Key Properties of materials

Different materials exhibit different working properties. Listed below are the key properties which determine how materials behave.

• conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat or electrical energy
• strength is the ability of a material to withstand a force without breaking or bending
• elasticity is the ability of a material to bend and then to return to its original shape and size
• plasticity is the ability of a material to permanently change in shape
• malleability is the ability of a material to permanently deform in all directions without cracking
• ductility is the ability of a material to deform, usually by stretching along its length
• hardness is the ability of a material to resist wear, scratching and indentation
• toughness is the ability of a material to withstand blows or sudden shocks without breaking
• durability is the ability of a material to withstand wear, especially as a result of weathering
• fusibility is the ability of a material to change into a liquid or molten state when heated to its melting point

Source : http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials/materialsmaterialsrev6.shtml