Molybdenum powder is a gray powder made by reducing molybdenum oxide under hydrogen atmosphere. It has unique properties like high melting point, strength, hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures that make it suitable for applications like metallurgy, machinery manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace components.
Overview of Molybdenum Powder
Molybdenum powder has following key characteristics:
- High purity levels from 99.5% to 99.995%
- High density and compact shape
- Available in particle sizes ranging from 1 micron to 100 microns
- Globular, angular, or flaked powder shapes
- Forms alloys by sintering with other powders
It is used for manufacturing of molybdenum metal components, specialty alloys, lubricants, catalysts, pigments, etc.
Molybdenum Powder Manufacturing Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Molybdenite concentrate is roasted in air at 550-650ยฐC, converting it into molybdenum trioxide. |
| Milling & Blending | Molybdenum trioxide powder is milled and blended with a reducing agent such as hydrogen gas. |
| Preheating | The blended molybdenum oxide powder mix is preheated to initiate an exothermic reaction. |
| Reduction | The preheated blend is rapidly heated between 700-1,100ยฐC under controlled atmosphere, reducing the oxide to pure molybdenum powder. |
| Cooling & Sieving | The molybdenum powder is cooled, sieved and classified into different particle sizes ranging from 1-100 microns. |
| Packaging | The powders are sealed into drums or bags with inert gas atmosphere to prevent oxidation during storage and transport. |
Applications of Molybdenum Powder
Some major applications of molybdenum powder include:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Metallurgy and Alloy Making | Alloying element in steels, superalloys, welding rods |
| Machinery Manufacturing | Sintered molybdenum components like electrodes, fixtures, guides |
| Electronics and Electrical | Filaments, contacts, lead wires, discharge tubes |
| Aerospace | Rocket nozzles, aircraft, and missile parts |
| Chemicals | Catalysts, pigments, lubricant additives |
Choosing Molybdenum Powder Suppliers
When selecting a molybdenum powder supplier, buyers should evaluate following parameters:
| Parameter | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Quality Certifications | ISO, ASME standards compliance |
| Traceability | Lot number tracking for consistent quality |
| Technical Capability | Skilled manpower, testing facilities |
| R&D Capabilities | Product development, customization |
| Pricing | Competitive & stable long term pricing |
| Lead Time | Inventory availability to meet delivery schedules |
Some of the major global suppliers with good credentials are:
- H.C. Starck
- JDC Molybdenum Co. Ltd.
- Plansee Group
- Exploiter Molybdenum Co., Ltd.
The price range for molybdenum powder is between $30 to $50 per Kg based on purity levels and quantities.
Installing Molybdenum Powder Equipment
Key requirements for handling molybdenum powder are:
| Activity | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Storage and Handling | Inert gas atmosphere, moisture-proof containers |
| Processing | High temperature hydrogen furnaces |
| Safety | Spark-resistant fittings, explosion vents |
Workers need to wear protective apparel like face masks, goggles, gloves to prevent contact with fine powder particles during handling.
Advantages and Limitations of Molybdenum Powder
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Outstanding mechanical properties | Expensive compared to other powders |
| High temperature stability | Prone to oxidation if exposed to air |
| Alloying ability | Requires controlled atmosphere |
| Customizable particle sizes | Handling fine powders requires care |
Molybdenum powder has excellent material qualities that justify its higher cost in critical applications requiring high performance under extreme conditions. Proper handling and processing precautions must be taken to utilize its full potential.
FAQs
Q: Does molybdenum powder require special storage or shipping?
A: Yes, it needs moisture-free inert gas atmosphere sealing to prevent oxidation.
Q: What is the typical lead time for procuring molybdenum powder?
A: Lead time can range from 2 weeks to 8 weeks depending on inventory availability.
Q: What are common contaminants found in molybdenum powder?
A: Iron, copper, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture are usual contaminants.
Q: What is the impact of hydrogen embrittlement on molybdenum?
A: No risk of embrittlement as hydrogen does not diffuse into molybdenum lattice.
