Which property allows a material to resist deterioration?

Corrosion resistance is the property that enables a material to withstand deteriorating effects due to environmental factors, such as moisture, air, chemicals, and salts. This property is particularly important in aviation and marine applications, where materials are frequently exposed to harsh conditions that can lead to corrosion and eventual structural failure.

Materials with high corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel or certain aluminum alloys, have a protective oxide layer or unique chemical compositions that prevent oxidation and degradation. This extends the lifespan of components and ensures safety and reliability in structures, preventing costly repairs and replacements due to deterioration.

The other properties mentioned—shear strength, tensile strength, and torsional strength—refers to how a material behaves under various types of loads (shearing, stretching, and twisting, respectively). While these properties are crucial for determining a material's overall mechanical performance and load-bearing capability, they do not directly pertain to the material’s ability to resist deterioration from environmental factors. Thus, corrosion resistance is the correct choice as it specifically addresses the issue of material deterioration.