What does ductility refer to in materials science?

Ductility is a fundamental property in materials science, specifically describing a material's ability to be drawn into wires without breaking. This capability allows materials, especially metals, to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture. When a ductile material is subjected to tensile stress, it can stretch and elongate without losing its structural integrity, which is essential in applications where materials need to be formed into wires, cables, or other shapes.

While other properties like compression strength, elasticity, and toughness are important in their respective contexts, they do not define ductility. Compression strength refers to how well a material can withstand compressive forces, elasticity deals with a material’s ability to return to its original shape after deformation, and toughness measures energy absorption prior to failure. However, ductility specifically emphasizes the capability of a material to be stretched into thin wires, making it a vital characteristic in manufacturing and engineering applications.