Coefficient of thermal expansionCTE

The rate at which a material conducts heat. Polymers and cellular foams have low conductivity and act as insulators, while metals conduct readily, a contrast that matters in roof build-ups, battery enclosures and mould tooling.

Stress locked into a material or assembly in the absence of external load, arising from cure shrinkage, thermal mismatch during cooling, welding or forming. Residual stresses cause distortion, such as spring-in of composite parts, and can add to service stresses to promote cracking.

The temperature region over which an amorphous or partly amorphous polymer changes from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, rubbery one. It sets a practical upper service temperature for resins and adhesives and can be reduced by absorbed moisture or incomplete cure.