Glass melting electrodes must be able to tolerate aggressive glass melts and intensely high temperatures. To address these challenging conditions, PLANSEE offers molybdenum which proves to be an ideal material as it has high dimensional stability, excellent creep resistance, superior corrosion resistance, high purity and good thermal and electrical conductivity.
Glass Melting Electrodes Made from MoZrO2
PLANSEE delivers glass melting electrodes that are made from MoZrO2 for glass manufacturing processes involving aggressive glass melts. When small amounts of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) are added to molybdenum, the properties of the pure material are further enhanced. MoZrO2 has better creep resistance when compared to pure molybdenum and is also highly resistant to glass melts.
Some major applications for MoZrO2 comprise glass production for the container glass industry and solar industry. Aggressive refining agents like antimony oxide are used during the production solar glass. These agents tend to affect the grain structure of pure molybdenum and scratch and break the electrodes. However, MoZrO2 can tolerate this aggressive environment. In fact, in green and brown glass, MoZrO2 can significantly reduce electrode corrosion.
SIBOR: Anti-Oxidation Solution
Molybdenum oxidizes at over 400°C temperatures and hence it is susceptible to oxygen. Earlier, glass melting electrodes were installed in the tank which was full of glass melt. This is a hazardous procedure and takes a lot of time. PLANSEE offers SIBOR, an anti-oxidation solution for molybdenum. Using this solution, individuals can simply mount their electrodes before heating the glass tank. SIBOR shields molybdenum from oxidation at up to 1700°C temperature. A diffusion barrier is created by the hard, dense coating besides the base material and forms an SiO2 seal against the air.
Molybdenum glass melting electrode coated with SIBOR can be heated quickly without affecting the coating. The oxidation protection remains effective for the following periods:
- 50 h at 1600 °C / 2 912 °F
- 5000 h at 1250 °C / 2 282 °F
- 500 h at 1450 °C / 2 642 °F
Unmatched Quality
PLANSEE utilizes only the purest molybdenum oxide as raw material. This way, the company ensures that the glass melting electrodes are not contaminated which in turn helps prevent any bubble formation or discoloration. PLANSEE adopts a unique forging process, wherein the resultant glass melting electrodes have a smooth surface. Moreover, the company’s forming processes result in a creep-resistant, coarse-grained material structure with exceptional straightness. The end result is a glass melting electrode that is wear-resistant, does not become deformed and lasts longer. PLANSEE offers only chemically cleansed electrodes and delivers standard sizes from stock. The company also provides customized solutions for specific applications. PLANSEE specializes in in-house production of molybdenum glass melting electrodes, right from the metal powder through to the end product.
Molybdenum Protective Shield for Glass Melt Tanks
A molybdenum protective shield has been developed by PLANSEE for certain areas of the glass tank that are affected by corrosion. Molybdenum tank parts aid in protecting the bricks from corrosion. When compared to refractory bricks, molybdenum offers better corrosion resistance. Thus, molybdenum sheet tank reinforcements can help in maintaining the shape of the bricks.
Stirrers and Gobbers
PLANSEE offers molybdenum stirrers, fully platinum-plated stirrers and partially platinum-plated stirrers. Molybdenum offers a suitable material as it has excellent creep resistance, superior corrosion resistance, high dimensional stability and high purity.
Conclusion
PLANSEE covers all stages of molybdenum processing, ranging from powder production and powder-metallurgical procedures to serving clients with customized components.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by PLANSEE.
For more information on this source, please visit PLANSEE.