What is Diathermanous? Definition, Examples, and Applications

Diathermanous (from the Greek: διαθερμανός, diatheremanos, "partaking of heat") is a term used in the context of metallurgy and materials science to describe a material that can withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant changes in its properties.

In particular, diathermanous materials are those that retain their strength and integrity at temperatures above the melting point of most metals, typically above 1000°C (1832°F). These materials are often used in high-temperature applications such as gas turbines, heat shields, and rocket nozzles, where they must be able to withstand the intense heat generated by these systems without losing their structural integrity.

Examples of diathermanous materials include certain refractory metals like tungsten and molybdenum, as well as ceramic composites like silicon carbide and carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide. These materials are often used in combination with other materials to create composite structures that can provide enhanced strength and durability at high temperatures.