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The mysterious world of refractory metals: Which metals can withstand ultra-high temperatures?
In the fields of metal science, metallurgy, and engineering, refractory metals are a class of metals that are extremely resistant to heat and wear. These metals share many common characteristics, such as melting points over 2000°C and high hardness at room temperature. These properties make refractory metals outstanding in a variety of demanding applications such as metalworking, electronics, and hot and cold gas environments.
The definition of refractory metals varies according to different standards. There are five common elements, including tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum and chromium.
These metals, especially tungsten and anastomosis, have extremely high melting points, reaching 3410°C and 3180°C respectively, and can form a variety of alloys with rare metals. This melting point allows it to be durable and stable in environments requiring high temperatures and strength. These metals are particularly useful in applications such as aircraft engine nozzles.
Physical properties of refractory metals
Refractory metals have a high melting point, which strongly affects their range of applications. Most of these metals have a body-centered cubic structure, except for chromium.
The hardness, melting points and fracture characteristics of these metals enable them to withstand the effects of gravity and intense heat.
The deformation resistance of refractory metals allows them to operate stably at temperatures above 1500°C, which has led to a sharp increase in demand for these metals in aviation, military and other high-tech industries. In addition, their chemical stability also ensures their application in acidic environments.
Chemical properties
Refractory metals have diverse chemical properties and are easily oxidized, but they form a stable oxide layer in the bulk of the metal, which slows down the oxidation process. This phenomenon is more obvious in high temperature environments. The oxides of some metals, such as chromium, will even volatilize at high temperatures, reducing the protective ability of these metals.
Applications of refractory metals
Due to their refractory properties, these metals or their alloys are increasingly used in lighting, tools, lubricants and nuclear reaction control. The most common processing method is powder metallurgy, which is more effective in maintaining the internal structure and properties of the metal.
Among refractory alloys, molybdenum-based alloys are widely used due to their relatively low price, especially for their strength and durability in high-temperature environments.
Introduction to various refractory metals
Molybdenum alloy
Molybdenum alloys such as titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy (TZM) are suitable for environments up to 1060°C due to their superior properties. They are also commonly used as steel reinforcements, providing excellent support for high temperature working environments.
Tungsten and its alloys
Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals and is widely used, especially in arc welding and light bulb circumferences. Its density, high strength and high melting point make it popular in many high-tech applications.
Platinum alloys and other metals
Metals such as niobium, tantalum and anastomosis are widely used in medical and electronic equipment due to their corrosion resistance. Tantalum, in particular, has broad prospects in harsh environments due to its superior corrosion resistance.
SummaryExploring the applications and characteristics of refractory metals not only highlights their value in the fields of industry and technology, but also triggers people's thinking about the future development of high-performance materials: Can these metals continue to withstand the increasing challenges of high temperatures? Leading innovation and R&D?
