Chewing gum

Description

A flavored chewing resin originally made from chicle or similar materials, such as mastic, spruce resin, or paraffin. After World War II, most chewing gum manufacturers began replacing chicle with various mixtures of synthetic rubbers. Improper disposal of used chewing gum is a nuisance because it adhers tightly to surfaces, especially fibers and hairs. Cooling the gum to a temperature below its glass transition point makes the polymer become brittle and breakable. Ice, icepacks, and liquid nitrogen have all been recommended for removal of dried chewing gum (DISTLIST 18:36).

Synonyms and Related Terms

tixtle

Additional Information

Conservation Online DISTLIST 18:36, Sunday January 30, 2005.

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "chewing gum." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 31 Jan. 2005 .

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum (accessed Jan 2005)