Definitions /Dictionary/Glossary - nptel

Composite Material: Composites are considered to be combinations of materials differing in
composition or form on a macro-scale. The constituents retain their identities in the composite;
that is, they do not dissolve or otherwise merge completely into each other although they act in
concert. Normally, the components can be physically identified and exhibit an interface between
one another.
Compound: An intimate mixture of polymer or polymers with all the materials necessary for the
finished product.
Compression Mold: A mold which is open when the material is introduced and which shapes
the material by heat and by the pressure of closing. See also Compression molding.
Compression Molding: A technique for molding thermoset plastics in which a part is shaped by
placing the fiber and resin into an open mold cavity, closing the mold, and applying heat and
pressure until the material has cured or achieved its final form.
Compressive Modulus: A mechanical property description which measures the compression of
a sample at a specified load. Described in ASTM D-695.
Compressive Strength: The ability of a material to resist a force that tends to crush; the
crushing load at the failure of a specimen divided by the original sectional area of the specimen.
Compressive Stress: The normal stress caused by forces directed towards the plane on which
they act.
Condensation: A polymerization reaction in which simple by-products(for example, water) are
formed.
Condensation Polymerization: This is a special type of step-growth polymerization
characterized by the formation of water or other simple molecules during the stepwise addition
of reactive groups.
Conditioning: Subjecting a material to a prescribed environmental and/or stress history before
testing.
Conductivity: Reciprocal of volume resistivity; the conductance of a unit cube of any material.
Confidence Coefficient: See Confidence Interval.
Confidence Interval: A confidence interval is defined by a statement of one of the following
forms:
(1).P{a < θ} ≤1−α (2).P{ θ < b} ≤1−α (3).P{a < θ < b} ≤1−α