Chemistry Part Three Dictionary: Grow Your Vocabulary, #30

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of my Chemistry Part Three Dictionary. It covers over 4200 words and phrases that focus on three topics.

Dive into the fascinating world of chemistry with the "Chemistry Part Three Dictionary," a comprehensive guide that illuminates the cutting-edge realms of Materials Chemistry, Mathematical Chemistry, and Nuclear Chemistry. This meticulously crafted dictionary is designed to serve as an essential resource for students, educators, researchers, and professionals eager to deepen their understanding of these specialized fields.

Materials Chemistry: Explore the innovative domain where chemistry meets material science. This section delves into the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials. From nanomaterials to biomaterials, learn about the substances shaping the future of technology, medicine, and the environment.

Mathematical Chemistry: Unravel the complex relationship between chemistry and mathematics. This segment introduces the mathematical models and computational techniques that chemists use to solve chemical problems. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including molecular structure prediction, reaction kinetics, and quantum chemistry, providing readers with the tools to model and predict chemical behavior.

Nuclear Chemistry: Step into the atom's nucleus with an exploration of nuclear chemistry. This part covers radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and their applications in energy production, medicine, and industry. Understand the principles underlying nuclear reactors, radiopharmaceuticals, and the environmental impact of radioactive materials.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Feb 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224641406

Book preview

Materials Chemistry Dictionary

A

Abrasion Resistance   -   Material Properties   -   The ability of a material to resist wear from friction or rubbing. 

Abrasives   -   Surface Treatment   -   Hard materials used to wear away the surface of softer materials through grinding or polishing. 

Acetal   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of thermoplastic polymer made from aldehyde and alcohol, used in precision parts due to its low friction and high wear resistance. 

Acid Corrosion   -   Corrosion   -   The deterioration of materials due to reaction with acidic environments. 

Acid Etching   -   Surface Treatment   -   A technique using acids to etch a material’s surface, often for metal or glass, to create a design or texture. 

Acid Pickling   -   Surface Treatment   -   A process to remove impurities, rust, or scale from metal surfaces using an acid solution. 

Acid-Base Reaction   -   Chemical Reactions   -   Fundamental chemical reactions where an acid and a base interact, often relevant in material synthesis. 

Acid-Resistant Materials   -   Material Properties   -   Materials that can resist corrosion by acids, important in chemical containment and processing. 

Acrylic   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of plastic material, known for its clarity, resistance to weathering, and versatility in applications. 

Acrylic Resin   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of plastic material made from the polymerization of acrylic acid derivatives, used in paints, coatings, and adhesives. 

Actinide   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A series of heavy, radioactive elements in the periodic table, including uranium and thorium. 

Additive Manufacturing   -   Manufacturing Techniques   -   The process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, commonly known as 3D printing. 

Adhesive   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A substance used for sticking objects or materials together, widely used in various industries. 

Adsorbent   -   Surface Chemistry   -   A material that adsorbs substances at its surface, used in filtration, purification, and in catalysis. 

Adsorption   -   Surface Chemistry   -   The process where atoms, ions, or molecules adhere to a surface, crucial in catalysis and material processing. 

Aerogel   -   Porous Materials, Nanochemistry   -   An extremely light material derived from a gel in which the liquid component is replaced with gas. 

Agglomeration   -   Physical Processes   -   The process of collecting dispersed particles into a mass, relevant in powder processing. 

Aggregation   -   Physical Chemistry   -   The process where particles clump together, forming larger structures, significant in colloid chemistry. 

Aging   -   Physical Processes   -   The process of change in properties of materials over time under specific conditions, such as exposure to air or heat. 

Aging Resistance   -   Material Properties   -   The ability of a material to resist changes in properties over time, such as cracking or discoloration. 

Aging Test   -   Testing And Analysis   -   A test to assess how a material changes over time under specific conditions like heat, light, or moisture. 

Aliphatic Compound   -   Organic Chemistry   -   Organic compounds consisting of linear or branched structures, excluding aromatic rings. 

Aliphatic Polyester   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of biodegradable polymer made from aliphatic (linear) acids and alcohols. 

Alkali Aggregate Reaction   -   Concrete Chemistry   -   A reaction in concrete between alkali compounds and reactive aggregates, causing expansion and structural issues. 

Alkali Metal   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A group of elements in the periodic table known for their high reactivity and metallic properties. 

Alkali Metal Hydride   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A compound formed between an alkali metal and hydrogen, known for its strong reducing properties. 

Alkali Resistance   -   Material Properties   -   The ability of a material to resist damage or degradation from alkali substances. 

Alkaline Earth Metal   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A group of elements in the periodic table known for their moderate reactivity and metallic properties. 

Alkalinity   -   Chemical Properties   -   The capacity of water or a solution to neutralize acids, often measured to determine material corrosion potential. 

Alkali-Silica Reaction   -   Concrete Chemistry   -   A reaction in concrete between alkaline cement paste and reactive silica in aggregates, leading to expansion and cracking. 

Alkene   -   Organic Chemistry   -   Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, used in polymerization reactions. 

Alkoxide   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A compound formed from an alkali metal and an alcohol, used as a precursor in sol-gel processing. 

Alkyd   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A polyester modified by the addition of fatty acids and other components, used in making paints and resins. 

Alkyl Halide   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound containing a halogen atom bonded to an alkyl group, used in various chemical reactions. 

Alkylation   -   Chemical Processes   -   A process where an alkyl group is transferred to an organic compound, significant in the production of fuels and lubricants. 

Alloy   -   Metallurgy   -   A mixture of metals or a metal combined with one or more other elements, offering improved strength or other properties. 

Alloy Steel   -   Metallurgy   -   Steel that has been modified by the addition of other elements to improve certain qualities like strength or resistance to wear. 

Alloying Elements   -   Metallurgy   -   Elements added to a base metal to alter its properties, such as strength, ductility, or corrosion resistance. 

Alum   -   Inorganic Salts   -   A type of compound characterized by the presence of a double sulfate salt, used in water purification and in dyeing processes. 

Alumina   -   Inorganic Materials, Ceramics   -   Aluminum oxide, a compound used in ceramics and refractories, known for its hardness and thermal stability. 

Aluminide   -   Metallurgy   -   An intermetallic compound of aluminum with another metal, known for high-temperature resistance. 

Aluminosilicate   -   Inorganic Materials   -   Compounds made of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, often found in clays and zeolites. 

Aluminothermy   -   Metallurgy   -   A process involving a reaction between aluminum powder and a metal oxide, often used for welding and metal extraction. 

Aluminum Alloy   -   Metallurgy   -   An alloy in which aluminum is the predominant metal, typically combined with elements like copper, magnesium, or silicon. 

Aluminum Oxide   -   Inorganic Materials   -   A chemical compound of aluminum and oxygen, known for its hardness and use in abrasive applications. 

Amalgam   -   Metallurgy   -   An alloy containing mercury, often used in dentistry and historical gold extraction processes. 

Amine   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound derived from ammonia; its derivatives are widespread in natural and synthetic materials. 

Amine Curing   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A process where amines are used as a hardening agent in epoxy resins and other polymers. 

Amine Functionalization   -   Organic Chemistry   -   The process of adding amine groups to a molecule, often to alter material properties like adhesion or reactivity. 

Amine Oxidation   -   Chemical Reactions   -   The process of oxidizing amines, important in various chemical manufacturing processes. 

Aminoplast   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of thermosetting plastic, made from amines and formaldehyde, used in coatings and laminates. 

Amorphous Carbon   -   Carbon Materials   -   A form of carbon that lacks a crystalline structure, found in soot and charcoal. 

Amorphous Polymer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A polymer that lacks a crystalline structure, often more flexible than its crystalline counterparts. 

Amorphous Solid   -   Solid-State Chemistry   -   A solid lacking a crystalline structure, often exhibiting different physical properties than its crystalline counterparts. 

Amphoteric Oxide   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   An oxide that can act as both an acid and a base, such as aluminum oxide. 

Anhydride   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound formed by the removal of water from another compound, often used in making resins and plastics. 

Aniline   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound used in the manufacture of dyes, drugs, explosives, plastics, and photographic and rubber chemicals. 

Anisotropic Material   -   Physical Properties   -   A material whose properties differ based on direction, opposite of isotropic materials. 

Anisotropy   -   Physical Properties   -   The property of being directionally dependent, as opposed to isotropy. 

Anneal   -   Thermal Processes   -   The process of heating and then slowly cooling a material, usually metal or glass, to reduce hardness and increase ductility. 

Annealing   -   Thermal Processes   -   A heat treatment process used to alter a material’s strength and hardness, typically metals and glass. 

Annealing Temperature   -   Thermal Processes   -   The specific temperature at which a material, typically metal or glass, is annealed. 

Anodize   -   Surface Treatment   -   The process of forming a protective oxide coating on a metal surface through electrochemical means. 

Anodized Aluminum   -   Surface Treatment   -   Aluminum that has been anodized to increase corrosion resistance and surface hardness. 

Anodized Coating   -   Surface Treatment   -   A protective or decorative oxide coating created on metal surfaces through an electrochemical process. 

Anodizing   -   Surface Treatment   -   An electrochemical process to increase corrosion resistance and surface hardness of metals, particularly aluminum. 

Anthracite   -   Carbon Materials   -   The highest rank of coal, known for its high carbon content and energy density, used in metallurgy. 

Anticorrosive Paint   -   Coatings   -   A type of paint that prevents corrosion of metals, typically containing a corrosion inhibitor. 

Antiferromagnetism   -   Magnetic Materials   -   A type of magnetism in materials where adjacent atoms or ions align with opposite spins. 

Antimony   -   Element Chemistry   -   A metalloid element used in flame retardants, alloys, and some semiconductor devices. 

Apatite   -   Mineral Chemistry   -   A group of phosphate minerals used in the production of fertilizer and some specialized ceramics. 

Aramid Fiber   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers, used in aerospace and military applications. 

Arc Welding   -   Metallurgy   -   A welding process that uses an electric arc to melt metals at the welding point. 

Argon Gas   -   Gaseous Materials   -   An inert gas used in various material processing applications, such as creating inert atmospheres. 

Argon Plasma   -   Plasma Chemistry   -   A state of argon used in plasma processes for surface treatment or thin film deposition. 

Aromatic Amine   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An amine in which the nitrogen atom is attached to an aromatic ring, often used in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals. 

Aromatic Polyester   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of polyester containing aromatic rings in its structure, known for its high strength and thermal stability. 

Asbestos   -   Inorganic Fibrous Materials   -   A group of silicate minerals known for their fibrous nature and heat resistance, though hazardous to health. 

Asphalt   -   Construction Materials   -   A sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum, used primarily for road construction. 

Asphalt Concrete   -   Construction Materials   -   A composite material commonly used for road surfaces, consisting of mineral aggregate bound together with asphalt. 

Asphaltene   -   Organic Materials   -   A component of crude oil and bitumen characterized by its high molecular weight and propensity to form deposits. 

Asymmetric Synthesis   -   Organic Chemistry   -   The process of creating a compound in which specific atoms or groups are arranged in a particular way. 

Atmospheric Corrosion   -   Corrosion   -   Corrosion that occurs on metal surfaces exposed to the atmosphere. 

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Aas)   -   Analytical Techniques   -   A technique for analyzing metal content in samples by measuring light absorption. 

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (Aes)   -   Analytical Techniques   -   An analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. 

Atomic Force Microscopy (Afm)   -   Analytical Techniques   -   A type of microscopy that provides a 3D surface profile of a sample at the atomic level. 

Atomic Layer Deposition (Ald)   -   Thin Film Technology   -   A process for depositing atomically thin layers on a substrate, used in semiconductor manufacturing. 

Atomic Number   -   Fundamental Concepts   -   The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, determining the chemical behavior of the element. 

Atomic Radius   -   Atomic Theory   -   The measure of the size of an atom, important in understanding bonding and material properties. 

Atomic Spectroscopy   -   Analytical Techniques   -   A technique for determining the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the spectrum of its atoms. 

Atomic Structure   -   Fundamental Concepts   -   The arrangement of electrons, protons, and neutrons in an atom, significant in understanding material properties. 

Austempering   -   Heat Treatment   -   A heat treatment process that creates a tough, ductile form of steel or iron. 

Austenite   -   Metallurgy   -   A phase in steel characterized by a specific crystalline structure, significant in steel heat treatment. 

Austenitic Stainless Steel   -   Metallurgy   -   A type of stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. 

Autoclave   -   Equipment   -   A pressure chamber used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure. 

Azeotrope   -   Physical Chemistry   -   A mixture of liquids that maintains its composition and boiling point during distillation. 

Azeotropic Distillation   -   Separation Processes   -   A distillation process used to separate components of an azeotrope. 

Azide   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A functional group containing the -N₃ group, known for its use in the synthesis of various compounds. 

Azo Compound   -   Organic Chemistry   -   Organic compounds characterized by the presence of a nitrogen-nitrogen double bond, commonly used in dyes. 

Azo Polymerization   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A polymerization process initiated by azo compounds, used in the production of some polymers. 

B

Bakelite   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   The first synthetic plastic, known for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties. 

Barium   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A soft, silvery metal used in X-ray technology and electronics. 

Barium Sulfate   -   Inorganic Compounds   -   A white crystalline solid used in X-ray radiography and as a pigment. 

Barium Titanate   -   Electronic Materials   -   A ferroelectric ceramic material, used in capacitors, transducers, and actuators. 

Batch Fermentation   -   Biotechnology   -   A fermentation process where all ingredients are added at the beginning and the product is harvested at the end. 

Batch Process   -   Manufacturing Techniques   -   A manufacturing process where materials 

Batch Reactor   -   Chemical Engineering   -   A type of reactor where chemicals are loaded, the reaction happens, and then the product is removed in a batch process. 

Bentonite   -   Mineral Chemistry   -   A type of clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite, used in drilling fluids and as a binder in metal casting. 

Beta Radiation   -   Nuclear Chemistry   -   High-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay. 

Biaxial Orientation   -   Material Processing   -   A process where a polymer film is stretched in two different directions to improve strength and barrier properties. 

Bimetallic   -   Metallurgy   -   Referring to an object made of two different metals joined together, often used in sensors and thermostats. 

Bioactive Glass   -   Biomaterials   -   A type of glass that interacts with biological systems, promoting bone growth and repair. 

Bioceramics   -   Biomaterials   -   Ceramics used in medical applications, such as bone replacements and dental implants. 

Biocompatibility   -   Biomaterials   -   The ability of a material to be compatible with living tissue, not causing any toxic or immunological response. 

Biodegradable Polymer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of polymer that breaks down after use into natural substances like carbon dioxide and water, typically under composting conditions. 

Bioglass   -   Biomaterials   -   A type of glass-ceramic with a specific composition conducive to use in medicine and dentistry. 

Biological Corrosion   -   Corrosion   -   Corrosion caused by the activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. 

Biological Material   -   Biomaterials   -   Any material, naturally occurring or man-made, that comes from or is used in biology. 

Biomaterial   -   Biocompatible Materials   -   A material designed to interface with biological systems for medical purposes. 

Biomimetic Material   -   Nanotechnology   -   A material created to mimic or reproduce the structure, function, or properties of natural biological materials. 

Biomimetics   -   Nanotechnology   -   The design and production of materials and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes. 

Biomolecular Material   -   Biomaterials   -   Materials composed of biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, or carbohydrates, used in various applications, including drug delivery. 

Biopolymers   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   Polymers produced by living organisms, such as DNA, proteins, and cellulose. 

Birefringence   -   Optical Properties   -   The optical property of a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and propagation direction of light. 

Birefringent Material   -   Optical Materials   -   Materials that split a ray of light in two, each beam traveling at a different speed and in a different direction. 

Bismaleimide   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A heat-resistant polymer used in high-performance composites for aerospace and electronics. 

Bismuth   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A brittle metal used in alloys and pharmaceuticals, known for its low toxicity. 

Blow Molding   -   Manufacturing Processes   -   A manufacturing process by which hollow plastic parts are formed from thermoplastic resin. 

Borate   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A compound containing the borate anion, used in detergents, cosmetics, and as fire retardants. 

Borax   -   Inorganic Compounds   -   A mineral and a salt of boric acid, used as a flux in metalworking, as a cleaning agent, and in laundry detergents. 

Boride   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A compound consisting of boron and a less electronegative element, known for their hardness and conductivity. 

Boron Carbide   -   Ceramics   -   A very hard ceramic material used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, and industrial applications. 

Boron Fiber   -   Composite Materials   -   A high-strength, lightweight material used in aerospace structures and sports equipment. 

Boron Nitride   -   Ceramics   -   A heat-resistant material with a structure similar to graphite, used in lubricants and insulators. 

Boron Trifluoride   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A pungent, toxic gas used as a catalyst in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of high-purity boron. 

Borosilicate Glass   -   Glass Chemistry   -   A type of glass made with silica and boron trioxide, known for its low thermal expansion and high chemical resistance. 

Brass   -   Metallurgy   -   An alloy of copper and zinc, known for its malleability, ductility, and acoustic properties, commonly used in musical instruments. 

Brazing   -   Metallurgy   -   A metal-joining process where a filler metal is melted and flowed into the joint, distinct from welding. 

Brittleness   -   Material Properties   -   The tendency of a material to fracture or break with little to no plastic deformation beforehand. 

Bronze   -   Metallurgy   -   An alloy primarily of copper and tin, known for its hardness and resistance to corrosion. 

Bulk Metallic Glass   -   Amorphous Metals   -   Metal alloys that have a disordered atomic-scale structure, typically exhibiting high strength and hardness. 

Butadiene   -   Organic Chemistry   -   A hydrocarbon used in the production of synthetic rubbers and plastics. 

Butadiene Rubber   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A synthetic rubber made from butadiene, used in tires and other rubber products. 

Butanone   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An industrial solvent also known as methyl ethyl ketone, used in paints, varnishes, and adhesives. 

Butene   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An alkene with the formula C₄H₈, used as a monomer in the production of polymers and in petroleum refining. 

Butyl Acrylate   -   Organic Chemistry   -   A colorless liquid used in the production of polymers, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. 

Butyl Rubber   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A synthetic rubber, a polymer of isobutylene with small amounts of isoprene, known for its impermeability to gases. 

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (Bht)   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An antioxidant used to prevent rancidity in oils and to stabilize plastics and rubber. 

Butylene   -   Organic Chemistry   -   A series of alkenes with the formula C₄H₈, used in the manufacture of polymers and other chemicals. 

Butyrate   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A form of cellulose acetate used in tool handles, eyewear frames, and as a food additive. 

C

Cadmium   -   Metallurgy   -   A metal used in batteries, pigments, and coatings, known for its toxicity. 

Calcination   -   Thermal Processes   -   The process of heating a material to a high temperature in the absence of air, used in the decomposition of carbonate ores and the removal of volatile substances. 

Calorimetry   -   Analytical Techniques   -   The measurement of heat changes in physical and chemical processes. 

Carbon Black   -   Pigments   -   A material produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products, used as a black pigment and in the reinforcement of rubber. 

Carbon Dioxide   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. 

Carbon Fiber   -   Composite Materials   -   A strong, lightweight material made from carbon strands, used in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods. 

Carbon Nanofiber   -   Nanotechnology   -   A nanoscale fiber made of carbon, used in various applications due to its exceptional strength and conductivity. 

Carbon Nanotube   -   Nanotechnology   -   Cylindrical nanostructures made from carbon atoms, known for their extraordinary strength and electrical conductivity. 

Carbonate   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A salt of carbonic acid, characterized by the presence of the carbonate ion, CO₃²⁻. 

Carbonization   -   Chemical Processes   -   The process of converting an organic substance into carbon or a carbon-containing residue through pyrolysis. 

Catalysis   -   Chemical Reactions   -   The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst. 

Catalyst   -   Chemical Processes   -   A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed. 

Cation Exchange Capacity (Cec)   -   Soil Chemistry   -   A measure of the ability of a soil or material to hold and exchange cationic species. 

Cationic Polymerization   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of polymerization initiated by a cationic starter, used in the synthesis of certain polymers. 

Cellulose   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   An organic compound and the primary constituent of plant cell walls and vegetable fibers, used in the production of paper and textiles. 

Cement   -   Construction Materials   -   A binder, a substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together. 

Cementation   -   Metallurgy   -   A process where metal ions in a solution are deposited on a solid metal surface. 

Ceramic   -   Inorganic Materials   -   Nonmetallic, inorganic solids that are typically made from clay and other ceramic materials, known for their hardness and thermal and electrical insulating properties. 

Ceramic Fiber   -   Inorganic Materials   -   A fibrous ceramic material known for its resistance to heat, used for insulation and in composite materials. 

Ceramic Matrix Composite (Cmc)   -   Composite Materials   -   A composite in which both the reinforcement and the matrix are ceramic materials. 

Cermet   -   Composite Materials   -   A composite material composed of ceramic and metallic materials, often used for cutting tools due to its combination of hardness, durability, and heat resistance. 

Chelation   -   Chemical Reactions   -   The formation of complexes between metal ions and chelating agents, used in metal extraction and water treatment. 

Chemical Resistance   -   Material Properties   -   The ability of a material to resist chemical attack or solvent reaction. 

Chemical Vapor Deposition (Cvd)   -   Thin Film Technology   -   A process used to produce high-quality, high-performance solid materials, typically under vacuum. 

Chemisorption   -   Surface Chemistry   -   A type of adsorption where a gas or liquid molecule adheres to a solid surface through chemical bonds. 

Chromatographic Analysis   -   Analytical Techniques   -   The use of chromatography to separate and analyze complex mixtures. 

Chromatography   -   Analytical Techniques   -   A technique for separating mixtures into their individual components, widely used in chemistry for analysis and purification. 

Chromium   -   Metallurgy   -   A steely-grey, lustrous, hard, and brittle metal known for its high corrosion resistance and hardness. 

Clay   -   Mineral Chemistry   -   A natural, earthy, fine-grained material composed largely of hydrous aluminum silicates, used in ceramics and building materials. 

Coating   -   Surface Treatment   -   A covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. 

Cobalt   -   Metallurgy   -   A hard, lustrous, grey metal used in the production of high-strength alloys, magnets, and catalysts. 

Colloid   -   Physical Chemistry   -   A mixture in which one substance of microscopically dispersed insoluble particles is suspended throughout another substance. 

Colloidal Suspension   -   Physical Chemistry   -   A mixture in which one substance of microscopically dispersed insoluble or soluble particles is suspended throughout another substance. 

Composite   -   Material Science   -   A material made from two or more different materials that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. 

Composite Material   -   Material Science   -   A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that remain separate and distinct within the finished structure. 

Conductive Polymer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A type of polymer that conducts electricity, used in electronic devices and sensors. 

Conductivity   -   Physical Properties   -   The measure of a material’s ability to conduct electric current. 

Copolymer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A polymer derived from more than one species of monomer, resulting in a material with different physical or chemical properties. 

Copolymerization   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   The process of polymerizing two or more different monomers to create a copolymer with different properties. 

Corrosion   -   Chemical Processes   -   The gradual destruction or deterioration of metals due to chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with their environment. 

Corrosion Inhibitor   -   Corrosion Control   -   A chemical compound that decreases the corrosion rate of a material, usually metal. 

Covalent Bond   -   Chemical Bonding   -   A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. 

Cross-Linking   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   The process of linking polymer chains together, often improving strength and thermal stability. 

Crucible   -   Laboratory Equipment   -   A container made of a material that can withstand extreme temperatures, used for melting and calcining substances. 

Cryogenics   -   Low Temperature Processes   -   The study of the production and behavior of materials at very low temperatures. 

Cryopreservation   -   Biotechnology   -   The use of very low temperatures to preserve structurally intact living cells and tissues. 

Crystal Growth   -   Solid-State Chemistry   -   The process by which a crystal is formed, either naturally or artificially. 

Crystal Structure   -   Solid-State Chemistry   -   The arrangement of atoms in a crystal, which defines the shape and properties of the crystal. 

Crystalline Solid   -   Solid-State Chemistry   -   A solid material whose constituents are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. 

Crystallinity   -   Physical Properties   -   The degree to which a solid material is crystalline (having an ordered structure). 

D

Debye Temperature   -   Physical Properties   -   A characteristic temperature above which the specific heat of a solid reaches the classical limit. 

Decomposition Reaction   -   Chemical Reactions   -   A type of chemical reaction in which a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler compounds or elements. 

Degradation   -   Material Behavior   -   The deterioration in the chemical structure, physical properties, or appearance of a material. 

Dehydration   -   Chemical Reactions   -   The removal of water from a compound or mixture. 

Deionization   -   Water Treatment   -   The removal of ions and minerals from water, typically using ion-exchange resins. 

Delamination   -   Material Failure   -   The separation of layers in a composite or laminated material, often due to stress or environmental factors. 

Deliquescent Material   -   Material Properties   -   A material that absorbs moisture from the atmosphere until it dissolves in the absorbed water. 

Dendrimer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A synthetic polymer with a branching tree-like structure, used in drug delivery and nanotechnology. 

Densification   -   Manufacturing Processes   -   The process of increasing the density of a material, often by applying heat or pressure. 

Deposition   -   Chemical Processes   -   The process in which a gas or vapor changes directly into a solid without passing through the liquid phase. 

Desiccant   -   Chemical Agents   -   A substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness in its vicinity; commonly used to absorb moisture. 

Dewar Flask   -   Laboratory Equipment   -   A double-walled flask with a vacuum between the walls, used for storing liquids at very low temperatures. 

Dextran   -   Polysaccharides   -   A complex branched glucan used in various medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. 

Diamagnetism   -   Magnetic Properties   -   A form of magnetism where materials are repelled by a magnetic field. 

Diamond   -   Carbon Materials   -   A form of carbon with a crystal structure, renowned for its exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity. 

Diamond Synthesis   -   Synthetic Materials   -   The process of creating synthetic diamonds using high pressure and high temperature or chemical vapor deposition. 

Diamond-Like Carbon (Dlc)   -   Coatings   -   A type of carbon-based coating that exhibits some of the properties of diamond, such as high hardness and low friction. 

Diatomaceous Earth   -   Mineral Chemistry   -   A naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. 

Dibenzoylmethane   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound used as a UV stabilizer in plastics and other materials. 

Diblock Copolymer   -   Polymer Chemistry   -   A copolymer consisting of two distinct blocks of polymers joined together. 

Diborane   -   Inorganic Chemistry   -   A highly reactive and toxic gas used in the synthesis of boron-containing compounds. 

Die Casting   -   Metal Forming   -   A metal casting process that involves forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. 

Dielectric   -   Electrical Materials   -   An insulating material that can be polarized by an electric field, used in capacitors and insulating substrates. 

Dielectric Constant   -   Electrical Materials   -   A measure of a material’s ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. 

Diene   -   Organic Chemistry   -   An organic compound containing two carbon-carbon double bonds, used in the production of synthetic rubber. 

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Dsc)   -   Analytical Techniques   -   An analytical technique used to measure the heat flow associated with chemical reactions and physical changes in a material. 

Differential Thermal Analysis (Dta)   -   Analytical Techniques   -   An analytical technique used to measure the temperature difference between a sample and a reference under controlled conditions. 

Diffusion   -   Physical Processes   -   The movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. 

Dilatant Material   -   Rheology   -   A material that exhibits an increase in viscosity with an increase in shear rate, often referred to as shear thickening. 

Diluent   -   Chemical Processing   -   A substance used to dilute the concentration of another substance. 

Dimer   -   Chemical Structures   -   A molecule or compound formed by the combination of two identical molecules. 

Dimerization   -   Chemical Reactions   -   The chemical process where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, called a dimer. 

Dioxin   -   Organic Chemistry   -   A group of chemically related compounds known for their environmental persistence and toxicity. 

Dipole Moment   -   Molecular Physics   -   A measure of the separation of positive and negative electrical charges within a system. 

Dislocation   -   Solid-State Physics   -   A crystallographic defect or irregularity within a crystal structure. 

Dispersant   -   Surface Chemistry   -   A chemical that aids in the dispersion of particles in a liquid, improving stability and preventing clumping. 

Dispersive Medium   -   Physical