Which property of asbestos allows it to resist burning?

• A. High tensile strength
• B. Resilience
• C. Insulation
• D. Fire resistance

Answer: (D)

The property of asbestos that enables it to resist burning is fire resistance. Asbestos is composed of naturally occurring silicate minerals known for their thermal stability and resilience under high temperatures. This characteristic makes asbestos an effective fire retardant, allowing it to withstand heat and prevent flames from spreading.

Its high melting point and ability to insulate against heat contribute to the perception of asbestos as a fireproof material, which led to its widespread use in building materials and fireproofing applications. While high tensile strength, resilience, and insulation are properties associated with asbestos, they do not specifically define its ability to resist combustion. Fire resistance is the definitive property that directly explains its ability to endure extreme heat without igniting or burning, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.