Rhenium
History
Why is it called Rhenium? Because Rhenium is reminiscent of Rhenus (Latin: Rhine) and the discoverers came from the Rhineland region. But let's start from the beginning. The future chemist couple Noddack were among the fortunate ones who, in the midst of the 1920s euphoria, discovered a new chemical element and named it after their home region. Today, the silvery-gray metal is obtained during the smelting of molybdenum or copper. Due to the high costs, the production of larger quantities only began in the year 1950.
Properties
The non-elementally occurring Rhenium is a heavy metal and can withstand quite a lot. After tungsten, it has the second-highest melting point of all metals. Rhenium boasts numerous superlatives: it has above-average hardness, a high density, and is superconducting at low temperatures. Additionally, Rhenium is the rarest stable element, i.e., it does not undergo radioactive decay. Even gold and platinum are more common. It does not occur alone in nature but is usually part of other minerals.
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
Melting Point | 3.186 °C |
Boiling point | 5.596 °C |
Specific weight | 21,02 g/cm³ |
Mass Fractions/Earth's Crust | 0,001 ppm |
Color | silver gray |
Annual Production | - |
Main Producers | China, USA, Kanada |
Usage | Aircraft turbines, nickel superalloys, platinum-rhenium catalysts, thermocouples, heating coils for lighters |
Applications
Some like it hot, and Rhenium especially so. Rhenium is heat-resistant like no other metal. Therefore, it is the preferred metal for high-temperature applications. Rhenium plays a significant role in catalysts for petroleum refining and in the production of rocket and aircraft engines. Due to its high melting point, the metal is ideal for the manufacture of thermocouples and filaments in lamps and X-ray tubes.
Perspectives
Rhenium is much rarer than the major precious metals but is not much more expensive in comparison. Additionally, the supply and available resources of Rhenium are limited. Industrial demand continues to rise, and substitution possibilities with other metals are not in sight. Forecasts by aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus predict a doubling of the global number of airplanes by the year 2030. It's no wonder experts are predicting one of the highest value increases for Rhenium among all metals.
Tech Metals Tuesday
In our Tech Metals Tuesday series, we introduce various metals in video format.
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