You want to carry out an analysis and characterization of refractory alloys?
What is a refractory alloy?
Under the effect of a rise in temperature, metallic alloys can be attacked by their environment (air, combustion gases, molten salts, ash, etc.).
These degradations are due to corrosion phenomena
at high temperature.
Metals capable of withstanding this type of corrosion are called refractory alloys.
They are designed to retain their mechanical and chemical properties under extreme thermal conditions.
The characteristics of refractory alloys
To withstand oxidation, refractory alloys must exhibit several properties:
A minimum content of protective elements, promoting the formation of a stable oxide layer on the surface (often chromium, enhanced by additions of nickel, silicon, or aluminum);
The absence of allotropic transformations that could cause cracks or spalling of the protective oxide film during temperature increases.
A high microstructural homogeneity, ensuring the uniform formation of this protective layer;
These properties ensure the long-term resistance of the materials under high thermal stress.
Our refractory alloy analysis and characterization services
As an independent laboratory, FILAB provides you with in-depth expertise for the characterization and inspection of refractory alloys.
Our analytical techniques
FILAB has a wide range of instruments to determine the chemical composition and microstructural characteristics of alloys:
ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) to determine the overall elemental composition;
Elemental analyzers (C, H, N, S, O) to quantify light elements influencing oxidation resistance;
X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify crystalline phases;
SEO (spark optical emission) for the rapid measurement of base metals and trace elements;
Electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) to observe the morphology and phase distribution;
Mechanical testing and hardness measurements at high temperature to simulate real operating conditions.
Why choose FILAB?
With over 30 years of experience in metallic materials characterization, the FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in demanding sectors such as metallurgy, automotive, aeronautics, and energy production.
Our engineers and PhD specialists in materials guarantee you:
- Recognized scientific expertise;
- Specific and validated analytical methods;
- A personalized approach tailored to your industrial challenges;
- Reliable and interpretable results to support your technical decisions.
The main types of refractory alloys
Refractory alloys are divided into several families depending on their composition and use.
Refractory steels can be ferritic, martensitic, austenitic-ferritic, or austenitic, depending on their crystal structure and corrosion resistance.
Nickel-based alloys, such as Inconel or Waspaloy, are widely used for their performance at very high temperatures.
Finally, Cobalt-based alloys, such as Stellite, are valued for their wear resistance and mechanical stability.
Our additional alloy analysis services
Iron: steel, 316L steel, stainless steel, cast iron.
Tin : SAC 305, SAC 0807
FAQ
A refractory alloy is a metallic material capable of withstanding very high temperatures without deforming or degrading.
These alloys are specifically formulated to endure extreme conditions, including hot corrosion and oxidation.
Their thermal stability and mechanical strength make them essential materials in industrial environments where heat is a critical factor, such as furnaces, turbines, or aircraft engines.
The chemical composition and microstructure of a refractory alloy directly determine its mechanical performance, oxidation resistance, and durability. Regular testing is therefore essential to ensure material compliance, optimize manufacturing processes, and prevent premature failures.
Analyzing these alloys makes it possible to verify the purity of the elements, identify possible contamination, and understand the degradation phenomena observed during temperature increases. These assessments are crucial to ensuring the performance, safety, and reliability of industrial equipment operating at high temperatures.
The study of refractory alloys requires a multidisciplinary approach. These materials can undergo creep, internal oxidation, or phase transformations that affect their mechanical strength. The challenge is to understand how chemical composition, crystal structure, and heat treatments influence their long-term behavior.
FILAB works to identify these phenomena and propose appropriate solutions: adjusting compositions, improving melting or heat-treatment processes, or validating new materials for extreme conditions.
Analyzing a refractory alloy ensures that its chemical composition and microstructure meet the expected performance requirements. Even the slightest variation in composition can influence the material’s resistance to oxidation or thermal deformation. Regular laboratory testing helps guarantee the quality and compliance of the materials used, anticipate degradation phenomena, and extend the lifespan of parts exposed to high temperatures.
The characterization of refractory alloys relies on several complementary analytical methods.
Techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) are used to determine the overall chemical composition of the alloy. Spark Optical Emission (SEO) analysis is employed to accurately quantify metallic elements, while elemental analyzers measure carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen content. Other tools, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) or X-ray diffraction (XRD), make it possible to study the crystalline structure and morphology of the material. Together, these techniques provide a comprehensive understanding of the behavior and composition of refractory alloys.
Refractory alloys are essential in many industrial sectors.
- In the aerospace industry, they are used in the manufacture of turbines and engine components exposed to very high temperatures.
- The automotive industry uses them for exhaust valves and other heat-exposed parts.
- The energy and petrochemical sectors rely on these materials for boilers, furnaces, and heat exchangers.
- Finally, they are also found in industrial thermal installations where resistance to corrosion and oxidation is critical.
Turning to an independent laboratory such as FILAB provides access to recognized technical expertise and analyses carried out in accordance with current standards.
With over thirty years of experience in metallurgy and materials characterization, FILAB supports industrial companies in quality control, failure analysis, and the development of new alloys. Its team of engineers and PhD specialists offers a comprehensive suite of analytical equipment to ensure reliable, interpretable results tailored to each client's specific needs. Furthermore, FILAB is ISO 17025 accredited by COFRAC, specifically for alloy analyses using ICP-AES.
