Abrasion Resistance- The ability to resist removal or damage from mechanical action.

Acid Hardness- Chemicals, generally metal fluorosilicates, applied to concrete or terrazzo, which react with the free lime and calcium carbonates present to form silica quartz, a very hard substance. The result is concrete or terrazzo with a harder surface than that obtained without acid hardening.

Acrylic- Specific types of building blocks (monomers) used in creating polymers and resins. Acrylics add toughness, durability and removal properties to the polymer or resin.

Active Ingredients- Ingredients which promote claimed results. Usually, this term is associated with products registered with the EPA, in which case the active ingredients are those constituents which are recognized as providing the claimed pesticidal properties, e.g., insecticide, rodenticide, bactericide, etc.

Adhesion- The ability of a floor finish to adhere to the substrate by physical or chemical means.

Alkali Soluble Polymer- A polymer which can form a clear solution when dissolved in a sufficient amount of base such as ammonia and water.

Amine- An organic chemical characterized by the presnce of nitrogen and an alkaline pH. Unlike ammonia type strippers, amine type strippers are pleasant to work with as they are free at strong ammonia odor and do not irritate the nose and eyes.

Anionic Detergent- A material which carries a negative charge. Most soaps are anionic as they combine fatty ads and an alkali. Oleate Soap, Amine Soap, Sodium Soap and combinations of the three are frequently used in cleaners.

Antifoam- Any material added to a floor polish to control foam. Most commonly used substances are silicone emulsions.

Asphalt Tile- A flooring material made of asbestos fibers, pigments and inert fillers bound together with an asphalt or resin binder. Ingredients are mixed, heated, then rolled out in sheets and cut to size. Asphalt tile is also furnished in a grade designated as grease proof. Oils and solvents should be avoided on all types. One possible way to distinguish asphalt tile from vinyl asbestos, which is also hard and brittle at normal temperatures, is to rub the tile in an inconspicuous spot with a rag dampened with petroleum naphtha. Any color transfer from the tile to the cloth indicates that the tile is asphalt instead of vinyl asbestos. Rubber tile will also show some color transfer, but rubber tile can be indented with a fingernail.