Carnuba- A hard wax obtained from the leaves of the Carnuba palm tree. This wax is emulsifiable and yields a glossy, durable, buffable film when property formulated in aqueous floor waxes. Carnuba wax is graded in five categories. Only types I and 2 are used appreciably in floor waxes because of their lighter color. Types 3 through 5 come from more mature leaves and are darker in color.

Ceramic Tile- A flooring material made from a mixture of special clays and colorants that are fused together at high temperature into a hard brick-like or porcelain substance; sometimes coated with a thin film of vitreous material called glazing.

Chemical Resistance- Ability to withstand an assortment of chemicals such as gasoline or alcohol without being damaged.

Clarity- Clearness; lack of haze or light scattering properties.

Coalesce- To blend together to unite into a whole to fuse. As related to floor finishes, the formulation of the film as the water evaporates.

Coalescent- A solvent, usually a glycol or glycol ether which helps promote the union of individual emulsion particles into a continuous film.

Concrete- A flooring material made from a mixture of sand, gravel, Portland cement and modifying additives which react with water to form a hard rock-like substance. Portland cement is the “glue” which holds the other materials together. Hardening occurs through hydration of these materials.

Conductive Flooring- A flooring material that will conduct electricity to reduce hazards from unwanted static electricity such as sparks in an explosive environment. Conductive floors offer a resistance of 25,000 to 1,000,000 ohms per 3 lineal feet. Conductive flooring materials include linoleum, terrazzo. ceramic tile, vinyl and rubber. Conductivity is achieved by using acetylene carbon, cupric salts or other special conducting materials. Wire mesh may also be laid directly under the tile to assure uniform conductance of the entire floor.

Cork Tile- A flooring material composed of ground cork with or without resins that is compressed and heat cured into the finished product; chosen mostly for its beauty and sound deadening properties. Cork is best maintained with organic solvent-based products such as Traffic Wax paste or liquid.

Cosolvent- A solvent which modifies the performance or stability characteristics of polish.

Creaming- Formation of an opaque off colored layer at the top of a liquid emulsion.

Crosslink- An entity which attaches two chains of polymer molecules together by forming a chemical bond.