Metal-ceramic composites are the correct answer because they combine the desirable properties of both metals and ceramics, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, especially in high-temperature environments. These composites are formed by combining metal and ceramic powders and then sintering them together to create a solid material with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.

1. Enhanced Mechanical Properties:
Metal-ceramic composites exhibit improved mechanical properties compared to pure metals or ceramics. The presence of ceramic particles reinforces the metal matrix, enhancing its strength, hardness, and wear resistance. This makes them suitable for applications where high strength and durability are required, such as turbine blades, engine components, and cutting tools.

2. Tailored Thermal Properties:
Ceramics have excellent thermal stability and low thermal expansion coefficients, while metals have good thermal conductivity. By combining the two, metal-ceramic composites can be engineered to have tailored thermal properties. This enables them to withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant dimensional changes or thermal stresses, making them ideal for applications in high-temperature environments.

3. Improved Fracture Toughness:
Ceramics are inherently brittle materials, while metals exhibit ductility and toughness. The addition of ceramic particles in the metal matrix improves the fracture toughness of the composite, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. This makes metal-ceramic composites suitable for applications where resistance to cracking and fracture is important, such as aerospace components and armor materials.

4. Versatility in Design:
Metal-ceramic composites offer a high degree of design versatility. The composition, size, and distribution of the ceramic particles can be tailored to achieve specific properties and performance requirements. This allows engineers to design materials with a wide range of combinations of strength, hardness, thermal conductivity, and other properties, depending on the application.

In conclusion, metal-ceramic composites provide a unique combination of properties that make them well-suited for high-temperature applications. Their enhanced mechanical properties, tailored thermal properties, improved fracture toughness, and design versatility make them a preferred choice in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.