Molybdenum is a silver-gray transition metal and, like tungsten, a refractory metal. Hard, with a high melting point and high thermal conductivity, it is widely used in the fields of steel, petroleum, chemicals, electrical and electronic technology, medicine, and agriculture due to its excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties.
What are the physical properties of molybdenum?
Atomic number | 42 |
Density | 10.2 g/cm3, (about 1/2 that of tungsten) |
Melting point | 2610 ℃ |
Boiling point | 5560 ℃ |
Thermal expansion coefficient | 5.10×10-6/K (at 20 ℃) |
Thermal conductivity | 142.35 W/(m·k) |
Specific heat | 242.8 J/(kg·k) |
Mohs hardness | 5-5.5 |
What advantages does the high density of molybdenum bring to it?
- High structure strength: The high density means a high structure strength, making molybdenum capable of withstanding heavy loads, making it an ideal material for manufacturing various industrial parts and tools.
- Low thermal expansion coefficient: The high density combines with a low thermal expansion coefficient, allowing molybdenum to maintain dimensional stability in high-temperature environments.
- Good shielding properties: In the field of nuclear technology, it can be used as a radiation shielding material.
What applications do molybdenum and molybdenum alloy apply for?
Molybdenum, often termed "industrial monosodium glutamate," is a potent alloying element that enhances the properties of metals. Alloys like molybdenum-copper are notably durable, and the TZM alloy, enriched with titanium, zirconium, and carbon, boasts exceptional qualities for aerospace and nuclear uses.
Steel Industry
Molybdenum, as an alloying element in steel, increases the strength of steel, especially at high temperatures, and toughness improves the corrosion resistance of steel in acid and alkali solutions and liquid metals, increases the wear resistance of steel and improves hardenability, weldability, and heat resistance.
Agricultural Fertilizer
The use of ammonium molybdate as a micronutrient fertilizer significantly improves the quality and yield of legumes, pasture, and other crops.
Electrical Industry
Molybdenum's similar expansion coefficient to glass and excellent electrical and high-temperature properties make it ideal for light bulb components and electronic tube materials.
Automobile Spraying
Molybdenum has good high-temperature and corrosion-resistance properties, and its strong bonding to steel makes it the main thermal spray material for automotive parts production, with a density of more than 99%.
High-temperature Components
Molybdenum's high purity, high-temperature resistance, and low vapor pressure make it often used to make heat generators and structural materials for high-temperature furnaces.
Aerospace and Nuclear Industry
Molybdenum alloys, known for their heat resistance and mechanical stability at high temperatures, are essential in aerospace engineering, serving as components in aircraft engines, rockets, re-entry vehicles, satellites, and protective coatings.
Molybdenum's high density is crucial for scientific and industrial applications, especially under extreme conditions. Future research will continue to explore new alloys and composites of molybdenum to further enhance its performance and application range. Moreover, with the increasing demand for sustainable materials and clean energy, the recycling and environmental impact of molybdenum will also become focal points of research.
Heeger Materials is a reputable supplier offering various kinds of high-quality Refractory Metals, Rear Earth Materials, and High-purity Materials products at competitive prices, which are widely used in research and science fields. If you're interested, feel free to contact us at [email protected] for a quote, and we guarantee a response within 24 hours.