Rhenium
Among the highest density and melting points, rhenium does not have a ductile to a brittle transition temperature and does not form carbides. It is ideal for filament applications because of its high resistivity, combined with low vapor pressure. Excellent corrosion resistance resists acid attack and the mechanical effects of electrical erosion. Rhenium has a beneficial effect as an alloying addition with other refractory metals as it dramatically enhances the ductility and tensile strength of these alloys. Tungsten Rhenium and Molybdenum Rhenium alloys can be processed into plates, sheets, rods, wires, foils, and more.
Physical Properties of Rhenium
Rhenium Physical Properties |
Density |
lb/in3 |
0.77 |
|
gm/cm3 |
21.2 |
Melting Point |
°F |
5767 |
|
°C |
3180 |
Thermal Conductivity |
Cal/cm2/cm°C/sec |
0.39 |
Specific Heat |
Cal/gm/°C |
0.033 |
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion |
micro-in/°F x 10-6 |
11.77 |
|
micro-in/°C x 10-6 |
6.5 |
Electrical Resistivity |
micro-ohm-cm |
13.5 |
Mechanical Properties of Rhenium
Rhenium Mechanical Properties |
Tensile Strength |
KSI (Mpa)-RT |
200 (1380) |
|
KSI (Mpa)-500°C |
135 (930) |
|
KSI (Mpa)-1000°C |
70 (480) |
Elongation |
% in 1.0". |
2 |
Hardness |
DPH |
-- |
Modulus of Elasticity |
KSI |
67150 |
|
Gpa |
463 |
Rhenium Chemistry |
Minimum % 99.97 |
Application of Rhenium
Mass spectrometer filaments, grid heaters, cathode cups, thermocouples, nuclear reactors, semiconductors.
Health Effects of Rhenium
It is very little known about rhenium toxicity.
Potential health effects: May cause eye irritationa and skin irritation. The liquid state may cause burns to the skin and eyes. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive tract. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation.
The toxicological properties of this substance have not been thoroughly investigated. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
Environmental Effects of Rhenium
There is so little rhenium in the environment that virtually nothing is known of how it would behave in soil, plants, and animals. There are no instances of pollution by rhenium salts from mining or industry. No information was found on the environmental toxicity of rhenium.