Molybdenum Titanium Powders

Overview of molybdenum titanium powders

molybdenum titanium powders refer to fine metallic particles of each element produced through atomization processes. They display high strength, hardness and heat resistance.

The powders are used individually or as blends for manufacturing high performance alloys. Their controlled particle size distribution allows complex near-net shape components to be built up from layers during metal 3D printing.

Some key characteristics of molybdenum and titanium powders:

Molybdenum Powder

• Excellent creep resistance and stability at high temperatures
• Low thermal expansion coefficient
• High hardness and wear resistance
• Used as alloying addition to strengthen steels and superalloys

Titanium Powder

• Extremely strong yet lightweight as a structural metal
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Biocompatible for medical implants
• Reactive and requires controlled processing

Blended/Alloyed Powders

• Combine beneficial properties of each element
• Allows customized material performance
• Requires optimized 3D printing parameters

By manipulating compositions through AM, innovative alloys with superior properties suited for extreme environments can be created.

Types of Molybdenum and Titanium Powders

Molybdenum and titanium powders are commercially available in various types for metal additive manufacturing:

Powder Variant	Characteristics	Typical Uses
Molybdenum	Pure and alloyed grades	AM of moly alloys, catalysts
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V	Aerospace alloy	Load-bearing aerostructures
Titanium Ti-6Al-7Nb	Biocompatible alpha-beta alloy	Medical implants, prosthetics
Mo-Ti elemental blends	Custom alloy compositions	Advanced engineering applications
Mo-Ti master alloys	Pre-alloyed blends	Simplified AM processing

In their elemental form, molybdenum provides high temperature hardness while titanium contributes strength and corrosion resistance. By combining both through AM, innovative alloys can be created with enhanced overall performance.

Composition/Alloying

Molybdenum and titanium powders have the following nominal compositions:

Molybdenum Powder

Element	Composition Range
Molybdenum (Mo)	99% and above
Oxygen (O)	0.01% max
Carbon (C)	0.01% max
Iron (Fe)	0.01% max
Other metals	0.01% max

High purity is required for reproducibility during AM and downstream processing. Contamination can adversely affect material properties.

Titanium Ti-6Al-4V

Element	Weight %
Titanium (Ti)	Balance
Aluminum (Al)	5.5-6.75
Vanadium (V)	3.5-4.5
Iron (Fe)	< 0.3
Oxygen (O)	<0.2
Other metals	<0.1

Small amounts of alloying additions of aluminum and vanadium significantly enhance titanium’s strength for load-bearing lightweight structures.

For blended Mo-Ti powders, the relative ratios can be varied from 100% Mo to 100% Ti to create customized alloys. Using both elemental and pre-alloyed blended powders, the unlimited freedom of compositions allows hitherto unexplored alloys to be developed through AM.

Properties of molybdenum titanium powders

Molybdenum Powder

Physical Properties
Density	10.22 g/cm3
Melting Point	2610°C
Thermal Conductivity	138 W/mK
Electrical Resistivity	5.5 μΩ-cm
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	5.3 μm/m-°C

Mechanical Properties
Hardness	~300 HV
Ultimate Tensile Strength	600-800 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	500+ MPa
Elongation	30-50%
Modulus of Elasticity	325 GPa

Molybdenum powder enables extremely hard and heat resistant alloys to be fabricated using AM techniques. Parts maintain high strength in oxidizing, corrosive and frictional wear conditions at elevated temperatures exceeding 1000°C.

Titanium Ti-6Al-4V Powder

Physical Properties	Values
Density	4.43 g/cm3
Melting Point	1604-1660°C
Thermal Conductivity	7.2 W/mK
Electrical Resistivity	170 μΩ-cm
Coeff. of Thermal Expansion	8.6 μm/m-°C

Mechanical Properties	As Built	Annealed
Tensile Strength	1050 MPa	950 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	900 MPa	850 MPa
Elongation	~15%	~20%
Hardness	~350 HV	~300 HV

The fine balance of high strength along with decent ductility makes this an extremely popular aerospace alloy for critical printed parts in rocket engines, airframes and turbines.

By blending molybdenum and titanium powders in different ratios, a combination of their properties can be realized in customized alloys.

Applications of Molybdenum Titanium Powders

Application Area	Properties Leveraged	Examples
Aerospace & Defense	High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent heat resistance	– Aircraft engine components (disks, blades) <br> – Missile casings – Heat shields
Biomedical	Biocompatible, good corrosion resistance, high strength	– Orthopedic implants (hip replacements, knee joints) – Dental implants – Surgical instruments
Chemical Processing	Corrosion resistance, good machinability	– Chemical reactors and vessels – Heat exchangers – Agitator shafts
Electronics & Electrical	High electrical conductivity, good thermal stability	– Electrical contacts and connectors – High-power resistors – Electrodes for electrical discharge machining (EDM)
Additive Manufacturing	Tailorable properties, complex geometries possible	– Lightweight, high-performance components for aerospace and automotive – Biocompatible implants with customized structures – Complex heat exchangers for efficient thermal management

Specifications of molybdenum titanium powders

Molybdenum and titanium powders must meet exact chemistry requirements and stringent quality specifications for additive manufacturing use per industry accepted standards:

Chemical Purity Standards

Powder Grade	Standard
Molybdenum	ASTM B393
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V	ASTM F2924
Titanium Ti-6Al-7Nb	ASTM F3001

Typical Powder Characteristics

Attribute	Requirements	Test Methods
Particle shape	Predominantly spherical	SEM imaging per ASTM B822
Apparent density	2 to 5 g/cc	MPIF 04 or ASTM B212
Flow rate	>30 sec for Hall flow test	ASTM B213
Particle size distribution	D10, D50, D90 optimized for AM process	ASTM B822
Loss on ignition (LOI)	Low oxygen/nitrogen	Inert gas fusion analysis
Microstructure	Defect-free, no satellites	SEM at high magnifications

The requirements aim to ensure uniform melting behavior, defect-free builds and reproducible end part properties.

Global Suppliers

Many established manufacturers provide molybdenum and titanium powders for AM applications:

Molybdenum Powder

Company	Brand Names	Production Method
H.C. Starck	Mo	Electrolytic
Molymet	PureMo	Hydrogen reduction
Plansee	MolyPowder	Calcium reduction
Midwest Tungsten	TeroMoly	Calcium reduction

Titanium Powder

Company	Grades Offered	Production Methods
AP&C	Ti-6Al-4V, Other Ti Alloys	Plasma atomization
Carpenter Additive	Ti-6Al-4V	Plasma atomization
Sandvik	Ti6Al4V ELI, Ti6Al4V ELI-0406	Plasma atomization
Tekna	Ti-6Al-4V, Ti 6Al-7Nb	Plasma atomization
TLS Technik	Ti6Al4V, Ti6Al4V ELI, Ti Grade 23	Gas, plasma atomization

Both established metal powder producers as well as specialized AM powder manufacturers provide these materials to demanding industry specifications.

Pricing of molybdenum titanium powders

As widely used materials in metal AM, published pricing indicators for molybdenum and titanium powders are available:

Molybdenum Powder

Particle Size	Price Range
10-45 μm	$40 – $60 per kg
15-53 μm	$50 – $70 per kg
Custom sizes	> $100 per kg

Titanium Ti-6Al-4V Powder

Particle Size	Price Range
15-45 μm	$150 – $450 per kg
45-100 μm	$100 – $350 per kg
Custom sizes	> $500 per kg

Prices depend on quality grade, lot size, distribution range, plasma vs gas atomization and purchase volume. Large quantity and contract pricing is usually negotiated directly with suppliers.

Pros and Cons of Molybdenum and Titanium Alloys from AM

Feature	Molybdenum Alloys (AM)	Titanium Alloys (AM)
Strength	Very high strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures. Ideal for high-performance applications in aerospace and energy sectors.	Excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Lighter than steel but offers comparable strength, making them valuable in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields.
Weight	Relatively dense compared to titanium, but still lighter than many other high-performance metals.	Significantly lighter than steel, offering substantial weight reduction benefits in applications where weight is critical.
Corrosion Resistance	Generally good corrosion resistance, particularly in reducing environments. However, can be susceptible to oxidation at high temperatures.	Outstanding corrosion resistance in various environments, including seawater and human body fluids. A preferred material for marine applications and biomedical implants.
Biocompatibility	Limited biocompatibility due to potential release of molybdenum ions in the body. Not ideal for most medical implants.	Excellent biocompatibility, making them well-suited for implants and prosthetics.
High-Temperature Performance	Maintains strength and creep resistance at high temperatures, enabling use in hot sections of jet engines and other extreme environments.	Can maintain good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, but not to the same extent as molybdenum alloys.
Thermal Conductivity	Very good thermal conductivity, allowing for efficient heat dissipation in high-temperature applications.	Moderate thermal conductivity, lower than molybdenum but sufficient for many applications.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) Printability	Molybdenum powder can be challenging to process due to its high melting point and reactivity. Requires specialized AM techniques like Electron Beam Melting (EBM).	More readily printable using various AM techniques like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Powder characteristics and printability can vary depending on the specific titanium alloy.
Cost	Molybdenum is a relatively abundant element, but the AM process can be expensive due to specialized equipment and handling requirements.	Titanium itself is a more expensive element than molybdenum. However, advancements in AM technology are bringing down the cost of titanium parts.
Surface Finish	AM-produced molybdenum parts can have a rough surface finish, requiring additional post-processing steps.	AM titanium parts can achieve a good surface finish depending on the specific AM process and parameters used.
Applications	– High-temperature components in jet engines and rocket engines – Heat exchangers – Molybdenum crucibles for high-temperature melting processes	– Aerospace components (aircraft parts, landing gear) – Biomedical implants (knee replacements, hip joints) – Automotive parts (connecting rods, suspension components) – Sporting goods (golf clubs, bicycle frames)

How are Molybdenum and Titanium Powders Made?

Advanced gas atomization processes manufacture the fine metallic powders with precise control over critical characteristics like particle shape, size range and chemical purity.

Gas Atomization

High purity ingots are induction melted in an inert atmosphere and the liquid metal stream poured into specialized atomization vessels. Powerful argon or nitrogen gas jets atomize the metal into fine droplets which rapidly solidify into powder.

By optimizing gas flow parameters and cooling rates, spherical particles with the desired particle size distribution are obtained. The powder is then sieved into different size classifications required for various AM processes.

Additional Processing

Further steps may be taken to enhance powder properties – degassing to lower oxygen levels, annealing to reduce internal stresses from rapid solidification, and blending with other powder fractions to obtain specific size ranges.

The powders are finally packaged under inert atmospheres to prevent oxidation before shipping to customers. Handling and storage protocols prevent moisture absorption or contamination during downstream metal AM processing.

Binder Jetting vs. Powder Bed Fusion of Molybdenum and Titanium

Molybdenum and titanium alloys can be printed using both binder jetting and powder bed fusion categories:

Aspect	Binder Jetting	Powder Bed Fusion
Build Method	Liquid binding agents	Laser/e-beam melting
Resolution	~100 μm	~50 μm
Porosity	Higher, requires infiltration	Lower, 99%+ density
Surface Finish	Rough, needs machining	Moderate, may need finishing
Mechanical Properties	Low, varies through part	Higher, more uniform
Dimensional Accuracy	±0.3% with shrinkage	±0.1% or better
Post-Processing	Debinding, sintering, HIP	Support removal, heat treatment
Build Size	Industrial scale	Smaller chambers
Time Requirements	Days	Hours up to 1-2 days
Economics	Lower part cost, higher volume	Lower volume, expensive hardware

Binder jetting is suitable for design concept models due to speed and low cost. Powder bed fusion creates high fidelity end use parts with superior properties.

Molybdenum Titanium Alloys – Prospects

Feature	Description	Advantages	Potential Challenges
Superior Mechanical Properties	Molybdenum (Mo) strengthens titanium (Ti), creating alloys with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high creep resistance (resistance to deformation under stress at high temperatures), and good fatigue strength (resistance to failure under cyclic loading).	– Ideal for applications requiring lightweight yet robust components, particularly at elevated temperatures. – Enables efficient designs due to less material needed for the same level of strength compared to heavier alternatives.	– Molybdenum addition can reduce the alloy’s ductility (ability to deform plastically), potentially limiting its formability for complex shapes. – The processing of these alloys can be complex and require specialized techniques, potentially impacting cost-effectiveness.
Enhanced High-Temperature Performance	Molybdenum’s high melting point elevates the maximum service temperature of Ti-Mo alloys compared to unalloyed titanium.	– Enables their use in environments with extreme heat, such as jet engines, rocket components, and high-performance furnaces. – Provides extended component lifespan in demanding thermal applications.	– Oxidation resistance, the ability to resist reacting with oxygen at high temperatures, can be a concern for some Ti-Mo alloys. Research is ongoing to improve their oxidation behavior through alloying additions or surface treatments.
Electrical Conductivity Applications	Certain Ti-Mo alloys, particularly those with a higher Mo content, exhibit good electrical conductivity.	– Useful for applications requiring electrical current transmission, such as electrodes, electrical contacts, and high-power resistors. – Offers a potential material alternative to traditional conductors like copper in specific scenarios.	– The electrical conductivity of Ti-Mo alloys might not always match that of pure copper, requiring careful material selection based on the specific application’s needs. – Brittle behavior at low temperatures can limit their use in cryogenic applications.
Emerging Additive Manufacturing Potential	The development of Ti-Mo alloy powders compatible with additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing opens new possibilities for complex component design and lightweight structures.	– Enables creation of intricate geometries and lattice structures, potentially leading to weight reduction and improved performance. – Offers greater design freedom compared to traditional manufacturing methods.	– Powder production and printability optimization for Ti-Mo alloys are ongoing research areas. – Ensuring consistent material properties and quality control throughout the additive manufacturing process requires further development.
Market Growth and Development	The global market for Ti-Mo alloys is projected to experience steady growth due to increasing demand in aerospace, biomedical, and energy sectors.	– Rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in these industries drives market expansion. – Technological advancements in processing and production methods can further improve cost-effectiveness and broaden application potential.	– Competition from established materials like aluminum and high-performance steels can limit market share in certain sectors. – Fluctuations in the prices of molybdenum and titanium can impact the overall cost of Ti-Mo alloys.

FAQs

Q: What is molybdenum used for?

A: With excellent high temperature properties, molybdenum sees major use as an alloying addition to strengthen heat-resistant steels and superalloys used in aerospace, power generation, furnace construction, missile components among other demanding applications.

Q: Is molybdenum toxic?

A: Elemental molybdenum and its alloys generally have low toxicity levels and are safe for engineering use. However, some molybdenum compounds when inhaled over long durations may have potential carcinogenic effects warranting protective equipment use during handling and machining.

Q: Is titanium expensive?

A: Titanium alloys display a higher raw material cost compared to steels and aluminum alloys. However, with buy-to-fly ratios approaching 1 for AM manufacture, finished titanium part costs can be economical for industries like aerospace willing to adopt new technologies and designs.

Q: What makes titanium ideal for implants?

A: The biocompatibility of titanium alloys coupled with their high strength-to-weight ratio makes them ideal for replacing human bone. The modulus of elasticity can be reduced closer to that of bone by alloying with biocompatible beta stabilizers like Nb and Ta for improved life of load-bearing implants.

Q: Which 3D printing process is used for molybdenum and titanium?

A: For high-performance end-use parts, powder bed fusion techniques like selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) are predominantly used. The high temperature heat source achieves near full density builds with superior properties suited for engineering applications.

Q: Why blend molybdenum with titanium powder?

A: Molybdenum enhances high temperature hardness, creep resistance and tool steel-like properties while titanium contributes excellent corrosion resistance and low density attributes. Together, customized alloys made by directly blending their powders using AM provide the ideal combination for advanced applications.

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