Molybdenum is a silvery-grey metal naturally found in the Earth’s crust. It is a transition metal within the d-block of the periodic table with the chemical symbol Mo and atomic number 42. Molybdenum stands out for its unique properties that make it indispensable for various applications.

Properties and Crystal Structure

Molybdenum has an atomic mass of 95.95 g/mol and a melting point of 2600°C. It possesses a characteristic metallic white or silvery color and is quite inert. Molybdenum displays the body-centered cubic crystal structure common to many transition metals. It exists in two main allotropic forms – the stable α form at ambient conditions and the metastable β form at temperatures above 870°C.

Molybdenum has excellent mechanical properties. It is quite ductile and can be hot worked into various shapes. The metal has high tensile strength, hardness and rigidity. Molybdenum also boasts of notable thermal and electrical conductivity, being surpassed in this aspect only by copper and silver. Its corrosion resistance is respectable, especially in its pure and dense form. These traits make molybdenum highly conducive for applications requiring robustness and durability.

Molybdenum Compounds

The most industrially important molybdenum compound is molybdenum trioxide (MoO3). Apart from being a catalyst support, MoO3 also finds use as a pigment in glasses and ceramics where its inclusion imparts an emerald color. Other significant molybdenum compounds include molybdenum disulfide and molybdenum dioxide.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is notable for its solid lubricating properties, resulting from its layered structure. With a thickness of just three atoms, MoS2 sheets readily slide over one another, conferring self-lubricating and dry lubricating qualities. This compound lubricates at high temperatures and in vacuum, enabling its use across diverse applications.

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) possesses metallic properties absent in other metal oxides. It exhibits metallic- like electrical conductivity and is paramagnetic. These traits allow its application in catalysts, electronic components, and solid lubricants.

Applications of Molybdenum

Steels: Being a potent alloying agent, molybdenum sees widespread use in strengthening carbon and alloy steels. Its inclusion enhances a steel’s hardenability, strength, toughness and corrosion resistance. Steels containing 0.25–1.5% molybdenum find extensive service in construction, transportation, machinery and more.

Stainless Steels: The addition of Molybdenum is key to developing corrosion resistant stainless and heat resistant steels. Types 304 and 316 containing 2-3% Mo are the most familiar grades. Their ubiquity stems from unparalleled corrosion resistance for infrastructure and process equipment.

Tool Steels: High speed tool steels rely heavily on molybdenum’s potency. Grades like M2 and M42 steel containing 5-6% molybdenum retain hardness even at elevated cutting temperatures. This makes them valuable for tool bits, woodworking cutters, metal forming and precision machining tools.

Cast Iron: Gray and ductile irons containing 0.15-1% molybdenum demonstrate greater strength, machinability and corrosion resistance against acids compared to standard grades. Molybdenum’s role here is enhanced by its affinity for sulfur to form Mo-S compounds in the alloy.

Lubrication: As discussed, MoS2 is an effective dry lubricant and solid lubricant additive for greases and oils. Its microscale sheets lead to reduced friction and wear protection even at high pressures and temperatures encountered in jet engines, heavy machinery, automotive components and more.

Catalysis: Molybdenum and its compounds are widely applied as catalysts in petroleum cracking and refining, catalyst supports in hydrotreating and hydrodesulfurization, and in synthetic nitrogen fixation and olefin production. Their use exploits molybdenum’s variable oxidation states enabling important reactions in these processes.

Super alloys: Superalloys for gas turbines, jet engines and nuclear reactors contain 3-10% molybdenum. It stabilizes the versatile gamma prime strengthening phase and improves high temperature strength and corrosion resistance properties imperative to these applications.

Constituent of Other Metals: Apart from the uses above, molybdenum serves as an integral part of nickel-based and cobalt-based alloys due their attributes and rarity on Earth. It is also found in tungsten carbide, one of the hardest engineered materials.

Molybdenum demonstrates outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical properties that have made it indispensable across disparate industries. As a transition metal, it uniquely lends strength, toughness and corrosion resistance as an alloying addition. Its compounds add further value through roles as catalysts, solid lubricants and pigments. Molybdenum thus holds great strategic importance owing to its diverse applications arising from its versatile innate character. Continued research further expands its use across emerging technologies.

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1.  Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it