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:
- High Melting Point – The material must maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures.
- Example: Tungsten, Molybdenum, and certain ceramics.
- Oxidation & Corrosion Resistance – Resistance to oxidation and chemical degradation in high-temperature environments.
- Example: Nickel-based superalloys, stainless steels, and silicon carbide.
- Creep Resistance – Ability to resist slow deformation under prolonged exposure to stress at high temperatures.
- Example: Nickel-based and cobalt-based superalloys.
- Thermal Stability & Low Thermal Expansion – Materials should remain dimensionally stable with minimal expansion or contraction.
- Example: Invar (low thermal expansion alloy), zirconia ceramics.
- 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).
- Mechanical Strength & Toughness – High-temperature strength to withstand mechanical loads.
- Example: Titanium alloys, refractory metals.
- Thermal Shock Resistance – Ability to resist cracking or failure due to rapid temperature changes.
- Example: Silicon nitride and some composite materials.
- Wear & Erosion Resistance – Resistance to wear and surface degradation at high temperatures.
- Example: Carbides, nitrides, and coated superalloys.
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Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high temperatures, upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions


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


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
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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:
- High-Temperature Nanoindentation Testing for Advanced Material Characterization
- Advanced Nano Scratch and Wear Testing for Coatings and Materials
- Nano-Impact Testing for Advanced Material Performance in High-Stress Applications
These pages offer valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.