Refractory Metals: What Are They?
Refractory metals are a class of materials that possess a combination of physical and chemical properties that make them exceptionally resistant to extreme temperatures and thermal shock. Most of these metals can be classified into two categories: high-temperature refractory metals and superalloys. They are used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, electrical, and medical industries.
Refractory metals are characterized by their excellent strength, high melting point and corrosion resistance. These properties are due to their high atomic mass and strong chemical bonds. Refractory metals have been used since ancient times. For instance, they were used to create structures that could withstand the heat of a fire. In modern times, these metals are used in the aerospace industry and the power industry, among others.
The main purpose of using refractory metals is to provide components that can withstand the high temperatures and challenging environments that are associated with a given application. In certain applications, refractory metals are used because of their good machinability, low thermal conductivity, and high wear resistance. As a result, these components can be used for a wide range of tasks in the aerospace, automotive and power industries.
High-temperature refractory metals are materials that are used in applications where their ability to withstand extreme temperatures is an advantage. These metals are typically used in aerospace and power generation applications, as well as in rocket components, aircraft engines and nuclear reactors. Examples of high-temperature refractory metals include tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium and tantalum.
Superalloys are a type of refractory metal that have been designed to have excellent corrosion resistance. They are typically used in applications that involve extreme temperatures and environments, such as jet engines and gas turbines. Examples of superalloys include Inconel and Hastelloy.
Refractory metals find a wide range of applications in the aerospace, automotive, electrical and medical industries. Examples of aerospace applications include components in jet engines and aircraft structures. In automotive applications, refractory metals are used for brake discs, exhaust systems, and turbochargers. In the electrical industry, refractory metals can be used for switches and circuit protection. In the medical field, refractory metals are employed for prosthetic implants and radiation shielding.
In summary, refractory metals are materials that have a combination of physical and chemical properties that make them resistant to extreme temperatures and thermal shock. Examples of refractory metals include tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium and tantalum. High-temperature refractory metals are typically used in aerospace and power applications. Superalloys are used for applications that require superior corrosion resistance. Refractory metals are widely utilized in the aerospace, automotive, electrical and medical industries.
