When it comes to metals that can withstand high temperatures, molybdenum and tungsten are the top contenders.
Tungsten is suitable for temperatures up to 2,500 °C.
Molybdenum can handle temperatures up to 1,900 °C.
What Metal Can Withstand High Temperatures? 4 Metals That Stand the Test of Heat
1. Molybdenum: The High-Temperature Workhorse
Molybdenum has been used as a high-temperature heating element in industrial furnaces since the 1930s.
It is available in various forms such as wire, rod, strip, and tubes.
Molybdenum can be used in temperatures up to 1,900 °C.
However, molybdenum must be heated in a vacuum atmosphere due to its high level of oxidation.
It is ductile enough at room temperature for drawing into wire for resistor windings.
Molybdenum cannot be operated in air and must be protected against reactions with silicon and carbon.
A hydrogen atmosphere is usually used for the protection of these resistors.
Molybdenum is not suitable for resistors of vacuum furnaces because of its high vapour pressure.
2. Tungsten: The Temperature Titan
Tungsten is a rare metal often used as a high-temperature heating element due to its high melting point.
It can be used in temperatures of around 2,500 °C and in high vacuum levels of less than 10^-4 Torr.
At lower vacuum levels of below 10^-2 Torr, it can be used up to temperatures of 1,200 °C.
Tungsten resistors can be used for temperatures up to 2,000 °C.
The maximum temperature is limited by the refractory supports of the resistor.
The metal must be heated for drawing into shapes.
Its low vapour pressure makes it useful for resistors of vacuum furnaces.
3. The Refractory Metals Group
Both molybdenum and tungsten are part of the refractory metals group.
These metals are known for their extremely high melting points and resistance to wear, corrosion, and deformation.
While tungsten can be used at higher operating temperatures, it is more expensive than molybdenum.
Molybdenum is the most commonly used refractory metal in vacuum furnaces due to its cost.
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