Glossary

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Physical Properties - Of or pertaining to the matter and energy of a material or the characteristics as applied to physics. For cellular rubber, this pertains to compression deflection, density, water absorption, tensile strength, elongation, etc.

Pin Hole - An unintentional cavity occurring in a cellular rubber product. It is usually circular in appearance, very small and goes completely through the material.

Plastazote® - A closed cell chemically crosslinked polyethylene foam manufactured by Zotefoams. This family of material is ideal for use in cushion and packaging applications.

Plastic - One of many high polymeric substances, including both natural and synthetic products, but excluding rubber. At some stage in its manufacture, every plastic is capable of flowing, under heat and pressure, if necessary, into the desired final shape.

Plasticizer - A substance added to materials during the manufacturing process to improve flexibility, workability, etc.

Plasticizer Migration - Loss of plasticizer from an elastomeric compound. It often migrates to the surface of the material where it is absorbed by another product or evaporates. This process causes the material to lose its flexibility and can contaminate other products.

Plush Nylon fabric - A short pile plush fabric for those customers requiring a soft comfortable fabric next to the end user’s skin.

Polyester fabric - A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of an ester of dihydric alcohol and terephtalic acid (FTC). Polyester fibers are high strength and are resistant to shrinking, stretching and wrinkling.

Polyester Foam - Urethane foams made by reacting isocynate with polyester.

Polyether Foam - Urethane foams made by reacting isocynate with polyether.

Polyethylene - A thermoplastic composed of polymers of ethylene.

Polymer - In dealing with sponge rubber, this is a large molecular chain made up of two or more monomers. These monomers are polymerized or chemically reacted to form a material that is significantly different than either of the two base monomers from which it was made.

Polypropylene - Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers of propylene. Propylene is a flammable gas derived from petroleum hydrocarbon cracking and used in organic synthesis.

Polyurethane - Any of various thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, widely varying in flexibility, used in tough chemical-resistant coatings and in adhesives, foams, and electrical insulation.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) - A term used to designate a distinct category of adhesive tapes which in dry (solvent free) form are aggressive and permanently tacky at room temperature and adhere to a variety of surfaces without the need of more than finger or hand pressure. They require no activation by water, solvent or heat and have sufficient cohesive strength so they can be handled with the fingers.

PUR Adhesive - A reactive hot-melt polyurethane used for bonding fabric to fabric or fabric to foam.

PVC - Polyvinyl chloride. A polymer used in the manufacture of expanded rubber. This compound is inherently fire retardant because of its high chlorine content.