Rhenium is one of the last stable elements discovered and is created as a by-product of the molybdenum refinement process. Though there are many uses for rhenium, the majority can be summed up in four areas. Rhenium is used as an additive to increase the ductility of other metals; it forms an important part of commercial jet engines; both it and its alloys are a superconducting solid; and it works as a chemical catalyst in many industrial processes, including the creation of gasoline.

Rhenium is available in a number of forms. The pure element is purchased either as a powder or compressed solid. Numerous alloys are available, but the two most common are rhenium tungsten and rhenium molybdenum. Rhenium is also common as rhenium carbonyl and rhenium oxide. Consider the following when purchasing rhenium and rhenium alloys:

1. Pure rhenium is available from a number of suppliers.

2. Rhenium alloy producers typically make a number of alloys in different forms.

3. The more uncommon forms of rhenium are available from specialty producers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the pure element from several rhenium producers

The pure version of rhenium is made into a large number of alloys and products. It's typically found either as a powder or a compressed solid, often a pellet.

I recommend: Ultramet both sells the raw material and will reclaim the material from other industrial by-products. Atlantic Equipment Engineers is a well-known supplier of many industrial substances and raw materials, including rhenium.

Locate rhenium alloy producers for processed forms of the metal

The processed forms of rhenium are easier to handle and process than the raw material. It's typically sold as a bar, a sheet or a wire coil, and in all of its basic alloyed forms it appears as a lustrous metal.

I recommend: Goodfellow offers many types of alloys in different forms. Rhenium Alloys, Inc. specializes in tungsten and molybdenum alloys.

Use specialty producers for other rhenium products

The uses of rhenium are nearly endless, and there are several other processes and materials available depending on the finial alloy. The final form of these products varies as well.

I recommend: Pressure Chemical makes rhenium carbonyl. All Chemie makes rhenium oxide, as well a large number of other rhenium alloys.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rhenium can be extremely expensive. Compare many suppliers to make sure you are getting a good price. Also, if you find the price has fallen, it may be a good idea to stock up while the price is low.
• •  Many rhenium suppliers make more than one kind of product. Due to the high price of rhenium, it's a good idea to cultivate a relationship with a single supplier.