A dispersion of particles of polymeric material suspended in water by emulsifiers and surfactants and used in the manufacturer of water-based paints, adhesives, and sealants. A general term describing any system using a water-based latex emulsion as its binder. Measured in pounds per square inch of cross section of the sample. Low to moderate modulus materials make the best caulks and sealants. The caulk is usually heavily loaded with filler and relies on either linseed or soybean oil as its binder.
Oxidation causes caulks and sealants to become hard and brittle.
Chalking and cracking are the most common indicators of oxidation. The force required to break a bond by peeling a sealant away from a given substrate. Measured in pounds per linear inch of bond width. A chemical incorporated into a sealant formulation to increase its flexibility and elasticity. The finished polymer often bears little resemblance to its chemical antecedents in physical form or physical properties.