Bloom

Name:
Bloom
Detailed information:
(1) A thin coating of an ingredient of a rubber or plastic mixture that migrates to the surface, usually within a few hours after curing or setting. Sulfur bloom in vulcanized rubber products is most common; it is harmless but impairs the eye appeal of the product. Paraffin wax is often included purposely; when it migrates to the surface it provides an efficient barrier to sunchecking and oxidation. (2) A piece of steel made from an ingot. (3) An arbitrary scale for rating the strength of gelatin gels. When so used the word is capitalized. (4) Efflorescence of phytoplankton in seawater causing discoloration of the surface water.See Red Tide.