Metals for High Temperature Applications under Extreme Conditions – Development and Testing

Abstract

A lot of technical processes require metallic materials which are able to withstand very high temperatures under extreme conditions. Examples are applications in glass industry, space technology and crystal growing. Application temperatures are in the range from 1100°C to 2300°C. Besides the extremely high temperature the materials are often influenced simultaneously by high mechanical loading and chemical attack. Due to their outstanding chemical stability, corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength the platinum group metals, in particular platinum, rhodium and iridium, are therefore ideal materials for high temperature use under extreme conditions. These metals are widely used in spite of their high prices. High temperature applications require high melting point metals, commonly strengthened by solid solution or oxide dispersion hardening. This paper reports e. g. on the development of oxide dispersion hardened platinum and platinum alloys manufactured by fusion technique. Furthermore the paper presents a comprehensive review of studies on platinum materials which facilitate the design of equipment used for high temperature applications under extreme conditions. Stress-rupture strength and creep behavior have been investigated in a temperature range between 1200°C and 2300°C. The results of the investigations can supply a basis to optimize materials selection for high temperature applications under extreme conditions.