Skip to main content
Log in

The properties and applications of rhenium produced by CVD

  • Refractory Metal
  • Overview
  • Published:
JOM Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rhenium possesses a unique combination of properties that make it an excellent choice for many applications demanding high-temperature strength, wear resistance and erosion resistance. While the major use of rhenium is still in bimetallic catalysts, renewed interest in improved propulsion and space-power systems has led to increased development of rhenium as a structural material. Recent investigations have illustrated the tremendous advantages of rhenium in certain structural applications.Thesuperior performance of rhenium can be attributed to its chemical inertness, superior high-temperature strength and room-temperature ductility. In several demanding applications, many of rhenium's properties can be optimally exploited by using chemical vapor deposition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. C.T. Sims et al., “A Survey of the Literature on Rhenium,” ADC-TR-56-319 (Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Wright Air evelopment Center, 1956).

    Google Scholar 

  2. J.R. Wooten and P.T. Lansaw, “The Enabling Technology for Long-Life, High Performance On-Orbit and Orbit-Transfer Propulsion Systems: High Temperature, Oxidation-Resistant Thrust Chambers,” Proceedings of the 1989 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting (Laurel, MD: Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 1989).

    Google Scholar 

  3. C.A. Parker, “Progress on Hi-G, Phase II,” intraoffice memorandum, Allied Signal Research Center (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  4. J.G. Sheek and R.H. Tuffias, “Ultralightweight High Temperature Structural Materials,” AFAL-TR-88-078 (Edwards AFB, CA: SDIO/Air Force Astronautics Laboratory, 1988).

    Google Scholar 

  5. J.W. Pugh, “Refractory Metals: Tungsten, Tantalum, Columbium, and Rhenium,” JOM, 212 (1958), p. 335.

    Google Scholar 

  6. W. Duchart et al., “Rhenium” (F. Hensel, ed.), U.S. Office of Military Government for Germany, Fiat Final Report No. 697 (1946).

    Google Scholar 

  7. R.C. Svedberg and W.W. Bowen, “High Temperature Creep and Tensile Properties of Chemically Vapor-Deposited Rhenium,” DOE Report HEDL-SA-2695-FP (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy, 1982).

    Google Scholar 

  8. C.P. Cannon, “A 2000°C Fuel Centerline Thermocouple,” Temperature, Its Measurement and Control in Science and Industry, vol. 5 (New York: American Institute of Physics, 1982).

    Google Scholar 

  9. M.A. Appel, R.B. Kaplan and R.H. Tuffias, “Liquid Fluorine/Hydrazine Rhenium Thruster Update,” Proc. 1983 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency Publication 390, vol. 1 (Laurel, MD: Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 1983), p. 85.

    Google Scholar 

  10. J.M. Shoji, I. Kaith and A.G. Pard, “Solar Thermal Rocket Design and Fabrication,” Proc. 1985 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency Publication 425, vol. 1 (Laurel, MD: Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 1985), p. 495.

    Google Scholar 

  11. J.T. Harding, R.H. Tuffias and R.B. Kaplan, “Oxidation Resistance of CVD Coatings,” AFRPL-TR-86-099 (Edwards AFB, CA: Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, 1986).

    Google Scholar 

  12. J.T. Harding, R.H. Tuffias and R.B. Kaplan, “Oxidation-Resistant Coatings for Refractory Metals,” Proc. 1985 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Chemical Publication Information Agency Publication 425, vol. 1 (Laurel, MD: Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 1985), 181.

    Google Scholar 

  13. M.V. Whalen, P.T. Lansaw and J.R. Wooten, “High Temperature Oxidation-Resistent Thrusters,” Proc. 1987 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Chemical Publication Information Agency Publication 480, vol. 1 (Laurel, MD: Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 1987), p. 413.

    Google Scholar 

  14. J.T. Harding, J.M. Kazaroff and M.A. Appel, “Iridium-Coated Rhenium Thrusters by CVD,” NASA-TM-101309 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  15. J.T. Harding, A.J. Sherman and R.H. Tuffias, “Refractory Metals for Hot Gas Valves,” presented at the 1989 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Cleveland, OH, May 23–25, 1989; unpublished.

    Google Scholar 

  16. A.J. Sherman and R.H. Tuffias, “Modeling of the Compatibility of Rhenium with Solid Rocket Motor Exhaust,” presented at the 1990 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Anaheim, CA, October 2–4, 1990; to be published in the conference proceedings.

    Google Scholar 

  17. A.J. Sherman and R.H. Tuffias, “Minimizing Erosion in Solid Propellant Throats,” presented at the 1990 JANNAF RNTS Meeting, Pasadena, CA, October 23–25, 1990; to be published in the conference proceedings.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sherman, A.J., Tuffias, R.H. & Kaplan, R.B. The properties and applications of rhenium produced by CVD. JOM 43, 20–23 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03220615

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03220615

Keywords

Navigation