Hochtemperaturapplikationen

Hochtemperatur, or high temperature, is a term used across science and engineering to describe temperatures well above ambient conditions. In physics and materials science, it denotes regimes where thermal energy strongly influences material properties and behavior, and where specialized phenomena and processing methods emerge.

In materials science and engineering, high-temperature materials are designed to maintain mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance under intense heat. Common classes include nickel-based and cobalt-based superalloys for turbine engines, refractory metals such as tungsten and molybdenum, and advanced ceramics. These materials must resist oxidation, creep, diffusion, and phase changes over long operating lifetimes. High-temperature processing—such as annealing, sintering, brazing, and welding—alters microstructure to achieve desired strength and durability.

In chemistry and physics, high-temperature conditions accelerate reaction rates, influence equilibria, and enable processes like high-temperature oxidation, combustion, and plasma generation. High-temperature plasma, generated at several thousand kelvin, is used in materials processing and surface treatment.

High-temperature science also intersects with conceptual topics such as high-temperature superconductivity, where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance at temperatures far above those of conventional superconductors, albeit still cryogenic by everyday standards.

Practical considerations include thermal expansion, heat transfer, insulation, and safety. Temperature is typically measured in kelvin or Celsius, with the upper limit often defined by material phase stability, melting points, or equipment constraints. The term emphasizes regimes where heat dominates behavior and processing, rather than merely representing a higher numeric value.