Ferromolybdenum production
A large portion of the global ferromolybdenum supply is produced in China, the United States, Russia and Chile. The most basic definition of the ferromolybdenum production process is that molybdenum is first mined and then converted into molybdenum (VI) oxide MoO3.
This oxide is mixed with iron oxide and aluminum and then reduced in a thermite reaction. The ferromolybdenum is then purified by electron beam melting, or the product can be packaged as is. Typically, the resulting alloy will be produced in the form of small clumps or finer powders. Ferromolybdenum is usually supplied in bags or steel drums for transportation.
Uses of ferromolybdenum
The largest practical application of ferromolybdenum is in ferroalloys, where, depending on the molybdenum content range, it is suitable for use in machine tools and equipment, military hardware, refinery pipes, load-bearing components and rotary drilling rigs.
Ferromolybdenum is also used in cars, trucks, locomotives and ships. In addition, ferromolybdenum is used in stainless and heat-resistant steels used in synthetic fuel and chemical plants, heat exchangers, generators, refinery equipment, pumps, turbine piping, ship propellers, plastics and acid storage vessels.
Tool steels with high ferromolybdenum content are used in high-speed machining parts, cold work tools, drill bits, screwdrivers, dies, chisels, heavy castings, ball mills and rolling mills, rolls, cylinder blocks, piston rings and large drill bits.