Investigation of mechanical properties and microstructure of various molybdenum-rhenium alloys

Powder metallurgy products made from molybdenum alloys with a rhenium content above 40 weight percent are traditionally used for many high temperature applications. The resistance to thermal shock and high temperature strength of the molybdenum-rhenium alloys make them often the best choice for applications such as: heat sinks, heating elements, thermocouple sheathings, reflectors, vacuum furnace components, electron tube components, hydrazine thrusters, and other important industrial and aerospace applications. The physical characteristics of the molybdenum-rhenium alloys produce a material with excellent life in extremely harsh service environments. The effect of the rhenium addition to molybdenum in powder metallurgy sheet product near and exceeding the saturation point of rhenium in molybdenum was investigated. Alloys of 41,44.5, 47.5 and 51% rhenium were produced to examine the mechanical properties at room temperature, 1073K, and 1473K. Microstructural analysis was performed to correlate mechanical properties with the microstructures present in each alloy. This study shows that an optimum rhenium content can be achieved to maximize room temperature properties and elevated temperature performance.