The glossary below contains common terminology used with USB New Uses. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions or additions to this glossary.

A-E | F-L | M-P | R-Z

ACT – Available Control Technology - see RACT and MACT.

adjuvant – component, which enhances product performance (see diluent)

alkyd – synthetic resin used in some types of coatings.

AOCS – American Oil Chemists’ Society

APA – American Plywood Association – an engineered wood association

ASTM – American Society of Testing and Materials - a standards organization

BEES – Building for Economic and Environmental Sustainability- see also life cycle analysis

binders – moisture cured, polyurethane prepolymer used in the production of carpet underlay, rubber matting, architectural applications and other products.

biodiesel – A fuel made by transesterification of vegetable oil or fat; commonly made from soybean oil and used in 20% combination with diesel fuel as "B-20"

CAA – Clean Air Act

CARB – California Air Regulatory Board. Sets limits on and defines testing procedures for air pollution in California.

CERCLA – Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or Superfund

coalescing agent – In latex paint, a component which causes the large molecules of the latex resin to flow together while drying to form a continuous film

conjugated soy oil – Oil modified to increase its reactivity (improved drying time, etc.)

copolymer – A polymer made from more than one kind of monomer

covalent bond – The joining of two atoms when the two share a pair of electrons.

crosslinking – The condition when individual polymer chains are linked together by covalent bonds to form one larger molecule

CTG – Control Technique Guidelines. EPA has set CTG’s for stationary sources of VOC emissions. These assist states in prescribing RACT compliance based on the severity of the problem the area has in attaining emissions control.

CWA – Clean Water Act

DCPO – dicyclopentadiene - linseed oil based paint diluent

diluent – a component which dilutes a product (rather than enhancing it)

DOP – Dioctyl phtalate - plasticizer used in PVC formulation

EO 13101 – Executive Order 13101- Greening of the Government. This order directs federal agencies, federal contractors and other agencies receiving federal fund to develop a procurement plan for Environmentally Preferable Products.

EPA – Environmental Protection Agency – sets/enforces regulations on limits of pollutants into air and water.

EPCRA – Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know

EPP – Environmentally Preferable Product(s)

ESBO – epoxidized soybean oil, also ESO

esterification – Esterification is the general name for a chemical reaction in which two chemicals (typically an alcohol and an acid) form an ester as the reaction product.