The techniques described in Chapter 2 and based on principles discussed in Chapter 1 allow specifying requirements for vibration isolators needed for a given object or for a group of objects. However, realization and implementation of these specifications are impossible without a clear understanding of properties of materials which are or can be used for constructing the vibration isolators. Since no concise description of the relevant properties is available, this Chapter attempts to fill this void.

Both static and dynamic characteristics of the principal materials are described, metal as well as polymeric. The greatest attention is given to elastomeric (rubber-like) materials due to their unique combination of an infinite variety of characteristics achievable by blending of the numerous component materials, and a great design flexibility.

However, there is a significant potential for metal flexible elements using both the appropriate designs and the new alloys possessing high damping. These materials, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic elastodamping elements and fibrous and plastic materials are described.