Property Terms Cheat Sheet

Coefficient of Friction The resistance of a material to sliding forces where, the higher the number, the higher the friction.
Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion
Measure of growth of a material as temperature changes.
Compressive Modulus of Elasticity The ratio of force to deformation as a material is being squeezed.
Compressive Strength The resistance of a material to being deformed under a squeeze load.
Dielectric Constant The ability of a material to store an electrical charge.
Dielectric Strength The amount of volts/mil required to cause an electrical “breakthrough”.
Dimensional Stability Change in height, width, and shape when exposed to changes in temperature.
Dissipation Factor The ability of a material to dissipate an electrical charge.
Durometer Hardness The ability of a non-metallic material to resist indentation using a Shore tester.
Flammability Rating The ability of a material to harbor a flame.
Flexural Modulus of Elasticity The ratio of force to deformation when a material is being flexed or bent.
Flexural Strength The resistance of a material to being bent or flexed.
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) The temperature at which crystalline materials change from solid to a rubbery state.
Heat Deflection Temperature The temperature at which a material will bend a given distance when a given load is applied.
Izod Impact The ability of a material to resist fracture at a machined “V” notch when hit with a swinging
Melting Point The temperature at which a materials change from a solid to a liquid.
PV or Limiting PV The ratio of simultaneous load and speed in relation to wear.
Rockwell Hardness The ability of a material to resist indentation using a Rockwell Tester.
Shear Strength The resistance of a material to being punched or sheared.
Specific Gravity The ratio of the weight of an object, to the weight of the same volume of water.
Surface Resistivity The ability of a material to impede the flow of electricity across its surface.
Tensile Elongation The % a material will stretch as it is pulled in a slow stretch until it breaks.
Tensile Modulus Of Elasticity The ratio of force to deformation when a material is being slowly pulled apart.
Tensile Strength The resistance of a material to being slowly pulled apart.
Thermal Conductivity The ability of a material to insulate changes in temperature.
Volume Resistivity The ability of a material to impede the flow of electricity through itself.
Water Absorption The ability of a material to absorb moisture.
Wear or “K” Factor The ability to resist wear against steel.