I
R. H. THIELEMANN Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, Calif.
Applications in a Technological Age
IN
THIS rapidly moving age of technology, progress in almost every field of endeavor is becoming more and more dependent on the development of new and improved high performance materials of all types. This trend is particularly significant in the development of military devices, but the requirements for new and improved materials in the chemical and other industries are just as numerous. Currently, the situation with regard to materials is critical. In practically every field, engineering technology has advanced to the point where the properties of available materials are
being utilized to the maximum and the significant engineering improvements which appear possible are awaiting the development of higher performance materials which will do the job. The requirements run all the way from improved fuels and lubricants to materials which possess very special physical and mechanical properties. Of all the requirements, however, the most important are for materials which will have improved physical, mechanical, and chemical properties a t elevated temperatures. Of the commercially available higher
melting point metals, columbium, molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten appear to be the ones from which we would gain advantage most quickly. T h e one problem with all is to find methods of protecting them from oxidation at higher temperatures. At the same time, the alloys must be sufficiently workable-so that they can be rolled into thin sheets, formed, and welded. If we are successful in developing these materials, there is reason to believe that engineering progress in the next ten years will exceed everything that has been done in the last century.
How the Barriers Are Being lifted
The Barriers
Environmental Chemical Stability
Oxidation of metals and alloys at temperatures above 1800' F. Research effort on basic factors which control surface reactions between the metal or alloy and its environment. There is now promise that some of the electropositive rare earths -yttrium, lanthanum, and cerium-that have stable, high melting point oxides wi!l be important in improving this oxidation resistance
Mechanical Strength
Oxidation, corrosion, and workability considerations
Research and development effort to develop higher strength materials for application where the temperature is as low as -350' and as high as 3500' F.
Workability
Working and fabrication methods Melting under vacuum or inert atmospheres, and new welding methods
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INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
