Materials for High-Temperature Applications

Precise material characterization and advanced measurement techniques for materials under extreme temperature conditions

Materials for high-temperature applications must reliably maintain their properties even under extreme thermal and mechanical stresses. Whether in turbines, exhaust systems, heat exchangers, combustion chambers, or components for the automotive, aerospace, and aviation industries—their performance determines efficiency, safety, and service life.

LINSEIS offers a wide range of modern measurement techniques for the comprehensive characterization of high-temperature materials. From thermal and thermophysical properties to dimensional changes, reaction processes, and aging processes, our systems support research, development, quality assurance, and process optimization.

Typical Challenges with Materials for High-Temperature Applications

Relevant Questions

  • Which materials retain their properties even at extreme temperatures?
  • How do the material’s structure and properties change during operation?
  • What thermal conductivity is required for optimal component design?
  • How does thermal expansion behave under real-world operating conditions?
  • What phase transitions or material transformations occur?
  • How do temperature cycles affect the service life of a material?
  • When do oxidation, aging, or decomposition processes begin?
  • How can heat treatment and manufacturing processes be optimized?
  • Which materials are suitable for the most extreme thermal and mechanical stresses?
  • How can material failure and thermal stresses be prevented?


Relevant Material and Process Parameters

ParameterMeaning
Thermal ConductivityEfficient Thermal Management and Component Design
Thermal DiffusivityRate of heat propagation
Thermal ExpansionPreventing Stress and Warping
Heat CapacityThermal Storage and Response Behavior
Phase TransitionsCharacterization of Material and Microstructural Changes
Thermal StabilityBehavior under long-term stress
Oxidation BehaviorEvaluation of High-Temperature Resistance
Degradation BehaviorAnalysis of Material Limits and Degradation
Dimensional StabilityReliability under thermal stress
Aging BehaviorEvaluation of Long-Term Performance

Test Methods for Materials Used in High-Temperature Applications

Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA)

STA enables the simultaneous investigation of thermal effects and changes in mass for the comprehensive characterization of high-temperature materials.

Analysis of

  • Thermal Stability
  • Oxidation behavior
  • Decomposition processes
  • Material Reactions

Typical Applications

  • High-Performance Alloys
  • Ceramics
  • Metal powder
  • High-Temperature Materials

Thermal Conductivity (TC)

The precise determination of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity supports the development of efficient high-temperature components and thermal management systems.

Analysis of

  • Thermal conductivity
  • Thermal diffusivity
  • Heat Transfer
  • Temperature Distribution

Typical Applications

  • Turbines
  • Heat Exchanger
  • Exhaust Systems
  • High-Temperature Components

Dilatometry (DIL)

Dilatometry is used to study thermal expansion and dimensional changes in metals and composite materials.

Analysis of

  • Thermal Expansion
  • Phase Transitions
  • Changes in Dimensions
  • Heat Treatment

Typical Applications

  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Titanium alloys
  • Steel Materials
  • Structural components

Thermogravimetry (TGA)

Thermogravimetry allows for the analysis of changes in mass and material stability at high temperatures.

Analysis of

  • Mining
  • Oxidation
  • Decomposition
  • Long-term stability

Typical Applications

  • High-Temperature Alloys
  • Coatings
  • Composite Materials
  • Functional Materials

Recommended measuring instruments for materials used in high-temperature applications

Case Study: Analysis of a High-Temperature Material

Thermal Diffusivity of Hollow Alumina Thermal Insulation Coatings

Laser flash analysis (LFA) enables the precise determination of thermal diffusivity over a wide temperature range. In this application example, hollow alumina thermal insulation coatings are examined using the Linseis LFA L52 (formerly known as the LFA 1600). The measurements provide valuable insights into heat transfer behavior and support the development of high-performance thermal insulation systems for high-temperature applications.

Why Material Characterization Is Critical for High-Temperature Applications

The development of modern high-temperature materials requires a comprehensive understanding of their thermal, physical, and structural properties. Even the slightest changes in the material can significantly affect the performance and reliability of complex systems.

The combination of modern measurement methods makes it possible to:

  • Characterization of Thermal and Thermophysical Material Properties
  • Analysis of Thermal Conductivity and Heat Transfer
  • Study of Thermal Expansion and Dimensional Changes
  • Evaluation of Oxidation, Aging, and Degradation Processes
  • Analysis of Phase Transitions and Material Reactions
  • Optimization of Materials, Manufacturing Processes, and Heat Treatments

Applications – Automotive, Aerospace

FAQ – Materials for High-Temperature Applications

Why is material characterization important for materials used in high-temperature applications?

It provides comprehensive information on thermal, physical, and structural properties and supports the development of safe, efficient, and durable high-temperature materials.

Among other things, the research focuses on superalloys, heat-resistant steels, ceramics, metal powders, composite materials, and high-temperature coatings for demanding industrial applications.

Depending on the research question, Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Dilatometry (DIL), thermal conductivity measurements, and other thermophysical analysis methods are used.

The properties determined include, among others, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal expansion, heat capacity, phase transitions, oxidation behavior, decomposition behavior, and thermal stability.

They are used in a variety of fields, including the automotive industry, aerospace, energy technology, turbine development, industrial furnaces, high-temperature processes, and materials research.

With a broad portfolio of measurement systems for material characterization and thermophysical analysis, LINSEIS supports research, development, quality assurance, and the optimization of modern high-temperature materials and manufacturing processes.