When talking about caulks and sealants, there are many terms that can be used to describe the different types. Below are a few terms you can use to help you sound like a Pro.

 Aerobic

 An epoxy that requires exposure to oxygen to cure.

Anaerobic

A one-part sealant/adhesive that cures only in the absence of oxygen. Designed for locking screws, nuts, bolts or retaining bearings, shafts, etc.

Elastomeric

Materials that are "elastomeric" could also be said to be "elastic". Both terms describe what most people would refer to as "rubberiness" or behaving like rubber (which stretches & compresses, & returns to its original shape after stress is removed.)

Endothermic

A process of change that takes place w/ absorption of heat. (Some formulations may be endothermic in curing, while others could be exothermic, giving off heat during cure.)

Exothermic

Pertaining to a chemical reaction which releases heat.

Intumescent

Substances which swell as a result of heat exposure thus increasing in volume & decreasing in density. Intumescents are typically endothermic to varying degrees, as they can contain chemically bound water. Intumescents are used in firestopping, fireproofing & gasketing applications. Some intumescents are susceptible to environmental influences such as humidity, which can reduce or negate their ability to function.