Rhenium (Rhenium, Re, in the periodic system of chemical elements 75) is a silvery transition metal. Shiny, in powder form is black. It belongs to the champions in terms of hardness and density.
One of the important qualities of rhenium is the ability to maintain strength even after repeated cycles of heating (up to 2,000 °C) and cooling. Moreover, it begins to melt only at 3,186 °C.
The main application of this metal is the production of special alloys, heat-resistant and refractory, having high strength and long service life.
In addition, rhenium is in demand in the following areas of human activity:
• Chemical industry. As a catalyst, as well as to create various resistant coatings.
• Petrochemical industry. Used in the production of gasoline.
• Aircraft and rocket science. Used for parts of rockets, fighters, etc.
• To protect various parts and surfaces from aggressive environments (acids, alkalis, sea water, etc.) – in the form of a thin rhenium coating.
• Electrical engineering and instrument making. It is used for vacuum technology, lighting devices, receivers, semiconductors, self-cleaning contacts in microcircuits, etc.
• Nuclear industry. It is used for the manufacture of tubes of fuel elements that can withstand up to 3,000 °C. Rhenium has found application, including in jewelry: it is coated with jewelry to make it neutral for human skin and ultra-resistant to various damages. For similar reasons, this metal is also in demand in the manufacture of medical instruments.
