By Gaea Marelle Miranda, M.Sc.Feb 14 2019The latter part of the 20th century saw significant advancements in the field of material science, nanotechnology, and materials processing. These developments have led to the production of materials targeted at providing solutions in various key areas, including communications, transportation, nuclear applications, and manufacturing. The successful development of products within these sectors is particularly reliant on a number of material properties.
Article updated on 25 November 2020
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Material properties are physical, chemical, or mechanical components of a specific product that would determine its functionality and manufacturability. This would mean that a product’s material properties would specifically define the capabilities of the products in all aspects. Moreover, such a concept would set certain limitations—based on product composition or property—on the product’s performance. Conversely, a product’s intended functionality should also set specific property requirements that need to be met in order for the final product to be considered useful.
Physical Property of Materials
A material’s physical properties denote the physical state of materials that are exclusive of their chemical composition or mechanical components. In particular, these properties encompass texture, density, mass, melting and boiling points, and electrical and thermal conductivity. All such physical properties are measurable or observable. These properties are not constant (will change when subjected to certain variables such as heat).
Discussed below are the most common physical properties that are used in selecting or differentiating materials:
- Is density a physical property? – Yes. The density implies the weight of a material, with higher density rates inferring heavier materials
- Is melting point a physical property? – Yes. The melting point is the minimum required temperature for a solid material to change into liquid i.e. ice into liquid water
- Is color a physical property? – Yes. Color is the reflective property of a material
- Is boiling point a physical property? – Yes. Boiling points refer to the minimum required temperature for a liquid material to change into gas
- Is conductivity a physical property? - Yes. Thermal or electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a material to transfer heat or electricity through it
Physical Properties vs Mechanical Properties
A material’s mechanical properties refer to components that react against an applied load. An essential characteristic of all mechanical properties is their ability to describe the material’s ability to resist deformation. These mechanical properties determine the scope and limits of a material’s functionality, as well as establish expected service life or performance. Among industries, materials are usually classified and identified in terms of such properties. Common mechanical properties of the substances that are considered are stiffness, toughness, strength, ductility, hardness, and impact resistance.
The mechanical properties of materials are not constant; they continuously change when exposed to various conditions, such as heat or loading rate. Moreover, mechanical properties may be tested using the following methods:
- Hardness testing – includes hardness tests such as Vickers, Rockwell, and Nanoindentation
- Compression and fatigue testing – includes the testing of materials such as plastic, steel, or aluminum; also includes the testing of tensile strength
- Scratch adhesion testing – measures adhesive failure and strength; typically utilized in meeting coating requirements
More from AZoM: An Introduction to Advanced Ceramics for Engineering Applications
References and Further Reading
“Scratch adhesion testing”, University of Leicester, https://www2.le.ac.uk/colleges/scieng/research/lanser/mechanical/scratch.
“Mechanical Properties”, NDT Resource Center, https://www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/Mechanical/Mechanical.htm.
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