Characterize the performance of your ultra-high temperature materials (UHTC)
Ultra-High-Temperature Ceramics (Ultra High Temperature Ceramics – UHTC) are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, generally above 2,000 °C, while retaining their mechanical, thermal and chemical properties.
They are used in applications where conventional materials reach their limits: aeronautical and space components, thermal protection systems, propulsion, energy, defense, and industrial processes at very high temperatures.
Their performance depends directly on their composition, microstructure, purity, and behavior under thermal and chemical stresses. Their development therefore requires in-depth characterization.
At the FILAB laboratory, we support industrial companies with the analysis, quality control, expert assessment, and characterization of Ultra-High-Temperature Ceramics, from R&D phases through failure investigations.
Why analyze a UHTC material?
Analyzing Ultra-High Temperature materials helps address a range of industrial challenges.
You want to:
- control the chemical composition of a material ;
- check the purity of raw materials ;
- characterize the microstructure ;
- measure porosity or density ;
- identify crystalline phases ;
- compare several formulations;
- qualify a manufacturing process;
- understand the origin of degradation or failure ;
- support the development of a new material.
Our experts define an analytical protocol tailored to your material, your process and your technical requirements.
FILAB laboratory supports you in the analysis of Ultra-High Temperature Materials (UHCT)
Our ultra-high temperature materials analysis services
Chemical analysis of UHTC materials
Chemical composition directly determines the thermal, mechanical and chemical performance of materials.
The laboratory carries out in particular:
- elemental analysis by ICP-OES ;
- trace element analysis by ICP-MS ;
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) ;
- EDS analyses coupled with SEM.
These analyses make it possible to verify material compliance, check impurities and compare different production batches.
Identification of crystalline phases
UHTC materials are generally made up of refractory carbides, borides, or nitrides, whose distribution influences their performance.
Our analysis make it possible to:
- identify the different phases;
- verify their stability;
- detect transformations after heat treatment or use.
Characterization is carried out mainly by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Microstructural characterization
Microstructure plays a decisive role in mechanical and thermal strength.
Our experts study in particular:
- the grain size ;
- phase distribution ;
- porosity ;
- cracks ;
- the inclusions ;
- the interfaces between phases.
These observations are carried out thanks to:
- scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) ;
- optical microscopy ;
- chemical mapping.
Thermal characterization
Depending on the requirements, the laboratory evaluates the thermal behavior of the material.
The analyses may focus on:
- thermal stability ;
- phase transformations ;
- the oxidation phenomena ;
- mass loss ;
- behavior under heat treatment.
The main techniques used are:
Failure analysis expertise
In the event of failure, degradation or loss of performance, our experts carry out a complete investigation.
The goal is to identify:
- a manufacturing defect ;
- a contamination ;
- an evolution of the microstructure ;
- excessive oxidation;
- a thermal degradation;
- a cause related to operating conditions.
This approach combines several analytical techniques to identify the origin of the defect.
Our FAQ
Ultra-High Temperature Materials (UHTC) are technical ceramics capable of withstanding temperatures above 2,000°C while retaining their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. They are mainly made up of refractory carbides, borides, or nitrides.
Characterization makes it possible to verify chemical composition, identify crystalline phases, study microstructure, control purity, and assess thermal behavior in order to guarantee the material's performance.
Depending on the requirements, the laboratory uses X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), ICP-OES, ICP-MS, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
The analysis make it possible to detect impurities, cracks, porosity, phase transformations, oxidation, contamination, or defects related to the manufacturing process.
Ultra-High Temperature Materials are mainly used in aerospace, space, defense, energy, nuclear, and industries developing components exposed to extreme thermal environments.
Yes. FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in the characterization of new materials, process qualification, formulation comparison, prototype analysis, and failure investigation through a multi-technique analytical approach.
To obtain a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, requested analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expertise project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast lead times tailored to your constraints and industrial urgencies.
