Evaluation of properties and special features for high-temperature applications of rhenium

Sixty‐six years have passes since rhenium was discovered in June 1925 by husband‐and‐wife team Walter and Ida Noddack. The rapid development of rhenium is due to the unique properties of the metal and its alloys. Rhenium has a hexagonal close packed structure as opposed to the body centered cubic structure of other refractory metals. Rhenium does not have a ductile to brittle transition temperature and retains its ductility from sub zero to elevated temperatures. Rhenium work‐hardens at a higher rate and to a greater degree than any other unalloyed metal known. Hot deformation is feasible only in a non‐oxidizing shielding atmosphere. Refractory metal alloys have found use as heating elements, compact electromagnet coils, high temperature thermocouples, anti‐friction and low wear parts, and high temperature elastic elements. One major development area for pure rhenium is in the aerospace industry, as in the SP‐100 Program. Due to their unique properties, rhenium and its alloys are being considered for many areas in space applications.