Rediscovered ceramic Hafnium Carbine can withstand temperatures three times hotter than lava at 4050 celsius and could help enable hypersonic planes

A structural ceramic that can withstand temperatures three times hotter than lava shows promise in hypersonic air travel, say researchers.

Researchers in the UK and around the world are currently working on prototype technologies that could enable new types of aircraft to travel at hypersonic speeds – five times faster than the speed of sound. At these speeds, planes would have enough power to leave the Earth’s atmosphere and fly through space, before re-entering to arrive at their destination, which could dramatically cut travel times.

One of the current challenges of making hypersonic travel a reality is developing a material that can shield these planes from the extreme temperatures of over 2000°C caused by their re-entry into the atmosphere. Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) are currently the only materials we know of that can withstand the extreme temperatures in hypersonic travel. Their strong chemical bonds make them exceptionally durable and useful in erosive, corrosive and high temperature environments.

Ttechnical complexity and high manufacturing costs limited its use since Hafnium Carbides discovery in the 1960s but new lasers and coatings could enable better production and handling.

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