Point
The temperature at which the material gives off flammable vapor in sufficient quantity to ignite momentarily on the application of a flame under specified conditions.
Flexural Modulus
The ratio, within the elastic limit, of flexural stress to the corresponding strain. It is expressed in pounds per square inch. ASTM D790-63.
Flexural Strength
Ability of a material to withstand failure due to bending.
Flow
Movement of the epoxy during the curing stages before completely cured.
Forced Drying Temperatures
A temperature between room temperature and 150°F.(65°C).
Fusible
Capable of being melted or fused together by melting.
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Gallon, U.S
A volume equal to 231 cu. in. measured at 25°C/77°F.
Gardner Color Scale
A system of color standards based upon stable solutions of ferric chloride used in the evaluation of resins, lacquers, oils and varnishes. The Gardner Scale can be correlated roughly with other color standards such as FAC, ASTM, NPA and Lovibond.
Gel
The initial jelly-like solid phase that develops during the transition from a liquid to a solid. Note: In this state the epoxy is soft and flexible, and has no strength.
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
Approximate midpoint of the temperature range over which a material undergoes a phase change from brittle to rubbery or vice versa.
Glossib
That property of the cured epoxy or any other material that causes it to reflect light.
Grade 1
An ASTM classification that refers to low viscosity material.
Grade 2
An ASTM classification that refers to medium viscosity material.
Grade 3
An ASTM classification that refers to high viscosity material.
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Hardener
A substance formulated so that when mixed with an epoxy resin it will cause the epoxy to solidify and harden.
Heat Distortion (Deflection) Temperature
The temperature at which a material softens enough to distort under a given load. It is not usually considered to be beyond the maximum usable temperature, but is an indication of the maximum usable temperature when the material is load bearing at a given load. As the load decreases, the maximum usable temperature will increase.
Heat Sink
Any device that absorbs and draws off heat from a hot object, thereby neutralizing the extreme temperature.
Humidity (Absolute)
The amount of moisture present in the atmosphere expressed in grams per cubic meter.
Humidity (Relative)
The ratio of the amount of moisture contained in the atmosphere to the amount of moisture that can be carried in the atmosphere at a given temperature. Relative humidity is expressed in percent, e.g., 75% R.H. at a given temperature means that the air is 75% saturated with moisture.
Hygroscopic
A property of absorbing and holding moisture.
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Impact Resistance
The ability of a material to withstand a forceful strike. The test measures a material's ability to resist cracking, chipping or breaking bond under an impact load, such as a steel ball dropped from a specified distance.
Impregnate
To fill the voids and spaces of an electrical unit with a compound. (This does not imply complete fill or complete coating of the surfaces by a hole-free film).
Insulation Resistance
The ratio of the direct voltage applied to electrodes in contact with an epoxy system to the total current between them. It is dependent upon both the volume and surface resistance of the epoxy systems. ASTM D257-61.
Intermittent Operating Or Service Temperature
The temperature to which the epoxy system can be subjected for short periods of time without degradation of its properties.
Izod Impact Strength
A measure of the brittleness of a material. Brittle materials will have low izod impact values (.15 for example). Tough materials will have high izod impact strengths (.60 for example).
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Laitance
An alkaline accumulation of fine particles on the surface of fresh concrete due to an upward movement of water.
Maximum Service Temperature
Highest recommended continuous use temperature based upon thermal endurance and historical data.
Modifier
Any ingredient added to an epoxy formulation that changes its properties.
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
A value that is the ration of the breaking strength to the deformation at break of a given material. It indicates the relative rigidity and strength of a material.
Moisture Resistance
Having some resistance to high humidity. A moisture resistant adhesive will not be easily affected by moisture. Will not easily change its chemical and physical properties due to moisture. Should not be confused with "water proof."
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Ohm Unit
Unit of electrical resistance. Resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.
Opaque
Any material is opaque if no light can be transmitted through it.
Operating Or Service Temperature
The temperature at which an epoxy system can operate continuously without degradation of its properties.
Ohm Unit
Unit of electrical resistance. Resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.
Orange Peel
Uneven surface somewhat resembling an orange peel.
Overlay
To apply a mortar to sufficient thickness, usually 1/4 in./6 mm or more, to form a new surface.
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Pigment
The fine solid particle, usually inorganic, used in the preparation of colored products, and substantially insoluble in the vehicle. In contrast, a dye is soluble.
Pit
Small regular or irregular crater in a surface, usually with its width approximately of the same order of magnitude as its depth.
Polyester
A thermosetting resin formed by polymerization that is used widely in making fibers, plastics and coatings.
Pot Life
Recently replaced by the term gel time. The amount of time a material is in its workable state between the initial mixing and when hardening begins. Also known as working time.
Potting
Similar to encapsulating, except that steps are taken to insure complete penetration of all the voids in the object before the resin polymerizes.
P.S.I.
Pounds per square inch; a unit measure of pressure.
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Resin Mortar
A combination of epoxy resin and fine aggregate in a consistency suitable for troweling.
Resistivity
The ability of a material to resist passage of electrical current either through its bulk or on a surface. The unit of volume resistivity is the ohm-cm, of surface resistivity, the ohm.
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Set
To convert an epoxy into a fixed or hardened state by chemical or physical action through polymerization.
Set Time
The time interval between the mixing of a material and it reaching a completely hardened state.
Shear Strength
The shear force required to break a specimen divided by its cross-sectional area; the force being applied parallel to the cross-sectional area.
Shore A Hardness
The reading of a material's hardness on a durometer, the scale of which is 0-100, used on elastomers and other flexible materials. Consists of a pinpoint depression into the material, the material being at least 100 mils thick. A Shore A reading of 80 equal a Shore D reading of 30.
Shore D Hardness
The reading of a material's hardness on a durometer similar to the Shore A durometer, the scale of which 0-100, used on rigid and semi-rigid materials. Consist of a pin point depression into the material. Both the Shore A and Shore D instruments are made by the Shore Instrument Manufacturing Company, Inc., Jamaica, NY.
Shrinkage
The amount of loss due to contraction by a material. For most materials, shrinkage is measured linearly or volumetrically during setting and curing.
Softening Range
The range of temperature in which a thermoplastic changes from a rigid to a soft state.
Solvent
A liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances. Common types are aromatics(benzene, toluene, xylene), ketones(acetone, methyl, ethyl, ketone), aliphatics (kerosene, mineral spirits), terpenes (pine oil, turpentine) and chlorinated (carbon tetrachloride, percholrethylene).
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water (as a standard) when both densities are obtained by weighing in air.
Storage life
The period of time during which a packaged epoxy or curing agent can be stored under specific temperature conditions and remain stable for use. Sometimes called shelf life.
Stress
An applied force or pressure, as tension or shear, exerted on a body which produces a resultant strain on the material. The ability of material to withstand a stress depends on the strength of its cohesive force or molecular resistance.
Stripper
A compound used to remove undesirable foreign material from a surface. Such compounds should possess good penetration, rinse freely and not attack the substrate.
Stripping
The removal of undesirable substance from a surface by abrasive or chemical action.
Substrate
A material upon the surface of which an epoxy is spread for any purpose, such as bonding or coating.
Surface Resistivity
The resistance to a current flow along the surface of an insulator material. Measure in ohms-cm.
Surface Tension
The property of a liquid which causes the surface to pull into the smallest area for a maximum volume, hence, drops are spherical. The fact that water drops on a wax surface do not spread out due to surface tension. If a wetting agent were to be added to the water the round droplet would spread out into a film because of the lowered surface tension.
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Temperature, Curing
The temperature to which an adhesive or an assembly is subjected to cure the adhesive. Note-The temperature attained by the adhesive in the process of setting it may differ from the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the ssembly.
Tensile Strength
The breaking point of a material when pulled apart. The test is conducted by pulling at both ends of a specimen until it ruptures.
Thermal Conductivity
A measure of how rapidly heat is conducted through a material.
Thermal Shock Resistance
The ability of a cured system to resist cracking or crazing under conditions of rapid and continuous thermal change. The 1/4 inch Olyphant Washer test is cycled over a temperature range of -55ÉC to +125ÉC, this temperature is normally used as the test condition unless otherwise stated.
Thermosetting
Describes the property of an epoxy, to set or become rigid and non-meltable when heated with or without pressure.
Thixotropy
False body. The property of a paste or fluid to thicken or set up to a paste or semi-gel when allowed to stand. Agitation breaks it down but further standing will again permit a viscosity rise.
Time, Curing
The period of time during which an assembly or part may be subjected to heat or pressure, to cure the epoxy. It is the time between the addition of curing agent to the resin, and completed polymerization.
Thixotropy
False body. The property of a paste or fluid to thicken or set up to a paste or semi-gel when allowed to stand. Agitation breaks it down but further standing will again permit a viscosity rise.
Type I
An ASTM classification that refers to bonding hardened concrete to hardened concrete in a non-load-bearing situation.
Type II
An ASTM classification that refers to bonding fresh concrete to hardened concrete in a non-load-bearing situation.
Type III
An ASTM classification that refers to bonding skid-resistant materials to hardened concrete, subject to movement.
Type IV
An ASTM classification that refers to bonding hardened concrete to hardened concrete in a load-bearing situation.
Type V
An ASTM classification that refers to bonding fresh concrete to hardened concrete in a load-bearing situation.
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Viscosity
The property of a fluid or semifluid that enables it to develop and maintain an amount of shearing stress dependent upon the velocity of flow and then to offer continued resistance to flow. Also known as the consistency of a liquid.
1 cps = Water
400 cps = #10 Motor Oil
1,000 cps = Castor Oil
3,500 cps = Karo Syrup
25,000 cps = Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
Volume Resistivity
The ratio of the electrical resistance through a cross section A divided by the length through which the current flows. Measured in ohms-cm.
Volume Shrinkage (%)
Amount of dimensional change during cure.
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Water Absorption (%)
% by weight water absorbed by material in 24 Hours @ RT
Waviness, Surface
Wave-like unevenness, or out-of-plane in a surface.
Wetting
The thorough impregnation of a material by a liquid. The more viscous a fluid, and the higher its surface tension, the more difficult it is for the liquid to "wet" materials. Certain additives, for example, water softeners, reduce surface tension, or viscosity and improve wetting properties, allowing the material to flow out more.
Working life
The period of time during which an epoxy after mixing with a curing agent, remains workable and suitable for
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Yield Strength
The load in pounds per square inch where the material under test begins to change dimensions and will not completely recover when the load is removed. Yield strength will normally be lower than ultimate strength. Generally speaking, the more rigid a material is, the closer will be yield and ultimate strengths. Furthermore, the more resilient a material is, the greater the spread between yield and ultimate strengths.
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