What are the 5 common uses of molybdenum?
What is molybdenum used for?
In 1782, Elm of Sweden used a mixture of charcoal and molybdic acid mixed with linseed oil to conduct closed combustion to obtain molybdenum. Molybdenum is a silver-white metal. It is hard and tough and is not corroded by air at room temperature. Does not react chemically with hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid. Molybdenum is mainly used in the steel industry (80%), followed by applications in the chemical sector, accounting for approximately 10%. In addition, molybdenum is also used in electrical and electronic technology, medicine, agriculture and other fields.
Applications of molybdenum in the steel field:
In the steel field, molybdenum is mainly used in the production of alloy steel, stainless steel, tool steel, high-speed steel, cast iron, rolls, etc. Using molybdenum as an additive can enhance the strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of steel, and improve the hardenability, weldability, and heat resistance of steel. Molybdenum alloys formed by adding other elements to molybdenum, such as molybdenum-lanthanum alloys and TZM alloys, have better properties than pure molybdenum.
Applications of molybdenum in chemistry:
In the chemical field, molybdenum is used as a lubricant, catalyst, pigment, flame retardant and smoke suppressant, and as a corrosion inhibitor for organic polymers. The main products are molybdenum dioxide, molybdenum yellow, molybdate, and ammonium paramolybdate.
Applications of molybdenum in electronic and electrical fields:
Molybdenum has good electrical conductivity and high temperature resistance. Its thermal expansion coefficient is similar to that of glass. It is widely used in the production of core wires, leads, hooks and other components of spiral filaments. Molybdenum wire is also an ideal electrode wire for cutting tool machines and can cut a variety of steels and carbide. Its processing is stable and can effectively improve the accuracy of the mold.
Applications of molybdenum in medical, animal husbandry, and agricultural fields:
Molybdenum is one of the essential trace elements for the human body. An appropriate amount of molybdenum can promote human body development, enhance oxygen storage in the body, and inhibit tumors.
Ammonium molybdate is used as the active ingredient in medicines. In animals, molybdenum is a component of molybdenum enzyme. Adding molybdenum additives to feed can meet the needs of animals. Molybdenum is also one of the trace elements necessary for plant growth. Using molybdenum ammonium for sowing seeds can greatly increase the yield of flowers.