1. Understand the terms used to describe the properties of materials
Material Properties
Learning Intention:
Understand the terms used to describe the properties of materials

2. Material Properties
Different materials have different properties Designers have to consider these properties when selecting the most suitable material for a specific product

3. Selecting Appropriate Materials
When mass producing a product you would need a material that can be permanently shaped and easily formed

4. Selecting Appropriate Materials
If you were building a bridge, you would need a material with the ability to withstand high forces

5. When describing a material’s properties we can refer to either its Mechanical Properties or its Physical Properties

6. Mechanical Properties
The Mechanical Properties of materials are linked to how they react to the application of force

7. Types of Force

8. Mechanical Properties - Strength
The strength of a material is its ability to withstand an applied force without breaking or bending permanently
Materials can have different types of strength – thinking of the different types of force what do you think they are?
Here’s the first one

9. Tensile Strength

10. Bending Strength

11. Compressive Strength

12. Shear Strength

13. Torsion Strength

14. Mechanical Properties - Hardness
The ability of a material to resist abrasive wear or scratching

15. Mechanical Properties - Density
The mass per unit volume – often has an effect on other properties such as hardness

16. Mechanical Properties - Durability
The ability to resist wear and tear (over a period of time, materials begin to weather and suffer wear and tear

17. Mechanical Properties - Toughness
The ability to withstand sudden shocks or blows without breaking

18. Mechanical Properties - Brittleness
The opposite of toughness – little or no resistance – acrylic is very brittle unless heated

19. Mechanical Properties - Malleability
The ability of a material to be permanently deformed in all directions – hammering, rolling or pressing

20. Aluminium Cans

21. Mechanical Properties - Elasticity
Ability to flex and bend but return to original form when force is removed

22. Mechanical Properties - Ductility
Ability of a material to be cold-formed by being pulled (drawn) into thinner sections of wire (without breaking)

23. Physical Properties
The Physical Properties of materials are unaltered by the application of force

24. Physical Properties - fusibility
Ability of a material to change into a liquid at a certain temperature – important for fabrication and forming processes

25. Physical Properties – thermal conductivity
Ability to allow heat to pass through a material

26. Physical Properties – Electrical conductivity
Ability to allow electricity to pass through the material

27. Physical Properties – Environmentally friendly
Materials that can be reused, recycled or are biodegradable

28. You must be able to describe the properties of materials
Examiner’s Tip
You must be able to describe the properties of materials
Be able to describe the terms used in relation to a variety of materials using notes and sketches

29. Homework Task
Design some simple tests you could carry out in the school workshop to find out the relative properties of a range of materials

30. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to conduct heat or electrical energy ?

31. Check your understanding
Give an example of a material with good thermal conductivity ?

32. Check your understanding
Give an example of a material that is a good thermal insulator ?

33. Check your understanding
Give an example of a material that is a good electrical insulator ?

34. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to withstand a force without breaking or bending ?

35. Check your understanding
Why would this I beam be used?

36. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to bend and then to return to its original shape and size ?

37. Check your understanding
Many wooden tool handles and sports equipment are made from Ash. Why?

38. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to permanently deform in all directions without cracking ?

39. Check your understanding
Give an example of a malleable metal

40. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to deform, usually by stretching along its length ?

41. Check your understanding
Name a metal that is ductile – what is it used to make? ?

42. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to resist wear, scratching and indentation ?

43. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to withstand blows or sudden shocks without breaking ?

44. Check your understanding
What’s the opposite of tough? Give some examples ?

45. Check your understanding
is the ability of a material to withstand wear, especially as a result of weathering ?

46. Check your understanding
the ability of a material to change into a liquid or molten state when heated to its melting point ?