What does the characteristic of durability refer to in materials selection?

Durability refers to a material's ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time. This characteristic is crucial in materials selection, especially for products expected to endure physical stress, environmental factors, and general usage without significant degradation. When selecting materials for a product, assessing durability ensures that the final design will maintain its functionality and appearance throughout its intended lifespan. Therefore, materials with high durability are often preferred in applications where strength and longevity are critical, such as in construction, tools, and high-use consumer products. Recognizing this quality helps designers and engineers create reliable products that satisfy user expectations for performance and resilience.