High temperature crucibles are typically made of materials that can withstand extreme heat and chemical reactions, such as porcelain, alumina, zirconia, magnesia, platinum, nickel, zirconium, fused quartz, silicon carbide, and boron nitride. These materials are chosen for their high temperature resistance and inertness to various chemical environments.
Porcelain is one of the earliest materials used for crucibles due to its affordability and moderate temperature resistance. It is commonly used for gravimetric chemical analysis in small sizes (10 to 15 ml).
Alumina (Aluminum Oxide, Al2O3) is a widely used material for crucibles, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1750°C. It is inert to hydrogen, carbon, and refractory metals and can be used in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres.
Zirconia (Zirconium Oxide, ZrO2) and Magnesia (Magnesium Oxide, MgO) are ceramics that tolerate very high temperatures, often used in crucibles for their excellent thermal stability and resistance to chemical reactions.
Platinum was one of the earliest metals used for crucible making due to its high melting point and chemical inertness. It is ideal for applications requiring resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
Nickel and Zirconium are more recent additions to the materials used for crucibles, chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and their resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Fused Quartz is excellent for high-temperature applications due to its resistance to thermal shock, making it suitable for melting metals.
Silicon Carbide is a durable material that can withstand high temperatures and is often used in the production of semiconductors.
Boron Nitride is an excellent thermal insulator and is used in high-temperature vacuum furnaces.
The choice of crucible material depends on the specific requirements of the application, including the temperature range, the chemical properties of the material being melted, and the need for resistance to specific chemical environments. For example, graphite crucibles are suitable for metals that do not react with carbon, such as uranium and copper, while crucibles made from calcium oxide or yttrium oxide stabilized zirconia are chosen for alloys with high chemical activity.
In summary, high temperature crucibles are made from a variety of materials, each selected for its specific properties that make it suitable for withstanding extreme temperatures and chemical environments. The selection of the crucible material is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the melting process and the quality of the finished metal or substance.
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