GLOSSARY
Alloy—A blend of polymers and/ or copolymers.
Blow molding—Forming hot plastic into the desired shape by injecting air into the molten plastic to force it against the interior of a mold.
Cast or casting—Pouring molten or liquid plastic into a mold or onto a moving belt and then solidifying by heat.
Compound—A mixture of resin and the additives necessary to give the resin the properties required of the finished part.
Copolymer—Where two chemically different monomers are polymerized together.
Extrusion—The process whereby a shape is imparted to a plastic material by forcing the molten mass through a die.
Oade of plastic—The same polymer may be made to have significantly different properties by altering the polymerization process and/or additives included during polymerization.
Injection molding—Forming plastic parts by forcing molten plastic into a mold by use of a ram or screw.
Laminate—Two or more layers of materials are bonded together either by use of heat and/or pressure, and sometimes adhesive.
Molecule—The smallest particle of a compound that can still be identified as the compound.
Plasticizer—A material added to a plastic or compound to make it more flexible.
Pyrolysis—Transformation of a compound into one or more other substances by heat alone. It is often the initial step in combustion of solids.
Resin—Usually a pure polymer in powder or pelletized form.
Service temperature—The temperature range in which a plastic part is designed to retain its integrity and strength.
