Tungsten is known for its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures.
Its melting point is the highest among all metals, standing at 3422°C (6192°F).
Tungsten can operate at temperatures up to 2000°C (3632°F) under a pressure of less than 10-2 torr.
It can also function up to approximately 2400°C (4,352°F) at less than 10-4 torr.
However, it's crucial to note that tungsten starts to oxidize in air around 500°C (932°F).
Oxidation accelerates rapidly above 1200°C (2192°F), necessitating its use in controlled environments like vacuum furnaces.
5 Key Factors Contributing to Tungsten's Heat Resistance
1. High Melting Point
Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals.
This allows it to maintain its structural integrity at extremely high temperatures.
This property is vital for its use in high-temperature applications such as heating elements in furnaces and filaments in vacuum electron devices.
2. Low Vapor Pressure
Above 1650°C (3000°F), tungsten has the lowest vapor pressure of all metals.
This means that at high temperatures, tungsten does not easily evaporate.
This is essential for maintaining the integrity of components in high-temperature environments.
3. High Tensile Strength
Tungsten retains its tensile strength at elevated temperatures.
This is critical for applications where the material is subjected to mechanical stress in addition to high temperatures.
4. Resistance to Oxidation and Creep
Tungsten's resistance to oxidation is important for its use in high-temperature environments.
It prevents the material from degrading due to chemical reactions with oxygen.
Additionally, its resistance to creep (deformation over time under stress) ensures long-term stability and reliability.
5. Thermal and Mechanical Stability
Tungsten exhibits good thermal conductivity and mechanical stability.
These are essential for uniform heat distribution and maintaining the shape and integrity of components under thermal stress.
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