Current status of molybdenum in alloys

Molybdenum is most consumed in the iron and steel sector, where it is mainly used in the production of alloy steels (approx. 43% of total molybdenum consumption in iron and steel), stainless steels (approx. 23%), tool steels and high-speed steels (approx. 8%), and cast iron and rolls (approx. 6%). Most of the molybdenum is used directly in steelmaking or cast iron after being briquetted as industrial molybdenum oxide, while a small proportion is first smelted into ferromolybdenum and then used in steelmaking. Molybdenum as an alloying element in steel has the following advantages: it increases the strength and toughness of the steel; it improves the corrosion resistance of the steel in acid and alkaline solutions and liquid metals; it increases the wear resistance of the steel; and it improves the hardenability, weldability, and heat resistance of the steel. For example, stainless steels containing 4-5% molybdenum are often used in places where erosion and corrosion are more severe, such as marine equipment and chemical equipment.

To molybdenum as a substrate by adding other elements (such as titanium, zirconium, hafnium, tungsten and rare earth elements, etc.) constitute non-ferrous alloys, these alloying elements not only molybdenum alloys play the role of solid solution strengthening and maintaining low-temperature plasticity, but also the formation of stable, diffuse distribution of carbide phases, to improve the strength of the alloy and recrystallization temperature. Molybdenum-based alloys are used in high heat generating elements, extruded abrasives, glass melting furnace electrodes, spray coatings, metal working tools, and spacecraft components because of their good strength, mechanical stability, and high ductility.