materials and their applications

Hardness

Mechanical

The ability of a metal to resist indentation, wear, and abrasion (e.g. hard metals such as tool steel are used in cutting tools and machinery)

Toughness

Mechanical

The ability to absorb energy and resist fracture under impact (e.g. high-toughness metals like stainless steel are used in structural applications)

Malleability

Mechanical

The ability to be shaped or deformed under compressive forces without cracking. Copper and aluminium are highly malleable and used in wiring and sheet metal.

Elasticity

Mechanical

The ability to return to its original shape after being deformed. Spring steel is highly elastic and used in suspension systems

Tensile Strength

Mechanical

The ability to resist stretching forces without breaking. High-tensile steels are used in bridges, cables, and aircraft structures

Compressive strength

Mechanical

The ability to withstand being crushed or shortened by pushing forcces

Bending strength

Mechanical

The ability to resist stretching or pulling forces

Shear strength

Mechanical

The ability to resist sliding forces on a parallel plane

Torsional strength

Mechanical

The ability to withstand twisting forces from applied torque / torsion

Plasticity

Mechanical

The ability to be permanently deformed and retain the deformed shape

Ductility

Mechanical

The ability to be drawn out under tension, reducing the cross sectional area without cracking

Malleability

Mechanical

The ability to withstand deformation by compression without cracking, can increase with rise in tempurature

Elasticity

Mechanical

The ability to be deformed and then resurn to the original shape when the force is removed

Density

Physical

The mass of the metal per unit volume. Dense metals like lead are used in radiation shielding, while lighter metals like aluminium are used in aerospace

Fuseibility

Physical

The ability of a material to be fused or converted form a solid to a liquid or molten state, usually by heat (essential for casting metal)

Magnetism

Physical

The natural force between objects that causes the material to attract iron or other steels

Resistance to Corrosion

Physical

The ability to withstand oxidation and environmental damage. Stainless steel and aluminium have good corrosion resistance and are used in marine and outdoor applications.

Thermal conductivity

Physical

The ability to transfer heat efficiently. Copper and aluminium are excellent thermal conductors used in heat exchangers and cookware

Thermal insulator

Physical

The ability to prevent the transfer of heat

Thermal expansion

Physical

The increase in material volume in response to a heat input

Electrical conductivity

Physical

The ability to carry an electrical current. Copper and silver are highly conductive and used in electrical wiring and circuit boards

Electrical insulator

Physical

The ability to prevent the flow of an electrical current.

Opaque

Physical

Prevents light from travelling through

Translucent

Physical

Partially allows light through, diffusing the light

Transparent

Physical

Allows light to pass through easily

Melting Points

The temperature at which a metal changes from solid to liquid. High-melting-point metals like tungsten are used in filaments and aerospace applications