List of Material Properties and Definitions for students

Understanding the properties of materials is fundamental for Design & Technology students as it helps you to select which materials are appropriate for which task. This article provides a list of properties and definitions, with examples to help students become familiar with these terms.

Material properties

Rigidity / Stiffness

• Resistance to deformation under an applied force
• Describes how much a material deflects or bends when subjected to a load
• Resistance to bending or changing shape
• Examples: steel beams, hardwood, thick glass, foamboard

Hardness

• Resistance to surface pressure (resistance to denting, scratching)
• Firm, solid and compact
• Difficult to cut
• Examples: hardened steel, granite, saligna (wood from a type of gum tree)

Toughness

• Strength, durability, resilience
• Ability to withstand great strain – doesn’t tear or break easily
• Examples: high-impact polystyrene, leather

Brittleness

• Resistance to impact
• Shatters or snaps easily
• Examples: glass, ceramic, cast iron

Flexibility

• Able to bend easily without breaking
• Opposite of rigidity / stiffness

Elasticity

• Ability to bend or stretch and return to original shape (bounces back)
• Examples: rubber bands, springs, elastic fabrics

Ductility

• Ability to be pliable and flexible
• Can be deformed under tensile stress (can be stretched or pulled)
• Examples: copper, silver, gold, aluminium which can be made into thin wire

Malleability

• Can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking
• Can be deformed under compressive stress
• Examples: gold, copper, lead, aluminium foil

Dimensional Stability

• Retain its shape / existing dimensions when subjected to various stresses
• Examples: engineered wood, stainless steel

Corrosion Resistance

• Resistance to oxidation / degradation (rust / decay)
• Examples: stainless steel, aluminium, PVC

Electrical Conductivity

• Conducts electrical current
• The opposite of insulating materials which resist electrical flow (rubber and plastic are good insulators)
• Examples: copper, aluminium, silver, gold

Thermal Conductivity

• Transmits heat / conducts heat
• Examples: copper, steel, aluminium

Tensile Strength

• Performs well under tension (strong when pulled)
• Example: rope, string

Compressive Strength

• Performs well under compression (when squashed / pressed)
• Example: concrete