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An alloy that is effective at temperatures of 500 degrees Celsius and above can be classified as a high temperature alloy. These materials, which consist of a mixture of at least one metal and another element, find extensive use in military, aerospace, medical and electronics applications, as well as any other operations requiring durable, heat-resistant components. They show high strength and stability at extreme temperatures, as well exceptional environmental and creep resistance.

Although titanium alloys are often considered high-temperature alloys, most have a maximum temperature at approximately 480 degrees Celsius. While they are durable, strong, corrosion resistant and relatively lightweight, the majority of titanium alloys are not suitable for extreme temperatures, such as rocket and jet propulsion, where temperatures can be higher than 1000 degrees Celsius. Generally, the base materials used in the alloys for such high temperature applications are nickel, iron and cobalt. The alloys themselves involve a wide range of other elements, including silicon, aluminum, zirconium, chromium, manganese and carbon, and they are called superalloys. Other metals, such as rhenium and niobium—known as refractory metals—have displayed even higher temperature resistance.

While metal alloys are used in numerous high-temperature applications, other options exist. Advanced ceramics, which continue to become more durable and heat-resistant, have replaced or supplemented metal alloys in a multitude of operations. In addition, less resistant materials can be treated with advanced coating systems to enhance their heat and wear resistance. Other possible solutions include intermetallic compounds and monocrystals, which are crystalline solids with a continuous crystal lattice and no grain boundaries.

High temperature alloys tend to be relatively difficult to machine and shape, and quite costly. Typically, machining of these metals involves a number of advanced techniques, such as electrochemical and ultrasonic machining. Regularly used high-temperature alloys include Inconel 601, Hastelloy X and IN-100, all of which incorporate a nickel base.