The elevated-temperature lubricating effects of naturally occurring rhenium oxide, formed by in-situ oxidation of base metals with small alloying additions of rhenium, will be investigated. Different compositions of two-phase copper- rhenium alloys and solid solution iron-rhenium alloys will be prepared in a cooperative effort by the Chinese Institute of Metal Research. The tribological testing will include determination of the range of conditions and the minimum rhenium content for which the oxides provide significant lubrication. The fundamental nature of the effects will be studied by analysis of alloy and oxide structure and composition.
