Molybdenum is a transition metal located in group 6 and period 5 in d-block of the periodic table. Let us see what are the uses of molybdenum in different industries in his article.
Molybdenum is a shiny silvery metal with grey tint having the sixth-highest melting point in the periodic table. The molybdenum element is used in the following sectors:
- Molybdenum (Mo) is widely used in carbide alloys, superalloys and other steel alloys.
- Molybdenum can work as a catalyst and pigment in high temperature and pressure conditions.
We will discuss some important uses of molybdenum and its compounds like molybdenum steel, molybdenum disulphide, molybdenum trioxide and ferro molybdenum in the article below.
Molybdenum steel uses
Molybdenum steel is made from molybdenum and steel that can bear high temperatures and pressure. It has high tensile strength and it is resistant to corrosion. Some uses of molybdenum steel are given below:
- Molybdenum steel is used in oil, gas, construction, energy and automotive industries due to its tensile strength and tough material nature.
Molybdenum trioxide uses
Molybdenum trioxide belongs to a family of inorganic compounds with the chemical formula MoO3(H2O)n. Molybdenum trioxide has several uses in industries which are mentioned below:
- Molybdenum trioxide produces molybdenum metal by reacting it with hydrogen gas.
- MoO3 is also used to produce acrylonitrile by oxidising propane and ammonia.
Molybdenum disulfide uses
Molybdenum disulfide belongs to the category of transition metal dichalcogenide. It is formed by combining sulfur and molybdenum with the chemical formula MoS2. Some major uses of MoS2 are given below:
- Molybdenum disulfide is used as a solid lubricant due to the weak van der Waal forces between the layers of Molybdenum and sulfur.
- MoS2 is used as a catalyst in organic chemistry hydrogenation and reduction of amines.
Molybdenum grease uses
Molybdenum disulfide is also known as molybdenum grease because of its greasy nature. The uses of molybdenum grease are mentioned below:
- As nature of molybdenum is greasy, molybdenum grease is used as a modern lubricant that can work for a very long period without any repair.
- Molybdenum grease can be used to prevent the oxidation of machinery parts by applying a layer of it on them.
Ferro molybdenum uses
Ferro-Molybdenum is an alloy made with a combination of iron, molybdenum and oxygen in different proportions according to the need of the final product. Some important uses of ferro-molybdenum are as follows:
- In metallurgy, ferro-molybdenum is added before casting alloys to give them strength.
- Ferro-molybdenum is generally used to make hard-steel low-alloy steel.
Conclusion:
Molybdenum is a transition metal with properties that are useful in modern engineering energy. Its surface is shiny and slippery, which is why it is used as a dry lubricant.
Read more about following uses in different industries
Hi, I am Sahil Singh. I completed my graduation in Bachelor of Science. I always have keen interest in Physics & Chemistry. I worked on my own blog for 1 year in the technology and gaming niche. I try my best to provide valuable knowledge through my articles.
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