Density

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