How compact a material is - cement is dense, a sponge is not.
Tensile strength
resistance to a stretching force - steel has good tensile strength, string does not.
Strength to weight ratio
How much strength a material has compared to how much it weighs. Common materials which have high strength to weight ratios are composite materials like carbon fibre
Hardness
To resist indentation and abrasion. Metal is harder than timber, generally speaking.
Durability
To withstand wear and tear - to last
Thermal conductivity
To conduct or transfer heat
Electrical conductivity
To conduct or transfer electricity
Corrosion resistance
To withstand corrosion from oxidation and other chemical reactions
Stiffness
Ability to resist bending
Elasticity
The ability to return to its original shape after a force is removed.
See; youngs modulus
Plasticity
The ability to deform. heated acrylic has more plasticity tha cold acrylic. it also has more elasticity.
Impact resistance (toughness)
The ability to absorb impact without damaging
Brittleness
Breaking before deforming - think glass
Malleability
The ability to reshape a material through copmpression - aluminium can be drawn/ stretched into cans
Ductility
Ability to be drawn into a length - think wires. Usually materials are malleable and ductile.
Machinability
The ability to be cut and shaped by tools and machinery.
Strength
The ability to withstand forces or stresses
Compressive strength
The ability to withstand pressure/ load
Flammability
How a material burns
AbsorbEncy
The ability to absorb moisture, light, heat or sound.
Washability
The ability to wash a material and it remain in its original state
Resistance to decay
To not decompose, deteriorate or disintegrate
Biodegradability
The ability to break down naturally with the action of micro-organisms
density (kg m-3) = mass (kg)
volume (m3)
Tensile strength = breaking force (n)
(mn-2) Cross sectional area(m-2)
s/w ratio = material strength (nm2)
(nm kg-1) material density(kg m-3)
YM = stress (nm-2)
(nm-2) Strain
stress (nm-2) = force (n)
x-sectional area (m2)
Strain = extension (m)
original length (m)