Advanced characterization techniques and protective mechanism investigation methodologies for ultra-high temperature thermal protective materials

Ultra-high temperature thermal protective materials (UHTPMs), endowed with exceptional temperature resistance, high mechanical strength, and superior corrosion resistance, have emerged as critical materials in fields of aerospace, nuclear energy, and advanced equipment manufacturing. Recently, driven by the dual impetus of the worsening global energy crisis and the continuous advancement of aircraft performance, UHTPMs are gradually evolving toward lightweight and long service life. Conventional materials have been increasingly unable to meet the current stringent demands, making the upgrading of material systems an urgent necessity. The intrinsic properties of UHTPMs are core indicators that directly measure their service stability and reliability. Advanced characterization technologies serve as the key to material screening. Moreover, the correlation between “composition-structure-process-property” will be essentially established only by systematic elucidation of their thermal protective mechanisms. Therefore, this review highlights the recent progress in advanced characterization techniques and investigation methodologies for thermal protective mechanisms of UHTPMs, aiming to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the development of new high-performance UHTPMs.