Glossary - Introduction to Polymeric Composites with Rice Hulls - page 151

Crosslinking - setting-up of chemical links between polymer molecules.
Crumbs - very fine pieces of composites from shredding, milling or ground scrap.
Cubic centimetre - measure of volume in the metric system.
Cubic metre - cubic measurement in which length, width and height are all one
metre.
Cure - completion of a chemical reaction.
Curing time - the time required to achieve the desired level of curing.
Cushion - as used in injection moulding: distance set between the nozzle-end and
screw tip.
Cutoff saw - composite lumber device to make vertical cuts on a continuous line.
D
Day tanks - batch or machine tanks for daily production.
Degree of polymerisation - number of structural units ('mers') in the average
polymer.
Density - measurement of mass per unit volume (lb/ft 3 or kg/m 3 ).
Differential thermal analysis - test used to assess the behaviour of composites
exposed to high temperatures.
Dilantic - a liquid that resists being moved but is fluid at rest.
Diluent - a material used to extend or bulk-up another material without changing
reactivity.
Dimensional stability - ability of a plastic part or product to retain its original
shape.
Dimer - a substance comprising molecules formed from two molecules of a
monomer.
Discharge orifice - the opening through which the composite mix is discharged.
Discolouration - the gradual yellowing of composites due to exposure.
Dryer - heating device to remove moisture from fibres.
Dry heat ageing - an accelerated aging test for formulation materials.
Durability - how well a composite product retains its support and shape with use.
Dynamic balance - describes the stability achieved on operating variables.
Dynamic fatigue - a durability test undertaken in the laboratory using roller-shear
or pounding-type mechanisms.
E
Elastic component viscosity - resistance of some fluids to flow under shear force.
Elastic limit - the point of deformation beyond which a material deforms
permanently.
Elastic modulus - the ratio between the force applied to cause deformation and the
resistance.
Elastomer - a rubber-like material (but not necessarily made of rubber).
Electric motor - electrically driven motor (generally expressed as horse power (HP)).