Glossary of Terms

Catalyst- A substance usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that either causes or accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without being affected in the process.

 

De-gassing – Emitting a gas (odor) making it porous.

 

Food-grade quality- Good enough to be used in foods

 

Hygienic- Sanitary, Cleansing

 

Hypoallergenic/Allergen Free – Contain little or few potential allergic irritants

 

Medical Grade Quality – Good enough to be used medically

 

Phthalates/Plasticizers – Chemicals used to make harder materials much softer.

 

Polymer- A natural or synthetic compound that has large molecules made up of repeated simple monomers

 

Porous- Allow a gas or liquid to pass through the pores

 

Resin- A large class of synthetic products that have similar properties of natural resins but differ chemically

 

Thermoplastic- Something that becomes hard when cooled and soft when heated.

 

Thermoset- Something that is permanently hard when heated or cured