pliables

Pliables is the plural form of pliable and is used to refer to objects, materials, or tissues that are easily bent, folded, or shaped without breaking. The term can describe physical properties as well as figurative adaptability.

In materials science, pliability denotes flexibility and ductility. It increases with lower stiffness and higher elongation at break. Temperature, humidity, and microstructure influence pliability; processes such as annealing or plasticization can enhance it, while excessive crosslinking or cooling can reduce it.

Common pliable materials include ductile metals (for example copper and gold after appropriate processing), polymers such as silicone and rubber, many thermoplastics, and certain leathers or textiles. The pliability of a material depends on its composition, processing history, and environmental conditions.

Applications span packaging films, flexible electronics, medical devices that conform to contours, and consumer goods that require bending or shaping. Designers trade off pliability against properties like strength, hardness, and dimensional stability.

In everyday language, pliables can refer to people who are easily influenced or adapt readily to circumstances. This usage is figurative and can carry a negative connotation if applied to personality or character.

See also: pliability, ductility, elasticity.