Molybdenum and tungsten are the metals that can withstand high temperatures, with tungsten being suitable for temperatures up to 2,500 °C and molybdenum for temperatures up to 1,900 °C.
Molybdenum: This metal 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, and 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, but it 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.
Tungsten: Tungsten is a rare metal often used as a high-temperature heating element due to its high melting point, allowing it to 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, and the maximum temperature is limited by the refractory supports of the resistor. The metal must be heated for drawing into shapes, and its low vapour pressure makes it useful for resistors of vacuum furnaces.
Both metals are part of the refractory metals group, which 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, which is the most commonly used refractory metal in vacuum furnaces due to its cost.
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