What does malleability refer to in material properties?

Malleability refers to the ability of a material, typically metals, to be deformed or shaped, particularly by compressive forces, without cracking or breaking. This property is critical in processes such as forging and rolling, where materials are shaped into desired forms through hammering or pressing. Malleable materials can be stretched into thin sheets or other complex shapes, making them highly useful in manufacturing and engineering applications.

In contrast to the other options, which describe different material properties—such as abrasion resistance, elasticity, and tensile strength—malleability specifically focuses on the capability of a material to be molded or manipulated under pressure without failing. This is essential in ensuring that materials can be processed without losing their integrity or structural performance.