Molybdenum Metal Molybdenum metal is used in: • Alloying agent – contributing hardenability, toughness to quenched/tempered steels. It also improves the strength of steels at high temperatures (red-hardness). • In nickel-based alloys (such as Hastelloys®) and stainless steels it imparts heat-resistance and corrosion-resistance to chemical solutions. • Electrodes for electrically heated glass furnaces and forehearths. • Nuclear energy applications, as missile and aircraft parts (where high temperature resistance is vital). • As a catalyst in the refining of petroleum. • As a filament material in electronic/electrical applications. • As a support members in radio and light bulbs. • Arc resistant electric contacts. • Thermocouple sheaths • Flame- and corrosion-resistant coatings for other metals (generally arc deposited for metallising). Molybdenum Compounds Molybdenum and its compounds are used in: • Molybdenum sulphide and selenites are used as a high temperature lubricant in favour to petroleum based oils, due to its superior high temperature resistance. • Sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) in the anhydrous form is used as a dry powdered fertiliser. • Calcium molybdate (CaMoO4), Molyte, molybdic oxide, molybdenum-chromium are used as sources of molybdenum for steels. |