R. J. Adams, W. Giesler, T. Langston, M. Floyd, Honeywell, Tempe, AZ

Summary:

Previously Honeywell presented its new wear and oxidation resistant rhenium (Re) alloys developed for one of its Aerospace applications. This presentation will emphasize its uses. Re as a coating can provide high wear resistance and high impact loading capability. Honeywell has continued exploring new formulations and new applications and will discuss them as well as a new product application.

The most important barrier to the use of Re for this application and other conventional wear applications is its poor oxidation resistance. Many potential applications include elevated temperature in an air environment. Unfortunately in air Re oxidizes as its temperature at approximately 640°F and produces a volatile oxide. At higher temperatures it may oxidize catastrophically. However the literature reviewed, as well as previous tests at Honeywell, indicate that Re in neutral or reducing environments, is highly erosion and wear resistant. These properties are evident at elevated temperatures as well as room temperature.

Last year we found our rhenium alloys approached or exceeded the wear resistance of conventional coatings such as nitriding, carburizing and tungsten carbide. In addition we were able to develop alloys with oxidation resistance approaching that of stainless steels up 1200°F.

This year we will present data about a new product using these alloys and its performance. We will also discuss progress in alternative manufacturing methods of these alloys.