Intumescence refers to the swelling, bulging, or inflation of a substance, particularly due to the absorption of moisture or heat. This process often involves a volume increase, and can occur in both organic and inorganic materials. In the context of organic materials, intumescence can refer to the expansion of plant tissues, while in inorganic contexts, it might involve the formation of bubbles or blisters. The key feature of intumescence is a pronounced increase in size or volume due to internal expansion, rather than the addition of an external substance. It is often associated with physical or chemical reactions which may alter the characteristics of the material and frequently the result is that the material becomes more porous or less dense.
Intumescence meaning with examples
- The rising heat caused the wooden planks to display intumescence, buckling and distorting as the internal moisture vaporized and expanded, damaging the integrity of the floorboards. This slow intumescence would eventually compromise the entire structure, making it unstable. This was due to the type of wood.
- After the chemical reaction, the special polymer exhibited a striking intumescence, forming a foamy mass that nearly tripled in volume. Scientists were hoping it would stay in place to fill holes in the product. This intumescence of the polymer was a key part of the experiment, as it validated their hypothesis about its behavior.
- The clay, exposed to high heat during the firing process, underwent intumescence, creating a textured and porous surface. This gradual intumescence transformed the clay's properties, making it more suitable for holding water, and changing its aesthetic and functional qualities in ways unseen before the treatment.
- The infected tissue showed significant intumescence around the wound, indicating inflammation and fluid buildup. The doctor was worried about the intumescence indicating an infection and prescribed antibiotics to combat it. The extent of the intumescence was a critical factor in the assessment of the patient's condition.
- The artist carefully controlled the intumescence of the glaze during the firing, to achieve a specific textural effect on the ceramic piece. The careful intumescence required precise temperature control. The desired appearance relied on a certain amount of bubble formation, and this needed precise control.
Intumescence Synonyms
bloating bulging distention expansion inflation protuberance puffiness swelling tumefactionIntumescence Antonyms
collapse contraction deflation deflation shrinking subsidenceIntumescence Crossword Answers
8 Letters
SWELLING
12 Letters
INTUMESCENCY