adhesion
chemical attraction between UNLIKE molecules
cohesion
chemical attraction between LIKE molehules
coefficient of thermal expansion
an index which indicates how one material reacts to temperature extremes in relation to another
compressive strength
the force at which a material BREAKS under pressure
creep
slow dimensional change caused by compression
ductility
the ability to undergo change of form WITHOUT breaking
elasticity
materials ability to RECOVER its initial shape after undergoing a force
galvanism
an electrical current generated by dissimilar metals in an ACIDIC environment
gelation
the process of gelling (solidification by cold)
imbibititon
ABSORPTION of a solvent by a gel (imBibition, aBsorption)
malleability
a materials capacity to be shaped by a force or pressure
microleakage (percolation)
passage of oral fluids/bacteria into and out of tooth structure due to a marginal gap or failure of marginal (restorative) seal
polymerization
the linking, branching, or cross linking of smaller molecules to generate a LARGER molecule, as seen with composite bonding and impression setting
proportional limit
the force at which a material CAN NOT return to its original shape
syneresis
contraction of a gel due to the LOSS OF A SOLVENT
tensile strength
the force needed to STRETCH a material to the point of fracture
viscosity
resistance to flow (thickness)