Melting at 4,730 degrees Fahrenheit, molybdenum has the sixth-highest melting point of all elements. This quality allows easy manipulation of the metal—hence the many molybdenum uses. Found in copper and tungsten ores, the silver-gray metal can be mistaken for graphite.
Molybdenum is essential to the chemical industry since it provides a great base for most lubricants and alloying agents. Despite the downward trajectory of the metal in the past years, analysts have promised growth all the way to 2025.
Have a look at five molybdenum uses you’ve never thought of.
- Speeding Up Production
The chemical industry manipulates molybdenum properties to produce lubricants and catalysts. It would surprise you to know that molybdenum speeds up the processes of extracting sulfur from natural gas.
This has come in handy to oil refineries as the demand for low–sulfur fuels increases. Moreover, the metal catalyzes the production of polymers and plastics.
- Lubrication
Molybdenum’s ability to interact with sulfur effortlessly makes the metal even more valuable. The production cost of molybdenum disulfide is significantly low considering it occurs naturally.
It’s extracted from the ore and purified for use in the lubrication of bicycle brakes, bullets, and more. Manufacturing and mining industries use the product as grease for various types of bearings.
- Mix and Match
Molybdenum steel uses are enormous for any investor to ignore. At very high temperatures, molybdenum improves the strength of steel enabling it to withstand high pressures.
Besides, it assists in corrosion resistance, making it more perfect for combining with steel to build bridges and tall structural designs. Your molybdenum metal supplier has more information on the right mixes to get the tension required.
Steel alloys are used in the manufacturing of jet engines, turbines, saws, and drills. Manufacturers enjoy more molybdenum uses when they mix it with iron to form motor blocks and cylinder heads.
- Molybdenum Uses in Agriculture
You are probably wondering what a metal that strengthens structures has to do with agriculture. It amazes many to find out that molybdenum is in our milk, greens, and legumes.
The metal is an essential component in the production of fertilizers because it catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, which is the form taken in by plants.
- Production of Color Pigments
Precipitation of lead chromate, lead sulfate, and lead molybdate produces a molybdenum orange which ranges from a bright red to a yellow.
A wide range of products such as ceramics, plastics, and form bases of paints and inks use the color pigment. Other metal molybdenum mixes are vital in the production of paint primers and dyes.
Enjoy the Benefits of Using Molybdenum
Molybdenum uses range from the chemical industry to the industrial world and even the agricultural sector.
The need for a molybdenum base in almost everything is quite undeniable. Any business looking to be part of the molybdenum supply chain is bound to grow.
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