Fire can be extremely dangerous, especially if it is not well controlled. Whether it’s a wildfire or a campfire, it can be deadly and unpredictable. Despite the dangers of fire, it is a part of leisure activities, certain professions, and even in magic shows. It has also played a critical role in our history as it served as heating for homes, drove engines, and was a part of cooking. You may wonder, can fire melt everything? Below you will find information about the power of fire. 

Can fire melt everything?

Fire is a chemical reaction that involves the combination of both oxygen and fuel. Fires can reach temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can’t melt everything, it can melt strong materials, including steel. This is impressive as steel has a melting point of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there is a difference between burning versus melting points.

The Difference Between Burning and Melting

There are unique differences between burning and melting when it comes to the power of fire. Below you will find helpful information that outlines the differences.

Burning: Burning occurs when a substance combines with oxygen through a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction often produces heat, light, and sometimes gas. This process is often associated with combustible materials. This includes materials such as wood, paper, or flammable gases. 

When these materials come into contact with enough oxygen and heat, combustion occurs. Combustion involves the breakdown of the molecular structure of the materials. The energy released during this process is both heat and light, or more commonly referred to as flames.

Melting: Melting is a process that occurs when a solid material is exposed to enough heat. When exposed to a certain amount of heat, the material transitions from a solid to a liquid state. This occurs when the material reaches its melting point. A melting point is the temperature at which a molecular structure allows the material to lose its solid form. 

Common materials that you may have encountered include wax and plastic. They have a low melting point and can turn from a solid to a liquid quite fast. Each material has its own unique melting point as steel has a much higher melting point than wax. Unlike burning. Melting does not undergo combustion so you won’t see any flames.

Materials With Low Melting Points

Fire cannot melt everything and there are some substances that are particularly resistant to fire and heat. Below are some of the materials that fire cannot impact.

Diamonds: Fire cannot meld diamonds. It not only has a high melting point, more than 6,300 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has strong covalent bonds. These bonds make diamonds resistant to heat.

Some Types of Glass: Ordinary glass can melt when exposed to heat. However, there are certain specialized types of glass that can resist melting at very high temperatures. The glass generally has refractory materials in it that are heat resistant.

Refractory Bricks: These bricks are specifically designed to resist high temperatures. They are often used in kilns, industrial furnaces, and other high-heat environments that require the material to have a high melting point. 

Heat Resistance and Specialty Seals

There are a number of industries that require seals to be resistant to high heat. For unique applications that have intense elemental pressure, specialty seals are necessary. The seals can be customized to meet your unique needs. Engineered thermoplastic mechanical components can ensure your project needs are met and resistant to high heat and other elements. The team at Real Seal offers customized options that can withstand environmental pressures. Contact their team today for more information!