What term is used to describe a material that can maintain its strength at high temperatures?

The term that describes a material capable of maintaining its strength at high temperatures is "refractory." Refractory materials are specially designed to withstand high heat, making them essential in various industries, particularly those involving furnaces, kilns, and reactors. They are used in applications such as lining the interiors of high-temperature furnaces or providing structural support in situations where they would be exposed to extreme conditions.

Refractory materials are characterized not only by their ability to resist thermal degradation but also by their ability to retain strength and mechanical properties when exposed to high temperatures over extended periods. This durability under heat is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in high-temperature processes.

For context, insulators, lagging, and adhesives serve different functions. Insulators prevent heat transfer, lagging refers to materials that provide thermal insulation, and adhesives bond materials together but do not typically exhibit high-temperature strength. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why refractory is specifically the correct choice for materials that maintain strength under high-temperature conditions.