China's new heat shield can beat thermal limit for hypersonic flights

Chinese scientists have developed a new carbide ceramic heat shield material capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3,600 degrees Celsius (6,512 degrees Fahrenheit) in oxidizing environments, surpassing the previous thermal limits for hypersonic flight materials. This breakthrough, detailed in the journal Advanced Materials, marks the first time a base material has reached such a high service temperature, breaking the longstanding 3,000-degree Celsius barrier. The ceramic is composed of elements including hafnium, tantalum, zirconium, and tungsten, and features a unique oxide layer structure that protects the tungsten skeleton from oxidation, enhancing its thermal resistance. The new material’s exceptional heat tolerance is critical for hypersonic aircraft and weapons, which require components that maintain structural integrity under extreme thermal stress. Unlike traditional metal alloys and heat shield tiles—such as those used on SpaceX’s Starship, which withstand around 1,371 degrees Celsius—this carbide ceramic can endure much higher temperatures, making it suitable for aerospace, weapons protection