Molybdenum/Rhenium Alloy - Material Information

Molybdenum–rhenium (Mo–Re) alloys are high-performance refractory materials designed for extreme environments where strength, ductility, and oxidation resistance are required. The addition of rhenium significantly enhances the ductility of molybdenum, allowing it to retain toughness from cryogenic to elevated temperatures. The Mo52.5/Re47.5 alloy composition offers a near-ideal balance of mechanical and thermal performance, making it suitable for aerospace, nuclear, and high-temperature electronic applications.

Material Overview

Mo–Re alloys are solid solutions based on molybdenum’s body-centered cubic (BCC) structure. The high solubility of rhenium stabilizes the lattice and suppresses brittle intermetallic phases. Leichtfried et al. (2006) demonstrated that Mo–Re alloys containing up to 47.5 wt.% Re exhibit exceptional ductility, with Charpy impact transition temperatures decreasing monotonically as rhenium content increases. The alloys maintain tensile ductility values between 35–45% at room temperature even after recrystallization. Microstructural studies by Leonhardt et al. (1999) revealed that 47.5% Re content optimizes high-temperature strength (1473 K) and thermal shock resistance, making this alloy suitable for thermal components such as electron tube parts and rocket thrusters. Bryskin (2008) further confirmed that rhenium’s hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure enhances deformation mechanisms, providing excellent workability and preventing ductile–brittle transition failures. Additionally, Jehanno et al. (2008) observed improved oxidation performance in Mo–Re alloys processed by powder metallurgy with microalloying additions that refine the oxide scale and increase high-temperature life.

Applications and Advantages

Molybdenum–rhenium alloys are used in furnace components, thermocouples, and high-stress aerospace applications due to their outstanding creep strength and fatigue resistance. The alloy’s stable electrical resistivity and low vapor pressure make it ideal for use in thermionic cathodes and superconducting systems. Its compatibility with refractory metals enables advanced brazing and joining operations. Furthermore, Mo–Re alloys are integral to propulsion components and nuclear reactors, where materials must resist oxidation and maintain strength at temperatures exceeding 2000 °C. According to Carlen (1993), Mo–Re alloys exhibit excellent low-temperature ductility and are essentially free from the embrittling sigma phase, ensuring long service lifetimes under extreme conditions.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Molybdenum/Rhenium (Mo52.5/Re47.5) alloy in multiple research-grade formats including wire, rod, and foil. All materials are refined to ensure consistent microstructural integrity and purity for high-performance and high-temperature applications. Custom fabrication options are available to meet specific requirements in advanced aerospace, vacuum, and electronic systems.

Explore Molybdenum/Rhenium (Mo52.5/Re47.5) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Leichtfried, G., Schneibel, J. H., & Heilmaier, M. (2006). Ductility and impact resistance of powder-metallurgical molybdenum–rhenium alloys. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 37(1), 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11661-006-0177-9
• Leonhardt, T., Carlen, J.-C., Buck, M., Brinkman, C. R., Ren, W., & Stevens, C. O. (1999). Investigation of mechanical properties and microstructure of various molybdenum–rhenium alloys. Proceedings of the Conference on Refractory Metals and Alloys. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.57638
• Bryskin, B. D. (2008). Evaluation of properties and special features for high-temperature applications of rhenium. Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.41837
• Jehanno, P., Böning, M., Kestler, H., Heilmaier, M., Saage, H., & Krüger, M. (2008). Molybdenum alloys for high-temperature applications in air. Powder Metallurgy, 51(3), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1179/174329008X313379
• Carlen, J. C. (1993). Molybdenum–rhenium alloy. Patent. USA.