Molybdenum is a highly effective micro-alloying element which is found in materials such as alloys, steels, andcoatings. Molybdenum is especially useful in alloys that operate under temperatures higher than 1200°C and can be seen in high nitrogen, sulfur and carbon levels where temperatures reach close to 2000°C and more.
Molybdenum can be used as an alloying agent for stainless steels, heat-treatment steels and specialty steel alloys. Molybdenum effectively improves the mechanical properties of these materials, providing increased strength and dimensional stability, corrosion resistance and low-temperature toughness. In high nitrogen, sulfur and carbon levels it increases the hot-hardness of steels, making it a very desirable material indeed.
For alloyed stainless steels and heat-treated steels Molybdenum is a common addition. By adding molybdenum to the steel, it is possible to greatly improve the toughness characteristics of the alloy. Molybdenum also provides wear resistance and protection against corrosion or oxidation when used in higher temperature applications.
Molybdenum is a great addition to coatings as well. When used as a coating material, molybdenum can provide increased temperature resistance and protection to surfaces exposed to very high temperatures. Molybdenum is also used for wear protection and lubrication, as it resists galling, friction, abrasion and reduces wear and fatigue.
Due to its exceptional thermal conductivity, molybdenum is often used in the manufacture of heat exchangers and turbine blades, and other heat-resistance components. Molybdenum also displays excellent strength, corrosion and fatigue protection, in addition to being a good electrical conductor. It can be used in austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, in radiation tubes, and for welding and corrosion applications due to its high temperature resistance.
Molybdenum is used in high-temperature hot work processes as it can be carried out at lower temperatures than other materials. This is due to the fact that molybdenum has a very high melting point, up to 5000°C. It is also great at resisting carbon penetration and resists wear and tear at high temperatures.
Molybdenum is also a very common addition to turbine engines. As advanced jet engine fuels create higher combustion temperatures, molybdenum is used to keep the internal temperature low. Large temperature swings mean large wear and tear on turbine blades, so molybdenum is being used to make these components more resistant to wear and tear and more reliable.
Overall, molybdenum is a truly versatile material and can be used as a micro-alloying element in a variety of applications to make materials and components stronger, more resistant to corrosion and wear, and better able to withstand high temperatures. Its high melting point and corrosion resistance means that molybdenum is the perfect choice for applications that require the utmost durability and protection.
