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The Complete Open Cast Polyurethane Glossary of Terms |
| Since its beginning in 1967, Griffith Polymers, Inc. has become the established leader in the field of advanced open cast polyurethane technology. |
Select the first letter of the word from the list to jump to appropriate section of the glossary. |
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- A -
- abraded
- Worn away by friction.
- abrasion
- Wear due to friction.
- abrasion test
- Determination of the rate of wearing away by friction.
- abrasion tester
- A machine for determining relative abrasion resistance.
- Intensive exposure to operating conditions to obtain an early change in physical properties of an elastomer.
- Accelerated life test
A method designed to approximate in a short time the deteriorating effects obtained under normal service conditions.
- A material which does not effect the chemical reaction but is included to alter the final product such as fillers, flame retardant, etc.
- Basically, the adhering, clinging, bonding or sticking of two material surfaces to one another, such as polyurethane to polyurethane, polyurethane to metal, polyurethane to rubber.
- The separation of two adjoining surfaces due to service conditions.
- A material which, when applied, will cause two surfaces in contact with each other to stick together.
- A coating applied to a surface to increase its bond to an adjoining surface.
- A continuation of the stabilization process after the cure has been carried to the desired degree for a predetermined length of time.
- To undergo changes in physical properties with age or lapse of time.
- A means of accelerating changes in the physical properties of material by exposing them to the action of air at elevated temperature and pressure.
- The surface markings or depressions which occur due to air trapped between the material and the mold or pouring surface. (see bubble)
- A means of accelerating a change in the physical properties of polyurethane compounds by exposing them to the action of air at an elevated temperature at atmospheric pressure.
- See air checks.
- A composite material produced by blending polymers or copolymers with other polymers under controlled conditions to achieve enhanced physical properties.
- The environment temperature surrounding the object under consideration.
- American National Standards Institute
- See static conductive.
- A compounding ingredient used to retard deterioration caused by oxygen.
- A compounding ingredient used to retard deterioration caused by ozone.
- A specially treated surface to obtain greater than normal traction.
The clear opening size, as in length, width or diameter of the opening. Apertures may also involve special shapes such as rectangular (oblong) or triangular configurations.
- Exposure to cyclic laboratory conditions involving changes in temperature, relative humidity, and radiant energy, with or without direct water spray, attempting to produce changes in the material similar to that observed after long-term continuous outdoor exposure.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- American Society for Testing and Materials.
- The total change of stress divided by the total change of strain.
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- B -
- A specific type of internal mixer used to incorporate filler and other ingredients in polyurethane or plastic operations.
- A modified service test in which the service conditions are approximated in the laboratory.
- The force required to bend a given cross-section under prescribed conditions.
- That force required to induce bending around a specified radius and, hence, a measure of stiffness.
- Migration to the surface of plasticizer, waxes or similar materials to form a film or beads. See also Bloom.
- A mark, deformity, or injury which impairs the appearance.
- A raised spot on the surface or a separation between layers usually forming a void or air-filled space in the molded article.
- A discoloration or change in appearance of the surface of a polyurethane product caused by the migration of a liquid or solid to the surface. Examples: sulfur bloom, wax bloom. Not to be confused with dust on the surface from external sources.
- A blister between plies of a dual durometer article.
- See Adhesion.
- A protuberance designed to add strength, facilitate alignment, provide fastenings, etc.
- A mark or symbol identifying or describing a product and/or manufacturer: may be either embossed or inlaid.
- The tensile which polyurethane is at rupture.
- The characteristic surface condition after a secondary buffing operation.
Butt seam
A seam made by placing the two pieces to be joined edge to edge.
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- C -
- A film made by depositing a layer of polyurethane in solution, or in a dispersion onto a surface, solidifying and removing the film from the surface.
- The process of filling (pouring) open molds with liquid (uncured) polyurethane.
- The ingredient in polyurethane which initiates a chemical reaction or increases the rate of chemical reaction.
- A mixture of polymeric compound or elastomer used as an adhesive or sealant.
- An application of cement around the edge of a fabricated product with or without internal reinforcement for protection or adhesion.
- Lengthening of the main chain (backbone) of polymer molecules by end-to-end attachment.
- Formation of a powdery surface condition due to disintegration of surface binder or elastomer due in turn to weathering or other destructive environments.
- Chalking may be detected by rubbing the film with the fingertip. It can be measured by rubbing a piece of felt or velvet of contrasting color across the sample and comparing the amount of chalk picked up by the cloth with the photographic standards shown in ASTM D-699.
- Short shallow cracks on the surface generally due to effect of destructive action of severe environmental conditions.
- Highly abrasion resistant elastomeric (polyurethane) lining in a chute to protect the metal chute from abrasion wear.
- The ratio of the force required to move an object across a surface to the weight of the object.
- A tooth on the rim of a wheel or polyurethane product.
- Tendency of a material to stick to itself.
- See low temperature flexing.
- The relative ease of bending following exposure to low temperature.
- Continued deformation under stress. See Creep.
- Usually the joining of two or more sub-straits together, using a two-part cement that is chemically cured without using supplemental heat from an external source.
- "Cold bond cement" usually is an uncured mixture of varied elastomers, chemicals, and solvents that will not self-cure until mixed with an activator to create a chemical vulcanization (usually exo-thermic).
- A degree of smoothness of an article which is acceptable in accordance with industry practice.
- A separately metered stream of liquid which is introduced directly into the mixing head.
- A mixture of a polymer(s) and other materials to give the desired chemical and physical properties in the elastomeric components of a polyurethane product.
- The deformation in a material remaining after it has been subjected to and released from a compressive force.
- Quality of power of conducting or transmitting heat or electricity.
- When staining occurs on the area of an object directly in contact with the rubber article it is known as "contact stain".
- A material or a product of known characteristics included in a series of tests to provide a basis for evaluation of other products.
- A substance consisting of molecules characterized by the repetition of two or more types of monomeric units.
- A sharp break or fissure in the surface. Generally due to excessive strain.
- A small shallow surface imperfection.
- Crazing is the phenomenon manifested by slight breaks in the surface. The break should be called a "crack" if the underlying surface is visible. For precision evaluation, crazing is described as "microscopic crazing" (as observed with a stated magnification, minimum), "visible crazing" (as seen at close range with the naked eye, 12 inches), and as "distant crazing" (as seen at 3 feet with the naked eye).
- (1) The deformation occurring with the lapse of time in both cured and uncured polyurethane, in a body under stress in addition to the immediate elastic deformation. Some related terms and properties are stress-relaxation, hysteresis, damping, flow, compression set and viscosity. See Cold Flow.
- The formation of chemical links between molecular chains.
A protective layer of polyurethane, contoured to fit over the crown bar rails of a vibrating screen deck to prevent wear of the rails and screen while allowing uniform tensioning of the screen. Also referred to as "buffer strips" and "channel rubber" or "channel polyurethane".
- A change in physical properties resulting from the crystalline reorientation caused by temperature.
- The process which completes the chemical reaction. The term also refers to the state of completeness of the chemical reaction.
- Time required, at a given temperature, to produce optimum physical properties in an elastomer.
- An additive that increases chemical activity between the components, resulting in a increase or decrease in the rate of cure.
- The temperature at which the elastomer product is cured.
- The ability of polyurethane to withstand the cutting action of sharp objects
- The amount of time required to complete a molding cycle including mold preparation, insert loading (when applicable), release agent application (when required), mixing and dispensing of components, reaction (preliminary cure) and demolding.
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- D -
- Dam
- A device installed within a mold to prevent the flow of material into areas of the mold cavity to reduce, alter, or eliminate a portion of the cast part, of which the mold is intended to produce.
- Any change of form or shape produced in a body by a stress.
- A deleterious change in the chemical structure of a material.
- The time period between dispensing the liquid components into the mold and removing the molded article.
- The separation of layers of material in a laminate.
- The ratio of the mass of a body to its volume or the mass per unit volume of the substance. For ordinary practical purposes, density and specific gravity may be regarded as equivalent.
- The temperature at which a vapor begins to condense.
- The length of a straight line passing through the geometric center to the periphery of an object.
- The measure of electric potential strength of a polyurethane product. Measure of its ability as an insulating compound to resist passage of a disruptive discharge produced by an electric stress. Measured as volts per mil of thickness.
- A thin coat on a surface obtained by dipping the material to be coated into the coating materials.
Tapered relief provided on the vertical element of polyurethane components to facilitate removal from the mold. The minimum draft angle utilized in most applications is two degrees per side.
- A test specimen with lesser width at the middle of its length than at its ends.
- An instrument for measuring the hardness of polyurethane. Measures the resistance to the penetration of an indentor point into the surface of rubber.
- An arbitrary numerical value which measures the resistance to penetration of the indentor point of the durometer. Value may be taken immediately or after a very short specified time.
- Loss in properties of a material when continually subjected to flexing and or cyclic stress.
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- E -
- The limiting extent to which a material may be deformed and yet return to approximately its original shape after removal of the deforming force.
- The property of an article which tends to return it to its original shape after deformation.
- An elastic rubber-like substance, such as polyurethane or synthetic rubber.
- The chemical and physical properties of an elastomer.
- Increase in length before rupture occurs, expressed numerically as a fraction or percentage of initial length.
- Operation of transferring a design to a polyurethane surface.
- Heat generated by a chemical reaction.
- A test in which certain components are separated from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid solvent under suitable conditions.
- Forced through die of tubing machine in either solid or hollow cross section.
- A process whereby heated or unheated plastic forced through a shaping orifice becomes a continuously formed piece.
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- F -
- A multi-cavity mold where each of the cavities forms one of the component parts of the assembled product.
- The weakening or deterioration of a material caused by a repetition of stress or strain.
- A material mixed with a polymer to improve quality or lower cost of a compound.
- A sheet of polyurethane not greater then 0.010" in thickness.
- Molded product with ends cut into mating fingers.
- See plate finish.
- See platen finish.
- See flame retardance.
- Retards the burning action of fire or flame.
- A small globule that has not blended completely into the surrounding material.
- The manner in which cured polyurethane after being ignited will burn and/or self extinguish.
- Intensity of flame diminished by fire retardant ingredient(s) in the polymer compound.
- A substance (additive) which is added to a polymer formulation to reduce or retard its tendency to burn.
- A means, under specific condition, for establishing the flame performance of a polyurethane product. This will not indicate the performance of the product in any fire in which the product may be involved.
- A raised edge on a polyurethane article.
- Material protruding from the surface of a molded part, appearing at the mold parting line or mold vent points.
- A surface cracking induced by repeated bending or flexing.
- The relative ability of a polyurethane article to withstand dynamic bending stresses.
- A laboratory method used to determine the life of a plastic product when subjected to dynamic bending stresses.
- The ability to be bent repeatedly without cracking.
- (1) The resistance to motion of an object due to the contact between two surfaces. (2) Improperly used to indicate the bond between two surfaces.
- The ration between the force pressing the surfaces together and the force required to move it.
- The force which is required to keep a body sliding at a uniform rate. Also called "friction of motion".
- See adhesion.
- The force which is required to start a body sliding.
- An agent that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth.
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- G -
- The initial semi-solid stage that develops during the solvation of a resin by a plasticizer.
- The stage at which a liquid begins to exhibit pseudo-elastic properties.
- Surface produced by grinding or buffing. See Buffing.
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- H -
- An increase in resistance to indentation.
- Property or extent of being hard. Measured by extent of failure of the indentor point of any one of a number of standard hardness testing instruments to penetrate the product.
- The cloudy appearance of an otherwise transparent film.
- A dull finish.
- Change in chemical and/or physical properties due to excessive exposure to heat.
- Of uniform composition throughout.
- The combined oxygen and hydrogen radical (-OH) which forms the reactive group in polyols.
- A loss of energy due to successive deformation and relaxation. A measurement of the area between the deformation and relaxation stress-strain curves.
- The configuration of the graphical plot of stress and strain from the initial application of stress to some reduced stress. The measure of hysteresis is the area under stress-strain curves of increasing and decreasing stress.
- A loss of mechanical energy due to successive deformation and relaxation. It is measured by the area between the deformation and relaxation stress-strain curves.
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- I -
- The amount of deformation measured immediately after removal of the load causing the deformation.
- The single instantaneous stroke or contact of a moving body with another either moving or at rest, such as a large mass of heavy material dropping on polyurethane product.
- The effective combination of force (weight of the body and height) when one body falls on another.
- The energy power of impact.
- The relative ability to withstand mechanical or physical blows without the loss of protective properties.
- An application of force in a manner to produce sudden strain or motion.
- (1) The extent of deformation by the indentor point of any one of a number of standard hardness testing instruments; (2) A recess in the surface of a polyurethane component.
- injection molding
A method frequently utilized in the manufacture of polyurethane products. While this method is extremely cost effective when producing huge quantities, the properties of the injection molded polymers (thermoplastics) do not offer the superior characteristics of "open cast" (thermoset) polyurethane.
- The ratio of stress to strain at a single point on the stress-strain curve.
- The abbreviation for the International Organization for Standardization.
- The group name of chemical compounds having one or more NCO groups attached to the main chemical chain.
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- J -
- Clamps to hold a specimen when applying stress to the specimen for certain tests.
- The area where two ends of a component are fastened together, either by chemical or mechanical means. See also splice.
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- K -
- (empty)
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- L -
- A product made by bonding together two or more layers of material.
- Build up from thinner layers.
- A part that extends over itself or a like part.
- A seam made by placing the edge of one piece of material extending flat over the edge of the second piece of material.
- Coming from the side.
- A laboratory procedure used to determine the resistance of polymer article to a specific set of destructive forces or conditions.
- A lengthwise direction.
- A seam joining two materials in the length of the finished product.
- A depression below the general surface of an object.
- The ability of a polyurethane to be bent or flexed at low temperatures without loss of serviceability.
- The act of bending a product under conditions of a cold environment.
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- M -
- A preliminary mixture of two or more compound ingredients for purposes of more thorough dispersion or better processing, and which will later become part of the final compound in a subsequent mixing operation.
- The abbreviated term for diphenylmethane diisocyanate.
- One thousandth of one inch, 0.001".
- Mildew is evidenced by the presence of mold or fungus growth. Two types are common:
- (1) Spore type which resembles caviar in appearance. (2) Mycelium or filament type.
- A microscope is necessary to distinguish the spore type from dirt collection. When it has reached an advanced stage, the mycelium type is often recognizable with the naked eye, but a microscope is recommended for any examination of the mildew.
- Test results show the effect of mildew is primarily one of appearance and not one of physical properties.
- A bright, polished surface appearance.
- See compound
- (1) A coefficient or numerical measure of some property. (2) In polymers, modulus usually refers to one of several measurements of stiffness or resistance to deformation. The use of the word without modifying terms may be confusing and such use should not be encouraged. Modulus in polyurethane may be either static or dynamic; static moduli are subdivided into tangent, chord, and compounder's. Compounder's modulus is always in tension, but all the others may be in shear, compression or tension. Other terms used in connection with "modulus" are elasticity, rigidity, Young's tangent, and elongation. (3) All elastic moduli in rubber (except compounder's) are ratios of stress to the strain produced by that stress, the stress, usually p.s.i.
- The force divided by the percent elongation (divided by 100) to cause the elongation.
- The material used to coat the surfaces of a mold to prevent the polyurethane adhering to the metal during the initial chemical reaction (cure).
- An indentation or embossment on the surface of a molded product caused by irregularities in the mold surface.
- The means used to align the parts of a mold.
- See mold lubricant.
- A relatively simple compound which can react to form a polymer.
- A measure of the plasticity of a polymeric compound determined in a Mooney shearing disc viscometer.
- Abbreviation for Mine Safety and Health Administration.
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- N -
- Abbreviation for Nitrogen, Carbon, Oxygen.
- Abbreviation for Napthalene Dilsocyanate.
- An approximate amount.
- The absence of bloom.
- Abbreviation for isoprene polymer.
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- O -
- Not adversely affected by exposure to oil.
- Withstands the deterioration effect of oil(generally refers to petroleum) on the physical properties.
- A polymer consisting of only a few monomer units such as in dimer, a trimer, a tetramer etc. & their mixtures.
- The method of manufacture utilized to obtain maximum wear characteristics in polyurethane modules.
- The time and temperature of fusion at which a desired combination of properties is attained in an elastomer.
- A suspension of a finely divided plastic in a plasticizer with a volatile organic solvent.
- A low pressure hot air chamber equipped with precise temperature controls, used for the purpose of post curing open cast polyurethane products. See Aging.
- A chamber capable of holding oxygen at an elevated pressure which can be heated to an elevated temperature. Used for an accelerated aging test.
- A means of accelerating change in the physical properties of polymer compounds by exposing them to the action of oxygen at an elevated temperature and pressure.
- Withstands the deteriorating effects of ozone (generally cracking).
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- P -
- The amount by which an elastic material fails to return to its original form after deformation.
- The quality or condition of allowing passage of liquids or gases through a material layer.
- A measure of mechanical characteristics of a material.
- A small sharp or conical elevation on the surface of a molded product.
- A small crater in the surface of a molded product with width about the same as its depth.
- A material that contains as an essential ingredient one or more organic polymeric substances of large molecular weight, is solid in its finished state, can be shaped by flow.
- (1) A measure of the resistance to shear of an uncured elastomer; (2) a measurement of resistance to shear with heat history.
- A compounding ingredient which can change the physical and chemical properties and processibility of a polymeric compound.
- A dispersion of a powderous polymer in a plasticizer.
- A finish resulting from contact with commercially smooth but not polished heated pouring table.
- A polymeric compound, with the reactive hydroxyl groups containing ester linkages.
- A polymeric compound, with the reactive hydroxyl groups containing ether linkages.
- A macromolecular material formed by the chemical combination of monomers having either the same or different chemical composition.
- The process that converts monomers into polymers.
- A chemical compound with more than one reactive hydroxyl group attached to the molecule.
- The period of cure after the product has been removed from the mold. In many cases, accelerated curing at elevated temperatures is utilized.
- The period of time during which a reacting polymeric compound remains suitable for its intended use after having been mixed with a reaction-initiating agent.
- A chemical intermediate, manufactured by reacting all the isocyanate with a portion (or all) of the polyol.
- Poly Tetra Methylene Glycol
- The abbreviation for Polyurethane
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- Q -
Qualification conformance inspection
- The examination of samples from a production run to determine conformance to a given specification.
- The examination of samples from a typical production run to determine conformance to a given specification for approval to become a supplier
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- R -
- The degree an elastomeric material returns to its original dimensions after being stressed.
- The strengthening member of a polyurethane component.
- An ingredient in a polymeric compound used to increase its chemical and physical properties.
- The strengthening members of polyurethane component or product.
- Certain materials produced by chemical synthesis.
- The property or ability of matter to withstand the effects of force, pressure, heat or chemical action.
- A type of internal mixer used to mix powders and liquids into a dry powderous viscous or liquid mass.
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- S -
- A piece of material removed for evaluation.
- A open cast polyurethane device for cleaning the surface of conveyor belting.
- The place where two edges of fabric or elastomer are adjacent to each other to form a single ply or layer.
- A partial or incomplete cure.
- A test in which the product is made to operate under service conditions in the actual equipment.
- The amount of deformation remaining after complete release of the load producing the deformation.
- A form of plastic in which the thickness is very small in proportion to length and width and in which the plastic is present as a continuous phase throughout.
- The period of time prior to use during which a product retains its intended performance capability.
shore hardness
The scale by which a polyurethane screen module or component is measured for hardness, typically expressed as "shore A".
As the hardness is increased, abrasion resistance tends to increase while impact resistance decreases proportionately.
As the hardness is decreased, abrasion resistance tends to decrease while impact resistance increases proportionately.
- The difference found on a molded part as compared to the actual mold cavity dimension. The typical shrinkage for thermoset polyurethane is about 2%.
- See bench test.
- A collapsed blister or bubble leaving a depression in a product.
- A cut made on an angle to the surface to produce a tapered or feathered cut.
- Detail description of specific requirements.
- A piece cut from a sample of polyurethane to test.
- To apply a thin coat of liquid material over a surface by means of a knife, bar, or doctor blade.
- To apply a thin coat of material over a surface determined by means of a knife, bar, or doctor blade.
- Capability to conduct static electricity.
- Electrical potential resulting from two surfaces rubbing together or parting one from the other.
- The resistance which must be overcome to start a body sliding down a surface.
- Resistance to flexing.
- Deformation resulting from a force applied to a body.
- Force applied to a body that results in the body being deformed.
- The relationship of force and deformation in a body during compression, extension, or shear.
- An increase in length.
- Fine cracks and crazing of an elastomeric surface primarily due to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
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- T -
- Having a property of temporary adhesion.
- Continuation of tear.
- The maximum force, stress, applied to a specimen at rupture.
- The force applied to stretch a test piece (specimen).
- Stress on a material tending to cause extension of the material.
- Abbreviation for Toluene Dilsocyanate.
- Capable of being repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling and in the softened state can be shaped by flow.
- A material that can undergo a chemical reaction by the action of heat or catalyst, leading to a relatively infusible and cross-linked state. Thermoset polyurethane is not altered by elevated temperatures until reaching the decomposition point.
- The limiting values for a dimension.
- Air which is enclosed in a product or between a product and a mold surface during cure.
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- U -
- Elongation at rupture.
- The force required to rupture a specimen.
- Tensile stress at rupture.
- A less than optimal state of cure which may be evidenced by tackiness or inferior physical properties.
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- V -
- The flow property of a material. The lower the number, the thinner the liquid.
- The absence of material or an area devoid of materials where not intended. See also blister and sink.
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- W -
- Dimensional distortion in a molded product.
- Surface deterioration, evidenced by cracks and crazing of an elastomer, during outdoor exposure.
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- X -
(empty)
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- Y -
- The stress in a material at which a substantial increase in strain occurs with a minimum increase in stress.
- The stress at which a material exhibits a specified limiting permanent set. Determined by a measurable value of plastic yielding of the material, above which the material is considered to be damaged and below which the damaging effects are considered to be negligible.
- Stress per unit strain for perfectly elastic material.
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- Z -
- A reference load applied in taking an initial reading and prior to determining compressibility or extensibility.
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Copyright © 2001 Griffith Polymers Inc. Last modified: October 01, 2002