Additive

Substances added to a material or formulation to modify its properties or enhance performance. Learn more about additives. 

Alkaline Wash

A cleaning process that uses a basic (alkaline) solution to remove surface contaminants, such as oils, grease, and residues. Learn more about alkaline wash. 

Contact Angle

The angle formed between a liquid droplet and a solid surface indicates the surface’s wettability. Learn more about contact angle.

Copolymer

A copolymer is a macromolecule made from two or more different types of monomers chemically combined in the same chain. Learn more about copolymers.

Covalent Bonding

A chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons. Learn more about covalent bonds. 

Crosslinker

A chemical agent that forms bonds between polymer chains, creating a three-dimensional network. Learn more about crosslinkers.

Curing

A process in which a polymer or coating undergoes a chemical or physical transformation to become more stable, hard, or durable. Learn more about curing.

Epoxy

A reactive chemical group or resin containing an epoxide ring that readily forms strong crosslinked polymers. Learn more about epoxy. 

Functional Groups

Specific atoms or groups of atoms within molecules that determine chemical reactivity and properties. Learn more about functional groups. 

Hydrogel

A three-dimensional polymer network that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Learn more about Hydrogel.

Hydrogen Bonding

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. Learn more about hydrogen bonds. 

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bond formed by the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. Learn more about ionic bonds.

Monomer

A small molecule that can chemically bond with other similar molecules to form a polymer. Learn more about monomers.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating structural units (monomers) bonded together in long chains. Learn more about polymers.

Surface Preparation

The process of cleaning, treating, or modifying a material’s surface to improve adhesion, coating performance, or functionality. Learn more about surface preparation.

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