Introduction of Rhenium

Rhenium is a rare and valuable element that boasts a range of unique properties. It is a transition metal that is placed in group 7 of the periodic table and is represented by the symbol Re. Rhenium is a silvery-white metal that is often used as an alloying agent to enhance the properties of other metals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the properties of rhenium and what makes it such a remarkable element.

Rhenium's Physical Properties

Rhenium is a dense metal with a high melting point of 3180°C, which is the third-highest melting point of all elements. It has a boiling point of 5627°C, which is the fourth-highest boiling point among all elements. Rhenium is also a very hard metal, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it one of the hardest elements.

Rhenium's Chemical Properties

Rhenium is a highly reactive metal that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It does not react with water or oxygen at room temperature, and it is not affected by most acids or bases. However, it can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid. Rhenium is a very rare element, with a concentration of only 1 part per billion in the Earth's crust.

Rhenium's Electronic Properties

Rhenium has some interesting electronic properties that make it useful in various applications. It has a very high electrical conductivity, making it useful in electrical components such as heating elements and wire filaments. Rhenium is also a superconductor at very low temperatures, with a critical temperature of 1.7 K.

Rhenium's Mechanical Properties

Rhenium is a very strong and ductile metal, with excellent mechanical properties. It has a high modulus of elasticity and a high tensile strength, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Rhenium is also highly resistant to fatigue and creep, making it useful in applications where materials are subjected to high stress over extended periods. Due to it's high molten temperature, powdermetallurgy methods are applied to make Rhenium metal shapes. In order to obtain it's original metal properties, forging and rolling process is still required. These high temerature operations makes Rhenium discs, sheets and plates even harder to obtain, and only small amount about of stocked Rhenium material is available in the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rhenium is a remarkable element with a range of unique properties. Its high density, melting point, and hardness make it useful in a wide range of applications, from aerospace to electronics. Its chemical resistance and electronic properties make it useful in electrical components, and its mechanical properties make it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Although rhenium is a rare and expensive element, its properties make it an essential component in many critical applications.

Reference

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4. Rhenium. (n.d.). Los Alamos National Laboratory. Retrieved from https://periodic.lanl.gov/75.shtml 
5. Rhenium. (n.d.). Royal Society of Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/75/rhenium