Material properties Flashcards
Physical properties
Fusibility
Electrical conductivity
Thermal conductivity
Resistance to moisture
Absorbency
What is fusibility
How easily a materials state can be altered to become a liquid
Important property in solder (where its low melting point allows it to melt with the heat of a soldering iron)
What is electrical conductivity
How easily electrical energy can pass through a material
Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity - although its expensive - it is regularly used in small quantities in high-end electrical components
What is thermal conductivity
How easily heat energy can pass through a material
Aluminium is an efficient conductor of heat - which makes it a popular choice when manufacturing pots and pans
What is resistance to moisture
A material’s ability to prevent liquid and moisture permeating its surface
PVC has excellent moisture-resistant properties and can be added as a coating to fabrics that can then be used to produce waterproof clothing
Other hydrophobic coating can be applied to fabrics to achieve a water resistant coating
What is absorbance
It is a material’s ability to soak up and retain liquid, heat or light
It’s an important property when related to fabrics
Natural fibres such as cotton and wool have high absorbency, making then comfortable to wear as they absorb perspiration
Synthetic fibres are virtually non-absorbent so can be very uncomfortable to wear - like wearing a plastic bag
Examples of mechanical porperties
Strength
Hardness
Density
Toughness
Malleability
Ductility
Elasticity
What is strength
The ability of a material to withstand a constant force without breaking.
Five forces that can act upon a material
