Mo - Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a remarkable element that plays a crucial role in various industrial applications due to its unique properties. 

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Molybdenum is a silvery-white, metallic element that is part of the transition metals group in the periodic table.
• Density: It has a high density of about 10.28 grams per cubic centimeter, which is more than five times the density of water.
• Melting Point: Molybdenum has a very high melting point of 2,623°C (4,753°F), which makes it excellent for use in high-temperature environments.
• Strength: It maintains strength at high temperatures, has a high modulus of elasticity, and is resistant to corrosion, especially against industrial chemicals.
• Conductivity: While not the best conductor, molybdenum conducts electricity and heat reasonably well, making it suitable for certain electrical and heating applications.

Applications

1. Alloy Production: One of the primary uses of molybdenum is as an alloying agent in steel. It improves the strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and corrosion of steel, especially in high-strength, low-alloy steels and stainless steels. This makes it essential for construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

2. High-temperature and High-pressure Environments: Due to its high melting point and strength at elevated temperatures, molybdenum is used in furnace parts, rocket engine parts, and in the manufacture of filaments and tubes. It is also used in the petroleum industry for refining heavy oil into lighter fractions.

3. Electronics and Electrical Applications: Molybdenum is used in the electronics industry for the production of semiconductors and as electrodes in glass furnaces because of its electrical conductivity and high melting point.

4. Catalysis: It serves as a catalyst in the chemical industry, especially in the removal of sulfur compounds from petroleum products.

Compounds

• Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2): This compound is one of the most widely used lubricants, especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments where liquid lubricants would vaporize. Its structure allows layers to slide over each other easily, minimizing friction.

• Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3): Used as a precursor to molybdenum metal production, in catalysts for petrochemical processing, and in the manufacturing of ceramics and pigments.

• Sodium Molybdate (Na2MoO4): This water-soluble compound is used as a source of molybdenum for plant fertilizers, as a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment systems, and in pigments and dyes.

Basics on Molybdenum-Wikipedia