What type of material is commonly used for high strength and high-temperature applications?

Alloy steels are the preferred choice for high strength and high-temperature applications due to their specific composition and properties. These materials typically contain additional elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which enhance their strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. This makes them suitable for applications in industries like aerospace, power generation, and petrochemical processing, where structural integrity and performance under extreme conditions are critical.

In contrast, the other materials listed do not exhibit the same levels of performance under high-stress and high-temperature environments. For instance, PVC, while versatile and resistant to corrosion, cannot withstand elevated temperatures and is not suitable for high-pressure applications. Copper, while excellent for electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, lacks the mechanical strength needed for high-temperature service. Carbon steel may offer good strength, but without the added alloying elements found in alloy steels, it does not perform as well at elevated temperatures or in highly stressed environments. Thus, alloy steels stand out as the ideal choice for demanding applications.