Molybdenum & Molybdenum Alloy

Molybdenum is usually produced by powder metallurgy techniques in which Mo powder is hydrostratically compacted and sintered at about 2100°C. Hot working is done in the 870-1260°C range. Moly forms a volatile oxide when heated in air above about 600°C and therefore high temperature applications are limited to non-oxidizing or vacuum environments.

Molybdenum Alloy has excellent strength and mechanical stability at high temperatures (up to 1900°C). Their high ductility and toughness provide a greater tolerance for imperfections and brittle fracture than ceramics.

The unique properties of molybdenum alloys are utilised in many applications:

Spherical Agglomerates of Molybdenum powder

1.High temperature heating elements, radiation shields, extrusions, forging dies, etc;

2.Rotating X-ray anodes used in clinical diagnostics;
Glass melting furnace electrodes and components that are resistant to molten glass;
3.Heat sinks with thermal expansivity matching silicon for semiconductor chip mounts;
4.Sputtered layers, only Ångstroms (10-7 mm) thick, for gates and interconnects on integrated circuit chips;
5.Sprayed coatings on automotive piston rings and machine components to reduce friction and improve wear.

High temperature furnace with
molybdenum hot zone

For specialised applications, Mo is alloyed with many other metals:

1.Mo-tungsten alloys are noted for exceptional resistance to molten zinc;
2.Mo is clad with copper to provide low expansion and high conductivity electronic circuit boards;

3.Mo-25% rhenium alloys are used for rocket engine components and liquid metal heat exchangers which must be ductile at room temperature.