Which materials are typically used for turbine blades?

Turbine blades are subjected to extreme conditions, including high temperatures, heavy loads, and corrosive environments. Superalloys, particularly nickel and cobalt-based alloys, are specifically designed to withstand these harsh operating conditions, which is why they are commonly used in gas turbine engines.

These superalloys provide exceptional strength and stability at elevated temperatures, retaining their mechanical properties even when exposed to heat that would degrade other materials. Additionally, they have excellent fatigue resistance and oxidation resistance, which are crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of turbine blades in high-efficiency engines.

The choice of superalloys allows for increased efficiency and performance of gas turbines, making them the preferred option among manufacturers in the aerospace and power generation industries. Other materials, such as carbon fiber composites or aluminum alloys, do not have the necessary properties to endure the extreme environments encountered in turbine operations, and while steel alloys have some relevant applications, they generally do not perform as well as superalloys at the temperatures and stresses found in turbine engines.