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
