Material properties

Mechanical properties

Associated with how a material reacts to an external force

Physical properties

Associated with the makeup or structure of the material

Compressive strength

The ability of a material to resist being squashed when subjected to compressive forces

Tensile strength

The maximum force a material can withstand when being stretched before breaking

Bending strength

The ability of a material to resist forces that cause it to bend

Shear strength

The ability of a material to resist forces that cause adjacent parts to slide past each other

Torsional strength

The ability of a material to resist twisting forces

Hardness

The ability of a material to resist scratching indentation or wear

Toughness

The ability of a material to absorb energy and resist fracture when subjected to sudden forces

Plasticity

The ability of a material to be shaped and retain the new shape

Ductility

The ability of a material to be stretched into a wire without breaking

Malleability

The ability of a material to be deformed under compressive forces such as being hammered or rolled into thin sheets

Density

The mass of a material per unit volume

Conductivity

The ability of a material to allow electricity or heat to pass through it

Fusibility

The ability of a material to be melted or converted to a liquid state when heat is applied

Natural materials

Material that is derived from plants animals or ore

I.e wool, silver, hardwoods

Synthetic materials

Material that has been created by a man via scientific processes

I.e acrylic, pvc, nylon

Regenerated material

A material of hat has been reused or processed into a different type of product

I.e paper, MDF

Composite materials

2 or more materials bonded or combine together to create a material with improved properties

I.e brass, GRP, Aluminium alloys