Maximum Operating Temperature of advanced ceramics

Advanced ceramics have maximum operating temperature far higher than conventional metals or engineered plastics. In contrast, some high-performance ceramics can withstand sustained operating temperatures up to 2200°C, while conventional metals begin to melt at 1200°C to 1500°C. This makes high-temperature ceramic materials ideal for high-temperature industrial applications.

However, when selecting materials for use around 2000°C, the application environment must be carefully considered. Many ultra-high-temperature capable ceramics, such as boron nitride and silicon carbide, require an inert or reducing environment. In an oxidizing environment, their maximum operating temperature may be significantly reduced.

This article explores the maximum operating temperature limits of major ceramic materials, compares them to metals and plastics, and explains how their properties can be exploited in high-temperature applications.

Seramiklerin Sertliği: Özellikler, Karşılaştırma ve Uygulamalar

Why High-Temperature Ceramics Matter

Advanced ceramics maintain structural and chemical integrity at extreme temperatures, which is crucial in applications such as:

  • Aerospace engine components
  • Industrial furnace linings
  • Metallurgical crucibles
  • Semiconductor manufacturing
  • High-performance heat exchangers
  • High-temperature filtration systems
  • Molten metal handling tools

They offer superior thermal shock resistance, oxidation stability, and low thermal expansion, especially when compared to metals and polymers. This makes them irreplaceable in many high-tech and industrial applications.

What Is the Maximum Operating Temperature?

The maximum operating temperature refers to the highest temperature a material can endure for prolonged periods without experiencing significant degradation in performance, such as softening, melting, oxidation, or structural breakdown.

For ceramics, this temperature is influenced by factors like:

  • Crystal structure stability
  • Phase transformation behavior
  • Termal iletkenlik
  • Resistance to thermal shock and oxidation

Ceramic Materials and Their Maximum Temperatures

Seramik Malzeme Maksimum Çalışma Sıcaklığı (°C) Notlar
Bor Nitrür (BN) 2000 Inert atmosphere only
Alümina (Al2O3) 1650 Most widely used advanced ceramic
Silicon Carbide (SSiC) 1400 Excellent thermal conductivity
ZTA20 1400 Toughened zirconia-alumina composite
Silisyum Nitrür (Si3N4) 1300 Great thermal shock resistance
Alüminyum Nitrür (AlN) 1200 Ideal for electronic substrates
Berilyum Oksit (BeO) 1200 High conductivity, toxic during machining
MGC 900 Used in prototyping, electronics
Zirconia (YPZ) 850 Limited by phase instability

*Veriler sadece referans içindir.

Doğru Seramiği Seçmek İçin Yardıma mı İhtiyacınız Var?

Selecting the right high-temperature ceramic material is critical to ensuring long-term stability and excellent performance of equipment under extreme conditions. The materials we provide have excellent heat resistance, thermal stability and industry-leading reliability.

Our engineering team is always available, please contact us now to get professional material selection advice and customized support for your high-temperature application scenarios.

Maximum Operating Temperature Comparison: Ceramics vs Metals and Plastics

The bar chart below shows the maximum operating temperatures of various engineering materials – from high temperature ceramics to common industrial plastics, in order from highest to lowest.

Ceramics Metals Plastics

*Veriler sadece referans içindir.

Applications based on ceramic Maximum temperature

Advanced ceramics are widely utilized in demanding environments due to their exceptional thermal resistance, often maintaining structural integrity and functional stability above 1000°C. Below are application cases by industry, highlighting ceramic material types and their typical maximum service temperatures.

  • Application: Jet engine components (combustion chambers, nozzles, thermal barrier coatings)

    • Materials: Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄), Silicon Carbide (SiC), Zirconia (ZrO₂)
    • Service Temperature: 1200–1600°C
    • Features: Excellent thermal shock resistance, low thermal expansion, oxidation resistance
  • Application: Thermal protection systems for re-entry vehicles

    • Materials: SiC-based composites, Alumina fiber-reinforced ceramics
    • Service Temperature: >1600°C
    • Features: Superior thermal insulation and ultra-high temperature stability
  • Application: Furnace tubes, thermocouple protection sheaths, support structures

    • Materials: Alumina (Al₂O₃), Silicon Carbide (SiC), Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)
    • Service Temperature: 1400–1700°C
  • Application: Powder metallurgy sintering trays and carriers

    • Materials: Alumina, Aluminum Nitride (AlN)
    • Service Temperature: >1500°C (in inert atmosphere)
    • Features: High thermal stability, inert to chemical attack
  • Application: High-temperature electrical insulation substrates and vacuum chamber components

    • Materials: Aluminum Nitride (AlN), Beryllium Oxide (BeO)
    • Service Temperature: 1000–1200°C
    • Features: High thermal conductivity, excellent dielectric properties
  • Application: Ion implantation and plasma etching chamber parts

    • Materials: Boron Nitride (BN), Alumina (Al₂O₃)
    • Service Temperature: >1000°C (vacuum)
  • Application: Gas turbine blades and thermal barrier coatings (TBCs)

    • Materials: Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMC)
    • Service Temperature: 1200–1600°C
    • Features: Extreme thermal resistance and thermal cycling tolerance
  • Application: Nuclear reactor structural or cladding components

    • Materials: SiC composites, BeO
    • Service Temperature: >1200°C
    • Features: High neutron transparency, radiation resistance
  • Application: Diesel engine glow plugs, turbocharger rotors

    • Materials: Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)
    • Service Temperature: 1000–1200°C
    • Features: Lightweight, high-temperature shock resistance
  • Application: Diesel particulate filters (DPF)

    • Materials: Silicon Carbide (SiC)
    • Service Temperature: 900–1100°C
  • Application: High-temperature crucibles, sample holders for thermal analysis

    • Materials: Alumina, Zirconia, Silicon Nitride
    • Service Temperature: >1500°C (in vacuum or inert atmosphere)
    • Use Cases: Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), XRF/XRD sample holders
  • Application: Ceramic tubes, runners, crucibles for molten metal

    • Materials: Alumina, Silicon Carbide, Boron Nitride
    • Service Temperature: 1600–1800°C
    • Features: Corrosion resistance, thermal stability in aggressive environments
  • Application: Glass forming molds and thermal insulation boards

    • Materials: ZTA, Alumina
    • Service Temperature: >1400°C
  • Application: Reactor linings and carriers in corrosive high-temperature environments

    • Materials: Silicon Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Aluminum Nitride, Boron Nitride
    • Service Temperature: 1000–1600°C
    • Features: High chemical inertness, resistance to acidic and basic atmospheres

Important high temperature resistant ceramics

Sıkça Sorulan Sorular (SSS)

Boron nitride in inert environments can operate up to 2000°C or higher.

Ceramics have strong ionic/covalent bonds, low thermal expansion, and high oxidation resistance.

Yes, but some (like BN) should be protected from oxidation at high temperatures.

Most are brittle, but materials like Si3N4 and ZTA offer a good combination of toughness and thermal stability.

They are used in power electronics, aerospace, metallurgical processing, semiconductors, and more.