mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of a plastic are of decisive importance for its applicability and performance in various fields of application. These properties can be characterised by a large number of material values that convey a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of the material under load. The most important of these values include:

1. Yield stress: The maximum stress that the material can withstand before it is permanently deformed.
2. Tensile strength: The maximum tensile force that the material can withstand without breaking.
3. Elongation at break: The elongation of the material before break under tensile load, a measure of its ductility.
4. Tensile modulus of elasticity: A measure of the stiffness of the material under tensile load, how much it stretches when a tensile force is applied.
5. Tensile creep modulus: The ability of the material to deform slowly under sustained tensile load.
6. Flexural strength: The maximum load that the material can withstand in a flexural test.
7. Ball indentation hardness: The resistance of the material to local deformation under a defined compressive load.
8. Rockwell and Shore hardness: Different units of measurement for the hardness of the material, which indicate its resistance to penetration or deformation.
9. Impact strength: The ability of the material to absorb sudden loads or impacts without breaking.
10. Coefficient of sliding friction: The coefficient of friction of the material against other surfaces.
11. Sliding wear: The wear of the material caused by sliding friction during movement.

A detailed knowledge of these mechanical properties enables engineers and manufacturers to select the suitable material for specific applications and to optimise the performance of their products.