Reference
Reference
Descriptions of moulding materials are full of words you rarely hear in everyday life: viscoelasticity, thermochromic, polymer coating. Below they are explained briefly and without scientific complexity. The definitions are deliberately simplified; if you need precision for study or work, turn to textbooks on polymer physics and chemistry.
Understanding why putty flows or bounces is useful for more than curiosity. Once you know a material's properties, it's easier to work out how to store it and what not to clean it with.
Properties
- Viscoelasticity
- A material's ability to behave both like a thick liquid and like an elastic solid. Which behaviour wins depends on how quickly the material is acted on.
- Flow
- The tendency of putty to slowly spread out under its own weight. Because of it, a figure made of thinking putty gradually sinks and slumps.
- Bounce
- The ability of a rolled ball to spring back off a hard surface on sharp impact instead of flattening.
- Stickiness
- The tendency of putty to cling to skin, fabric and surfaces. It usually increases with warmth and when the material is dirty.
Types
- Thermochromic putty
- Putty with additives that change colour as the temperature changes, for example from the warmth of your hands.
- Glow putty
- Putty with additives that glow faintly in the dark for a while after being exposed to light.
- Magnetic putty
- Putty containing ferromagnetic particles that is drawn towards a magnet. Sets often include a strong magnet, which is why these products are not suitable for children.
- Kinetic sand
- Sand whose grains are coated with a polymer. It holds its shape when squeezed and makes less dust than ordinary sand.
Labelling
- Age marking
- The manufacturer's statement of the age from which a product is intended. Your main guide when choosing putty for a child.
- TR CU 008/2011
- The Eurasian Customs Union technical regulation «On the safety of toys», in force in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Other countries have their own toy-safety rules.
- Conformity mark
- A symbol on the packaging showing that the product has been assessed against the requirements of the regulation.
- Warning text
- Text on the pack about small parts, adult supervision or other risks. It's worth reading before the set reaches a child.
Where these words come in handy
- What is putty
What thinking putty is made of, why it flows one moment and bounces the next, and how to look after it.
- Questions
Short answers about material properties, stains on fabric and child safety.
- Practical
How to store and clean thinking putty so it lasts, plus a catalogue of practical articles.
- Collections
Reading paths: a child's first putty, putty for your desk, a family evening.
Related reading
- Questions
Short answers about material properties, stains on fabric and child safety.
- What is putty
What thinking putty is made of, why it flows one moment and bounces the next, and how to look after it.
- Home
A guide to thinking putty, plasticine, slime and kinetic sand: properties, care, safety and activities.
Sources and basis of this text
- TR CU 008/2011 «On the safety of toys» (Eurasian Customs Union regulation, in force in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan; other countries have their own toy-safety rules)
- Manufacturers' instructions and labelling for moulding putties (general principles)
- Materials on the safety of children's toys (general principles)
Ingredients, labelling and manufacturers' recommendations change over time, so the instructions and markings on the pack of the specific product are always your main guide. This reference explains general principles and does not replace a doctor's advice if something goes wrong.