Rhenium Powder 2025: Properties, Applications, and Market Insights
Overview of Rhenium Powder
Rhenium powder is a rare, high-performance refractory metal known for its exceptionally high melting point (3,180°C), superior creep resistance, and outstanding high-temperature strength. These properties make it an essential material in aerospace, electronics, medical, and catalyst industries.
Because of its unique combination of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, rhenium powder is widely used in turbine blades, electric contacts, coatings, and catalysts for petroleum refining.
At Heeger Materials Inc., we specialize in high-purity rhenium powders, ensuring optimal performance for advanced industrial applications.
Why Choose Rhenium Powder?
Rhenium powder is a critical material in high-performance applications that demand extreme temperature resistance, durability, and excellent conductivity.
Key Benefits of Rhenium Powder
- Ultra-High Melting Point (3,180°C) – One of the highest melting points of any metal, ideal for extreme conditions.
- Superior High-Temperature Strength – Maintains mechanical integrity under extreme heat, making it perfect for aerospace and industrial applications.
- Excellent Corrosion & Wear Resistance – Withstands oxidation and aggressive environments, ensuring longevity.
- Outstanding Electrical Conductivity – Used in high-performance electrical contacts and semiconductors.
- Catalytic Properties – Essential for hydrocarbon processing in petroleum refining.
Looking for high-purity rhenium powder? Explore Heeger Materials’ selection.
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Best Rhenium Powder Grades for Different Applications
Rhenium powders are classified based on purity, particle size, and intended applications.
Comparison of Rhenium Powder Grades
| Grade | Purity (%) | Key Properties | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Purity Rhenium Powder | 99.99% | Ultra-high purity, minimal impurities | Semiconductors, electronics |
| Spherical Rhenium Powder | 99.9+% | High flowability, optimized for 3D printing | Additive manufacturing, aerospace |
| Rhenium Alloy Powder (Re-W, Re-Mo, Re-Ta) | 99.9+% | Enhanced mechanical strength, improved oxidation resistance | Superalloys, turbine blades |
| Catalyst-Grade Rhenium Powder | 99.9% | High catalytic efficiency, superior chemical stability | Petroleum refining, hydrogenation reactions |
Spherical rhenium powder is critical for 3D printing and aerospace, while catalyst-grade rhenium dominates petrochemical industries.
Request a custom quote for rhenium powders.
Applications of Rhenium Powder in Industry
Rhenium powder is used in high-performance applications requiring extreme durability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance.
Key Industrial Applications
| Industry | Application | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | Jet engine turbine blades, rocket nozzles | High-temperature stability, creep resistance |
| Electronics & Semiconductors | Electrical contacts, thin-film coatings | Superior electrical conductivity and durability |
| Petrochemical Industry | Catalysts for petroleum refining | Highly effective in hydrogenation reactions |
| Medical & Healthcare | X-ray tubes, radiation shielding | High-density, biocompatibility |
| Additive Manufacturing (AM) | 3D-printed high-temperature parts | Complex geometries, lightweight components |
With the growing demand for high-performance aerospace materials and energy-efficient catalysts, rhenium powder continues to be a critical material for innovation.
Discover our high-performance rhenium powders.
Particle Size and Shape in Rhenium Powder
The particle size distribution (PSD) and morphology impact flowability, sintering behavior, and final product quality in 3D printing, electronics, and coatings.
Optimal Particle Size for Rhenium Powder Applications
| Particle Size Range | Best Application |
|---|---|
| 0.5-10 µm | High-precision coatings, catalysts |
| 10-45 µm | Electronics, semiconductor applications |
| 45-150 µm | 3D printing, aerospace components |
Spherical vs. Irregular Rhenium Powder: Which is Better?
| Powder Shape | Characteristics | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spherical | High flowability, uniform packing, improved sintering | 3D printing, aerospace, medical applications |
| Irregular | Higher surface area, increased porosity | Catalysts, coatings, electronics |
Spherical rhenium powders are preferred for additive manufacturing and aerospace, while irregular powders are used in catalysts and coatings.
Explore our optimized rhenium powders.
Top Suppliers of Rhenium Powder in 2025
Finding a trusted supplier is essential for consistent quality, purity, and performance in rhenium applications.
Leading Rhenium Powder Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Country | Specialization | Production Methods | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heeger Materials Inc. | USA | Rhenium Powders | VIGA, PREP, Gas Atomization | Visit Site |
| H.C. Starck | Germany | Refractory Metal Powders | Hydride-Dehydride, Plasma Atomization | N/A |
| American Elements | USA | High-Purity Rhenium | Powder Metallurgy | N/A |
| Plansee Group | Austria | High-Performance Rhenium Products | Powder Metallurgy | N/A |
Heeger Materials Inc. offers customized rhenium powders to meet the demands of aerospace, electronics, and additive manufacturing industries.
Contact Heeger Materials for premium rhenium powders.
Quality Standards for Rhenium Powder
Ensuring high-purity rhenium powder is crucial for aerospace, electronics, catalyst, and medical applications. Various international standards regulate the composition, particle size, and quality of rhenium powders to meet industrial and technological requirements.
Key Quality Standards for Rhenium Powder
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B818 | Specification for rhenium metal powder purity and properties. |
| ISO 17270 | International standard for rhenium and rhenium alloys used in aerospace applications. |
| AMS 7891 | Aerospace Material Specification for rhenium-containing superalloys. |
| MIL-R-27483 | U.S. military standard for rhenium used in high-temperature applications. |
| RoHS Compliance | Ensures environmental safety by limiting hazardous substances. |
Why Choose Certified Rhenium Powder?
- Ensures Consistent Purity & Performance – Guarantees high-temperature stability and mechanical strength.
- Critical for Aerospace & Defense – Meets strict regulations for extreme environments.
- Optimized for Electronics & Catalysts – Ensures reliable conductivity and catalytic activity.
- Global Compliance – Adheres to international industry standards for high-tech applications.
At Heeger Materials Inc., we provide high-purity rhenium powders that comply with ASTM, ISO, and AMS standards, ensuring superior performance and reliability.
Cost Analysis of Rhenium Powder
The price of rhenium powder is influenced by raw material availability, production complexity, and industry demand. Since rhenium is one of the rarest elements on Earth, its cost is higher compared to other refractory metals.
Factors Affecting Rhenium Powder Cost
- Purity & Grade – Ultra-high purity rhenium (99.99%) for semiconductors is more expensive than catalyst-grade rhenium (99.9%).
- Production Method – Gas atomized and plasma-processed rhenium powders are more costly than mechanically milled powders.
- Particle Size Distribution (PSD) – Finer powders (0.5-10 µm) for catalysts and coatings require advanced processing, increasing costs.
- Raw Material Scarcity – Rhenium is primarily sourced from molybdenite mining, making its supply highly dependent on molybdenum production.
- Market Demand & Industry Trends – Prices fluctuate based on aerospace, energy, and electronics sector developments.
Price Comparison of Rhenium Powder Grades
| Rhenium Powder Type | Cost ($/kg) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst-Grade Rhenium Powder | 3,000−3,000 – 3,000−7,000 | Petrochemical refining, hydrogenation reactions |
| Spherical Rhenium Powder (AM Grade) | 5,000−5,000 – 5,000−15,000 | 3D printing, aerospace components |
| Medical-Grade Rhenium Powder | 8,000−8,000 – 8,000−20,000 | Radiation shielding, medical devices |
| Ultra-High Purity Rhenium Powder (99.99%) | 10,000−10,000 – 10,000−25,000 | Semiconductors, superconductors |
| Rhenium Alloy Powder (Re-W, Re-Ta, Re-Mo) | 6,000−6,000 – 6,000−18,000 | Superalloys, turbine blades |
Catalyst-grade rhenium dominates the petroleum refining sector, while spherical and ultra-high purity rhenium powders are essential for advanced aerospace and semiconductor applications.
Request a bulk pricing quote for rhenium powders.
Production Methods for Rhenium Powder
Different powder production techniques impact particle morphology, purity, and cost, making it essential to select the right method for the intended application.
Comparison of Rhenium Powder Production Methods
| Production Method | Particle Shape | Purity | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Reduction | Irregular | High | $$ | Catalysts, coatings |
| Gas Atomization (GA) | Spherical | Very High | $$$ | 3D printing, aerospace parts |
| Plasma Atomization (PA) | Highly Spherical | Ultra-High | $$$$ | Medical applications, high-precision AM |
| Mechanical Milling | Flake-Like | Moderate | $$ | Spray coatings, sintering applications |
Gas atomized and plasma-processed rhenium powders are preferred for high-performance applications, ensuring superior flowability and printability.
Heeger Materials Inc. specializes in high-purity gas-atomized rhenium powders for electronics, aerospace, and medical applications.
FAQ About Rhenium Powder
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is rhenium powder used for? | It is used in turbine blades, semiconductors, catalysts, aerospace coatings, and medical applications. |
| Why is rhenium valuable in aerospace? | Rhenium provides exceptional high-temperature strength and creep resistance, making it ideal for jet engines and rocket nozzles. |
| What is the best rhenium powder for 3D printing? | Spherical rhenium powder (45-150µm) is ideal for additive manufacturing due to its excellent flowability and uniform sintering. |
| How does rhenium compare to tungsten for high-temperature applications? | Rhenium is more ductile and oxidation-resistant than tungsten, making it superior for extreme-environment applications. |
| Where can I buy high-purity rhenium powder? | Heeger Materials Inc. provides premium rhenium powders for industrial applications. |
Conclusion
Rhenium powder is a critical material for high-tech industries, offering unmatched high-temperature stability, conductivity, and catalytic efficiency for aerospace, electronics, energy, and additive manufacturing.
For top-quality rhenium powders, Heeger Materials Inc. provides tailored solutions with high-purity, gas-atomized spherical powders.
Looking for premium rhenium powder? Contact us today!
