plastic material properties Property Description Coefficient of Friction Degree to which a plastic resists sliding against another material. A lower number indicates more slippery. Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion Degree to which a plastic changes size due temperature change. High number indicates more growth when heated. Compressive Strength The load at which a plastic test specimen fails in compression. Dielectric Strength A measure of the voltage required to puncture a plastic insulating material. Flexural Modulus of Elasticity A measure of the flexural stiffness of a plastic prior to breaking or permanently deforming. Flexural Strength The load at which a plastic test specimen fails in flexure. Hardness The resistance of a plastic material to indentation. Haze The degree to which a transparent plastic material appears cloudy. Heat Deflection Temperature The temperature at which a plastic test specimen will bend a specified distance under a specified load. Izod Impact The energy that it takes to break a plastic test specimen. An indication of the toughness of a material. Light Transmittance The ability of a plastic to transmit light. A higher number indicates greater transparency. Max Continuous Service Temperature in Air An approximate temperature above which a plastic material will be more likely to fail. Specific Gravity The density of a plastic compared with the density of water. A higher number indicates a denser plastic. Tensile Elongation The degree to which a plastic test specimen can be stretched under a tensile load prior to failure. Tensile Modulus of Elasticity A measure of the tensile (pulling) stiffness of a plastic material prior to breaking or permanently deforming. Tensile Strength The load at which a plastic test specimen fails when it is pulled from both ends. Water Absorption The % increase in the weight of a plastic when it is immersed in water for a specified period of time.