The Glenn Research Center Materials Division has the Agency responsibility to identify, develop and demonstrate advanced structural and functional materials for high temperature applications in aerospace propulsion and power systems. The Division is dedicated to the development of advanced alloys, ceramics, polymers and their composite systems. Studies are conducted from a processing – microstructure - mechanical property viewpoint to develop high temperature materials which can be reliably used to meet NASA mission requirements. Often times a structural material possesses several of the critical mechanical properties important to their intended application, but does not possess sufficient environmental durability and life without the application of a protective coating. Environmental durability and coating research studies are becoming increasingly important as new propulsion and power system concepts are developed and frequently demand higher-temperature, longer-life component materials capable of surviving in extremely hostile and under complex use-conditions. Examples of advanced materials durability behavior relative to the component application requirements and the subsequent coating development research underway to extend life will be presented.