The present invention provides a method for preparing a rhenium-tantalum alloy
with improved strength and ductility characteristics. The method includes mixing
powders of rhenium and tantalum with a weight ration of approximately 97% rhenium
to approximately 3% tantalum. The powdered blend is then compressed to a green
state. The green compress of rhenium and tantalum is then sintered such that tantalum
goes into solid solution with rhenium. The sintered material is then cold rolled.
The cold rolling disperses oxides away from concentrations in the alloy grain boundaries.
If desired, the alloy may then be annealed. The result is a rhenium-tantalum alloy
that displays improved high temperature strength and ductility over pure rhenium
materials. The present alloy is particularly suited to fabrication of rocketry
components such as valve bodies, poppets, seats, and nozzles.
