Fundamentally, there are six different categories of properties important to solid materials
1. Mechanical Properties. Relates material deformation to an applied load or force; examples include elastic modulus and strength.
2. Electrical Properties. Such as electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, the stimulus is an electric field.
3. Thermal Properties. Represented in terms of heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
4. Magnetic Properties. Demonstrates the response of a material to the application of a magnetic field.
5. Optical Properties. The stimulus is electromagnetic or light radiation. Can be represented in terms of index of refraction and reflectivity.
6. Deteriorative Properties. Relates to the chemical reactivity of materials.
