Common materials used as heating elements include metals, graphite, and silicon carbide. These materials are chosen for their high resistivity, high melting points, low temperature coefficients, and resistance to oxidation.
Metals: Metals used as heating elements are typically alloys, with iron-chrome aluminum and nickel chrome being common choices due to their high resistance to oxidation and ability to withstand high temperatures. For instance, nickel-chromium (Nichrome) alloys are widely used as they can resist oxidation up to 1,150°C and maintain sufficient strength. Ni-Cr-Fe alloys, which are more economical, are recommended for use up to 950°C. Other alloys containing iron, chromium, cobalt, and aluminum can withstand temperatures as high as 1,350°C.
Graphite: Graphite is another material commonly used in heating elements, especially in vacuum furnaces. It is valued for its high temperature resistance, small thermal expansion, and strong thermal shock resistance. Graphite's mechanical strength improves with temperature, peaking around 1700°C. It is also known for its good machinability, large radiation area, and resistance to thermal shock. However, it is volatile at high temperatures and requires protection from vacuum discharge.
Silicon Carbide: Silicon carbide is a semi-metallic material often classified as a ceramic. It is used in heating elements due to its ability to bond and decompose at high temperatures. However, it requires careful handling as it can soften at temperatures around 1300°C. Silicon carbide is particularly useful in environments where purification effects are needed, as it reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the residual gas of vacuum furnaces, simplifying the vacuum system and reducing costs.
Each of these materials has specific properties that make them suitable for different applications and environments, depending on the required temperature, resistance to oxidation, and mechanical strength needed for the heating element.
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