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Rhenium
Rhenium (Re) is a rare, heavy transition metal renowned for its exceptionally high melting point (3186 °C), density, and chemical stability. It crystallizes in a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure and exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. Rhenium is widely used in high-performance superalloys, catalysis, and electronic applications.
Goodfellow’s Rhenium products, including Rhenium Sputtering Targets, Foils, and Rods, meet the demanding requirements of advanced research and high-performance laboratories and industrial applications. Rhenium is indispensable in aerospace technology, superalloys, and catalyst development for chemical processes. Its reliability under extreme conditions makes it a critical material in jet engine components, thermocouples, and hydrogenation reactions. Supporting innovation in metallurgy, electronics, and energy research, Goodfellow’s high-quality Rhenium offerings empower researchers and industry professionals to push boundaries in durability, efficiency, and cutting-edge material science advancements.
Properties
Identifiers
Isotopes
Applications
Grades
Synonyms
General Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 75 |
| Density | 21.02 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 3186 °C |
| Boiling Point | 5596 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 48 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 196 nΩ·m |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 400–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 200–500 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus | 360 GPa |
| Hardness | Mohs ~7.0 |
| Elongation at Break | 30–50% |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.3 |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent; highly inert to most acids and alkalis |
| Reactivity | Low; forms Re₂O₇ at high temperature |
| Oxidation States | +2 to +7 (commonly +4, +6, +7) |
| Surface Oxide | Rhenium heptoxide (Re₂O₇) |
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Re |
| Atomic Number | 75 |
| CAS Number | 7440-15-5 |
| UN Number | UN3089 (metal powder) |
| EINECS Number | 231-124-5 |
| Isotope | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Re-185 | Stable | ~37.4% natural abundance |
| Re-187 | Radioactive | β-emitter, ~62.6% abundance, half-life ~4.3×10¹⁰ yr |
Scientific Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Catalysis Research | Used in petroleum reforming catalysts |
| Thermoelectrics | Investigated in high-temperature energy conversion |
| Vacuum Coatings | Applied in thin films for electronics and optics |
| High-Temperature Experiments | Used in crucibles and sample holders |
| Materials Science | Properties studied for superalloy design |
Industrial Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Superalloys | Strengthening component in turbine engines |
| Filaments & Thermocouples | Used in vacuum tubes and high-temp sensors |
| Electrical Contacts | Used in high-performance electrical components |
| Rocket Engines | In high-temp combustion chambers |
| Medical Devices | Material for biocompatible implants |
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 99.97% (3N7) | High-purity rhenium for research and industrial components, suitable for electrical contacts and high-temp testing. |
| 99.99% (4N) | Ultra-high purity used in aerospace superalloys, vacuum electronics, thin-film coatings, and catalysis studies. |
| Synonym |
|---|
| Re |
| Rhenium metal |