Infusible

Infusible, in the context of materials science, refers to a substance that cannot be softened or melted by heat. Unlike fusible materials that transition into a liquid state upon heating, infusible materials retain their solid form even at very high temperatures. This characteristic makes them highly desirable for applications demanding structural integrity and resistance to heat-induced deformation, such as in the creation of refractory bricks, components of furnaces, and insulation materials where high thermal stability is paramount. Infusibility is a crucial property for materials that must maintain their shape and function under extreme thermal conditions. The degree of infusibility, or resistance to thermal breakdown, often relates to the material's chemical structure and bonding characteristics.

Infusible meaning with examples

• The ceramic tiles used in the shuttle's heat shield were designed to be infusible, ensuring they maintained their structural integrity during the extreme temperatures of re-entry. Their ability to withstand such intense heat without melting was vital for the crew's survival.
• Metallurgical crucibles are often constructed from infusible materials like graphite and certain oxides, allowing them to contain molten metals at high temperatures without undergoing any structural changes or degradation which is necessary for the casting processes.
• When building a pizza oven, the firebricks must be made of an infusible material to withstand the direct heat of the fire. The ovens long life span and ability to hold high temperatures depends on this infusible nature.
• The specialized coating applied to the rocket nozzle was selected for its infusible properties. It needs to prevent the nozzle from eroding under the extreme heat produced by the rocket's exhaust, making the flight successful.
• Certain types of glass, when mixed with specific compounds, become infusible, forming a strong, heat-resistant material suitable for lab equipment. This allows researchers to conduct experiments at high temperatures without the vessel melting.