Aug 26 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Manufacturing Process
Applications
Introduction
Ferromolybdenum is an alloy formed by combining iron and molybdenum. It is an extremely versatile alloy used primarily in high-strength low alloys and stainless steels. It has numerous beneficial properties and can be used even in cast irons, some high-speed tool steels, and superalloy applications. Adding ferromolybdenum to a material helps to improve weldability, corrosion and wear resistance as well to increase ferrite strength.
The following datasheet will provide more details about ferromolybdenum.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of ferromolybdenum.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Molybdenum, Mo |
65 - 75 |
|
Iron, Fe |
22.75 - 32.75 |
|
Silicon, Si |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Copper, Cu |
≤ 0.50 |
|
Carbon, C |
≤ 0.10 |
|
Sulfur, S |
≤ 0.10 |
|
Phosphorous, P |
≤ 0.050 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of ferromolybdenum are outlined in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Apparent density |
9 g/cm³ |
0.3251 lb/in³ |
|
Melting point |
1665-1715 °C |
3029-3119°F |
Manufacturing Process
The ferromolybdenum manufacturing process begins with molybdenum being mined and transformed into molybdenum (VI) oxide (MoO3). MoO3 is mixed with iron oxide and aluminum and then reduced by an aluminothermy reaction.
Electron-beam melting is applied to purify the ferromolybdenum. The final alloy product is produced in the form of small briquettes or fine powder. Ferromolybdenum is usually supplied in bags or steel drums.
Applications
The largest application area of ferromolybdenum is in the manufacture of ferrous alloys. Based on the range of molybdenum content, ferromolybdenum can be applied in the manufacture of machine tools and equipment, military hardware, refinery tubing, load-bearing parts and rotary drills.
Ferromolybdenum is also used in cars, trucks, locomotives and ships. Ferromolybdenum is added to stainless and heat-resisting steels that are used in synthetic fuel and chemical plants, heat exchangers, power generators, oil-refining equipment, pumps, turbine tubing, ship propellers, plastics and inside acid storage containers.
Tool steels that contain a higher percentage of ferromolybdenum are used in high-speed machining parts, drill bits, screwdrivers, dies, cold work tools, chisels, heavy castings, rolls, cylinder blocks, ball and rolling mills, piston rings and large drill bits.