Refractory Metals for Aerospace
Engines, combustion chambers and re-entry systems reach temperatures at which nickel and titanium alloys lose their strength or simply melt. Where components must remain structurally stable above 1,500 °C, refractory metals take over the function no standard material can still fulfil.
Which Material for Which Function
Tungsten Heavy Metal
Highest density among technically available metals (up to 18.5 g/cm³): precise balance weights without wasting installation space.
Molybdenum
Good high-temperature strength at moderate density: structural parts in high-temperature zones where titanium and nickel-based alloys lose stiffness.
Rhenium / Tungsten-Rhenium
The rhenium addition suppresses the brittle fracture of tungsten (rhenium effect): ductile nozzles and thermocouples that withstand temperature cycling without cracking.
Niobium Alloys (e.g. C-103)
Good balance of high-temperature strength, weldability and density: standard material for rocket nozzles and combustion chambers in liquid-fuel engines.
Tantalum
Excellent corrosion resistance, even against aggressive propellant components.
Components in Everyday Use
- Balance weights in engine rotors and control surfaces
- Heat shield segments
- Coating substrates for turbine blades
- Rocket nozzle throats
- Combustion chamber liners
- Thermocouples for engine test rigs
Why Refracore. We have been trading in technical materials since 1976 — refractory metals have been part of our core business from the start. We advise on alloy selection (e.g. W-Re content or C-103 vs. pure niobium), supply everything from semi-finished material to finished parts made to drawing, and provide small quantities for qualification and development too.
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