Final answer:
The statement about a process or additive that improves ductility and reduces surface cracks is related to the field of materials engineering. It indicates that certain treatments or additives can make materials like fibreglass less brittle and more pliable, which in turn leads to fewer surface cracks and enhances the material's overall performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the properties of materials, specifically on how a process or additive improves ductility and reduces surface cracks. In materials engineering, ductility refers to the ability of a material to deform under tensile stress. This is a desirable trait for materials that need to undergo shaping processes without fracturing. Processes that improve ductility generally also help in reducing cracks, especially surface cracks, which can propagate and lead to failure of the material.
When materials like fibreglass are combined with additives or undergo certain treatments, they become more ductile. This implies that the fibreglass can be made less brittle and more capable of withstanding deformation, indicating an increase in ductility. As a result, not only does the material become more pliable and less likely to break under stress, but its decreased brittleness also contributes to fewer surface cracks. By filling in gaps and increasing the contact surface area, certain treatments can prevent sticking and enhance heat transfer, which subsequently may increase the material's ductility and reduce the likelihood of surface cracks.