Abstract: A method for making an article from rhenium and in particular a rocket nozzle. First a molybdenum mandrel is formed with a portion having the desired shape of the nozzle. A layer of rhenium is deposited over the nozzle portion, and then rhenium wire is wrapped around this rhenium layer. A second rhenium layer or a layer of ruthenium is then deposited over the layer of rhenium wire. Alternating layers of rhenium wire and deposited rhenium or ruthenium are applied until a desired thickness is obtained. A layer of molybdenum is applied to can the assembly and the assembly is subject to hot isostatic pressing. Finally, the molybdenum is etched away leaving the rhenium nozzle.

Abstract: A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is place between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load of at least 1000 psi.

Abstract: A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is place between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load of at least 1000 psi.