Dec 20 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Forming WeldingApplications
Introduction
Rhenium has high melting point of 3180°C next to tungsten. The ductility of rhenium can be maintained even after recrystallization. It is best-suited for filaments due to its high electrical resistivity and low vapor pressure. Rhenium can be added to other refractory metals as it improves the ductility and tensile strength of the alloys. At low temperatures, the tensile strength of rhenium is higher than the other refractory alloys. It is vulnerable to oxidation at temperatures above 600°C, and hence it is available in its pure form.
The following datasheet will discuss about rhenium in detail.
Physical Properties
The physical properties of rhenium are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
21.03 g/cm³ |
0.7538 lb/in³ |
| Melting point |
5767°C |
3180°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of annealed rhenium are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
1070 MPa |
155000 psi |
| Yield strength |
290 MPa |
42100 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity |
469 GPa |
68000 ksi |
| Poissons ratio |
0.296 |
0.296 |
| Elongation at break |
15 - 25% |
15 - 25 % |
| Hardness, Brinell (converted from Vickers for 3000 kg load/10 mm ball Brinell test.) |
165 |
165 |
| Hardness, Rockwell A (converted from Vickers) |
52 |
52 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (converted from Vickers) |
85 |
85 |
| Hardness, Vickers |
170 |
170 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of rhenium are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (@500°C/932°F) |
6.12 µm/m°C |
3.4 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity |
39.6 W/mK |
275 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Rhenium cannot be machined by conventional means like milling, turning, etc. It can be welded, formed, EDM machined and ground.
Forming
Like tantalum, rhenium can be formed into various shapes at room temperature.
Welding
It can be welded easily, and remains ductile after welding.
Applications
The major applications of rhenium are given below:
- Mass spectrometer filaments
- Grid heaters
- Cathode cups
- Thermocouples
- Nuclear reactors
- Semiconductors