Advanced High-Temperature Structural Materials for Aerospace and Power Sectors: A Critical Review

Abstract

Advanced high-temperature structural materials are expected to play an important role in realizing the aspirations related to the next-generation aerospace propulsion devices, thermal protection system of reusable launch vehicles and thermal/nuclear power reactors. Despite considerable amount of research conducted for developing new and more efficient high-temperature structural materials, the advancement is inadequate and warrants continued efforts to address several unresolved issues concerning synthesis and processing of new materials, related characterization and testing to evaluate and ensure desired performance, durability, reproducibility and reliability in simulated experiments and real-life condition and finally, upscaling the operation for large-scale commercially viable production. In this article, an attempt has been made to review the latest status and trend in developing high-temperature structural materials for aerospace and thermal/nuclear sectors and highlight the challenges associated with development and processing of such advanced structural materials.