Glossary

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Capability (Process) Index, Cp or Cpk - A statistical measure used to describe the capability of a process to produce a product (output) within specification tolerance limits. The index is a measure that indicates high or low process variability. Note: Where k is a constant number of subgroups of a given size.

Carrier - When referring to double coated pressure sensitive adhesive, it is the thin medium to which the adhesive is anchored to on both sides. One of the most common carriers is Mylar.

Cells - Refers to the cavities or bubbles left in the foam structure after the walls have completely polymerized, which forms a skeletal structure. Cells can be closed (intact walls) or open (skeletal ribs only).

Cellular Rubber - Low to medium density rubber products containing a cellular structure. The cells may either be open and interconnecting or closed and not interconnecting; a generic term for materials containing many cells (either open or closed, or both) dispersed throughout the mass.

Chemically Blown - A term applying to a cellular material in which the cells are formed by gases generated from thermal decomposition or other chemical reaction. In other words and in most cases, a powdered chemical that is added to a rubber mixture which, when exposed to a certain temperature, turns into a gas and causes the foam to expand.

Closed Cell Rubber - A rubber product produced by a specific manufacturing process that utilizes gas forming ingredients in the rubber compound or by subjecting the compound to a high pressure gas such as nitrogen. Closed cell rubber is defined as a product whose cells are totally enclosed by its walls and hence not interconnecting with other cells. This unique physical property enables closed cell rubber to function as an excellent seal for moisture, dust, air, gas, smoke, noise, etc.

Coarse Cell Structure - A term used to describe the appearance of expanded cellular rubber when the individual cells are larger and/or spread apart further than normal. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as Open Cell.

Colorfastness - The ability of a dyed material to retain its color when exposed to light, atmospheric gases or washing which can destroy its color. Degree of colorfastness is tested by standardized procedures, depending on the end-use of the material.

Compression Deflection @ 25% (CD) - The measure of the hardness of a cellular rubber product. In other words, the force required to compress a material 25% of its original thickness. It can be expressed in lb/in² (pounds per square inch) or kPa.

Compression Force Deflection (CFD) - A test which consists of measuring the force necessary to produce a 50% compression over the entire top area of the foam specimen. In other words, the force required to compress a material 50% of its original thickness. Also referred to as Compression Load Deflection (CLD).

Compression Set - The residual decrease in thickness of a test specimen measured 30 minutes or 24 hours after removal from a suitable loading device in which the specimen had been subjected for a definite time to compressive deformation under specified conditions of load and temperature.

Control Limits - Limits on a control chart that are used as criteria for signaling the need for action, or for judging whether a set of data does or does not represent a “state of statistical control.”

Converter - One that is employed in changing a raw material into another form of product.

Cordura™ - A very strong, super fine yarn fabric made of air-textured, high-tenacity nylon that meets specific strength, durability and construction requirements.

Cross Section - Concerning fabrics, the shape of an individual filament when cut at right angles to its axis. Normal shapes for manufactured fibers vary.

Cross-Linking - The bonding of molecules into a structure. This gives the polymer increased strength resulting in superior properties. Crosslinking can achieved by either physical (irradiation by an electron beam) or by chemical means.

Cure - For cellular rubber, the time period and temperature in which various chemical reactions (e.g. cross-linking) occurs. This phase of a process is critical as too much time will produce an over-cured product and too little time will produce an under-cured product.