Application of Molybdenum Alloys in the Aerospace and Steel Industry
Molybdenum is a transition metal that actually happens to be relatively commonly found in a wide variety of industries. We at Kalapurna have put together this blog to dive deeper into the many applications and advantages of molybdenum alloys for two industries in particular - the aerospace industry and the steel industry.
Molybdenum Alloys in Aerospace
In the aerospace sector, molybdenum-copper alloys are typically utilized to create non-ferrous alloys that also include a range of other elements such as titanium, zirconium and tungsten, with molybdenum as the foundation. In addition to reinforcing the molybdenum alloy in its solid form and preserving its low-temperature flexibility, these additional components can also help in raising the alloy’s temperature point of recrystallisation and overall toughness. There are a range of different desirable traits of molybdenum alloys that make it a commonly found material in the aerospace industry.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
One of the most remarkable attributes of molybdenum alloys is their strength-to-weight ratio. As a matter of fact, molybdenum is used in the structural components of aircrafts, with the idea of maintaining a lower weight of the craft while still keeping up its structural integrity. Increased flying distances and an enhanced fuel efficiency are among the main benefits of this particular highly desirable quality of molybdenum alloys.
Temperature Resistant
It should probably go without saying that extreme temperatures are frequently encountered in the aerospace industry, especially in parts of the aircraft such as the engines and the propulsion motors. As molybdenum can tolerate extreme temperature due to its high melting point of over 2,600 degrees celsius, it so happens to be the perfect metal for parts that are used in these harsh environments, such as heat shields as well as engine components.
Resilient Against Corrosion
The various components of an aircraft can be highly susceptible to corrosion due to the harsh conditions that they tend to go through, which more often than not can include increase in moisture as well as exposure to various chemicals. Many crucial aircraft parts are now guaranteed to last a lot longer and to also be more reliable in the harshest of environments because molybdenum alloys have exceptional resistance to corrosion.
Insulation from Radiation
Molybdenum is an essential component of radiation shielding materials used in space travel, where astronauts are subjected to cosmic radiation. It helps in shielding astronauts as well as their equipment from this potentially dangerous radiation, ensuring their safety during space flights.
Molybdenum Alloys in the Steel Industry
Steel that has been strengthened with molybdenum is used in many different sectors. It is utilized in the building of pipes that moves corrosive materials for the oil and gas industry. It is also used in construction to strengthen building in the coastal regions where corroding can actually be a persistent concern. Molybdenum-enriched steel is also used in engine parts by the automobile manufacturing industry to help increase vehicular reliability and efficiency. There are many qualities of molybdenum alloys that make them valuable to the steel industry.
Steel Enhancement
The physical and biochemical qualities of steel alloys are greatly enhanced by the incorporation of molybdenum. Molybdenum improves steel’s tensile strength, overall toughness, as well as its resilience to damage and corrosion.
High-temperature Durability
Materials that are able to tolerate high temperatures are needed for numerous industrial procedures such as those requiring pipeline and furnaces. Because of its exceptional strength at high temperatures, molybdenum-enriched steel can actually be a very useful material for these kinds of purposes.
Resistance to Corrosion
Steel’s ability to withstand corrosion is increased by molybdenum, prolonging the life of vital infrastructure such as pipelines, bridges, and chemical processing machinery. Because of their increased ability to withstand corrosion, structures are guaranteed to stay stable and safe even under more challenging conditions.
Tool Manufacturing
One of the most crucial elements in the creation of dies and cutting tools used in the steel-making cycle happens to be molybdenum. Because of the material’s toughness and durability against wear, it's the perfect material to use when making long-lasting instruments that keep their accuracy and consistency throughout the manufacturing process.