Key Characteristics of Materials for High-Temperature Operations

High temperature publications 2024

Application Notes

High Melting Point: Essential for Extreme Heat Resistance - Micro Material UK

Materials suitable for high-temperature operation must possess specific properties to withstand extreme heat without degrading in performance. These materials are commonly used in aerospace, power plants, industrial furnaces, and high-performance coatings.

Key Characteristics of High-Temperature Materials:

  1. High Melting Point – The material must maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures.
    • Example: Tungsten, Molybdenum, and certain ceramics.
  2. Oxidation & Corrosion Resistance – Resistance to oxidation and chemical degradation in high-temperature environments.
    • Example: Nickel-based superalloys, stainless steels, and silicon carbide.
  3. Creep Resistance – Ability to resist slow deformation under prolonged exposure to stress at high temperatures.
    • Example: Nickel-based and cobalt-based superalloys.
  4. Thermal Stability & Low Thermal Expansion – Materials should remain dimensionally stable with minimal expansion or contraction.
    • Example: Invar (low thermal expansion alloy), zirconia ceramics.
  5. Good Thermal Conductivity (or Insulation) – Depending on the application, materials may need to conduct or insulate heat effectively.
    • Example: Copper (high conductivity), aerogels (thermal insulation).
  6. Mechanical Strength & Toughness – High-temperature strength to withstand mechanical loads.
    • Example: Titanium alloys, refractory metals.
  7. Thermal Shock Resistance – Ability to resist cracking or failure due to rapid temperature changes.
    • Example: Silicon nitride and some composite materials.
  8. Wear & Erosion Resistance – Resistance to wear and surface degradation at high temperatures.
    • Example: Carbides, nitrides, and coated superalloys.


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Localised heating at 700°C on a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system - high temprature- nanotesting- micro materials uk - Buy Nanotesting instrument

Localised heating at 700°C on a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system 


Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high  temperatures,  upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions


Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high  temperatures,  upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions - Micro Material UK buy
high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd Order

Image showing high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd


Image taken by Adrian Harris of Micro Materials Ltd, showing localised heating at 950 °C on an Xtreme system

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heating at   750  °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford - Micro Material UK - Order Mechanical Test Instrument

Image taken by Andrew Bird (Micro Materials Ltd), showing localised heating at 

750  °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford 

Nanomechanical testing to 1000 °C

Application Notes

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Technical Notes

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Application Notes

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Explore More

To further enhance your experience and understanding, we invite you to check out the following pages on our website that we believe are essential to your journey with us:

  1. High-Temperature Nanoindentation Testing for Advanced Material Characterization
  2. Advanced Nano Scratch and Wear Testing for Coatings and Materials
  3. Nano-Impact Testing for Advanced Material Performance in High-Stress Applications

These pages offer valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.