There are four general categories of heat-resistant materials. These include metals, plastics, fiberglass, and ceramics. Each of these materials has its own unique characteristics, and their properties are determined by their service environments.
This article will provide you with a basic understanding of these materials and help you make an informed choice for your product.
-
Metals
Heat-resistant materials are materials that are used to prevent materials from degrading due to heat. These materials are typically engineered to be resistant to heat and environment-specific gasses.
Their mechanical properties also differ from ordinary materials. Heat resistance can be measured through tensile strength, stress rupture life, and creep strength.
Heat-resistant alloys are highly resistant to combustion products and gaseous chemical products. They also have high fatigue and creep strength at elevated temperatures. They also have a high modulus of elasticity at their application temperature.
Moreover, high-temperature alloys offer low thermal expansion, which enhances their strength and resistance to stress.
-
Plastics
Heat-resistant materials are used in many different applications and protect equipment and people from the harmful effects of heat. These materials come in various forms such as tape, sealants, fire blankets, sleeves, and more and are provided by industry suppliers such as ADL Insulflex.
Some are commonly used in homes while others are used in industries. These materials also have many advantages, such as reducing the hazard of off-gassing and keeping property and people safe.
Heat-resistant plastics are a great alternative to metal and ceramic components. They are lightweight and can withstand continuous operating temperatures of up to 300deg F while still maintaining their mechanical properties.
Some heat-resistant plastics have additional advantages, including improved electrical and thermal conductivity. These plastics can replace metal parts in a wide variety of industrial applications.
-
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a heat-resistant material with excellent chemical and impact resistance. It is commonly used in electrical appliances, cookware, and aerospace applications.
Its low dielectric constant makes it ideal for optical cables. It also has low melting points and is extremely light, making it the preferred choice for commercial goods.
Despite its low melting points and impact resistance, fiberglass has a high dielectric strength and can withstand very high temperatures.
Fiberglass is a composite material composed of strands of glass with a resin or mineral matrix. Its low thermal conductivity makes it useful for many industrial applications.
Its glass strand composites eliminate thermal bridging, allowing considerable heat savings. Unlike asbestos, fiberglass maintains its form and is resistant to corrosion and most rodents and insects.
-
Ceramics
Ceramics are one of the four main types of heat-resistant materials and have numerous applications. Aluminum oxide, for example, is used as an insulator in spark plugs and has been used in dental and medical applications.
Silicon carbide is a common form of ceramic and has several applications in the high-temperature electronics industry. Titanium oxide is also a common ceramic material and is a common pigment for paint.
While all ceramics exhibit some degree of electrical conductivity, the insulating properties of ceramics depend on their microscopic defects. Pores and grain boundaries interrupt the transmission of waves, which is the reason that the more porous ceramic material is, the better it is as an insulator.
Ceramics are often used in the lining of industrial furnaces and kilns. While the electron mechanism of heat transport is relatively unimportant in ceramics, it is very important in metals.
-
PTFE
PTFE is a nonreactive polymer that is commonly used as a coating for cookware. It is also used in pipes and containers to protect them from reactive chemicals. PTFE has numerous other uses, including as a coating for catheters and graft materials in surgery.
PTFE is also useful in the construction industry, where it is used to encase electrical wiring. It is highly resistant to water, chemicals, and high temperatures. It can also be used to strengthen tools and construction materials. Its corrosion and abrasion resistance are also valued.
