(1) It can act as a conductor of electricity or an insulator .(2) A semiconductor is a substance whose ability to conduct electricity is between that of an insulator like rubber and a full conductor like copper.(3) Back in the 1970s, U.S. and Japanese researchers found that plastic - normally an insulator of electricity - could act as a conductor under certain circumstances.(4) Asbestos cement is strong but lightweight, durable, waterproof, fireproof and a good insulator .(5) If hindered from escaping by an insulator , the heat accumulates to a degree that can be exploited for generating electricity.(6) The air trapped between layers acts as an insulator to reduce heat transmission.(7) Cheap and fireproof, it was an all-purpose insulator used to lag buildings, railway carriages, even ironing boards.(8) cotton is a poor insulator(9) Furthermore, their relative performance changes: down is a particularly poor insulator when wet, whereas other materials do not differ greatly when wet or dry.(10) As a result, this coating is said to be useful for machining titanium and titanium alloys because it acts as an insulator , translating the high heat to the chip and not to the insert.(11) But the obese person in athletic competition is at great peril because the fat around his torso acts as an insulator , refusing to allow the body's heat to escape.(12) A coating of a clear, conducting material makes the glass behave like a capacitor - a device that stores electrical charge between two conducting plates separated by an insulator .(13) He suffered shock and serious burns when he touched the insulator .(14) Since ice is an insulator , this will cause even more ice to form.(15) A good exhaust system is an excellent sound insulator and it also purifies the gases coming out of the engine.(16) Nineteen thirty-two also saw the introduction of a new handle material which was advertised to be tough, non-flammable and a perfect insulator against electricity.
