What does oxidisation resistance indicate about a material?

Oxidisation resistance refers to a material's ability to withstand degradation from oxygen, which is a critical property for various applications, especially in environments where materials are exposed to air or reactive gases. When a material has high oxidisation resistance, it is less likely to corrode or degrade when it interacts with oxygen, thereby maintaining its structural integrity and performance over time. This property is particularly important in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction, where materials may be subjected to harsh atmospheric conditions.

This characteristic also implies that the material will have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance because it does not easily undergo oxidation—the chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen, often leading to rust or other forms of degradation. Therefore, identifying oxidisation resistance is crucial for selecting materials for specific applications where durability and longevity are essential.