About Molybdenum

Molybdenum, often referred to as .Moly., is an important metal with a wide variety of metallurgical and chemical uses. It was found to be a distinct element in 1778 and derives its name from the Greek word .molybdos. or lead-like. Molybdenum is grey, heavier than iron but melts at a higher temperature . 4,730 degrees Fahrenheit as compared with 2795 degrees Fahrenheit for iron

Since 1945 the range of applications for molybdenum, its alloys and its compounds has expanded rapidly. Although steels and cast iron comprise the single biggest market segment, molybdenum's diversity has also proven invaluable in superalloys, nickel base alloys, lubricants, chemicals, electronics and many other applications.

Characteristics that support the demand for molybdenum in many applications are its:

exceptional strength and stiffness at high temperatures
good thermal conductivity
low thermal expansion
low emissivity
low vapor pressure
electrical resistivity
corrosion resistance
purity
ductility and fabricability
machinability

Molybdenum can be furnished in many mill forms such as wire, ribbon, foil, plate, sheet, rod, billet, slab, bar, extruded shapes, tubes, and powder.

Demand for molybdenum is increasing 4% per year. The continued expansion of the Chinese steel industry is considered to be a driving force in the growth in demand for Moly.

Global consumption of Moly

Within the steel sector, Moly has a growing use in stainless production. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, the fastest growing type of stainless are those grades absent the nickel content, or with lesser nickel in the composition. According to the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA), 25 percent of all molybdenum consumption in 2005 was used for stainless steel applications. While the bull market in stainless steel should continue past 2010, nickel could be left behind.

According to experts, the replacement of fresh water with accelerated use of highly corrosive treated wastewater and seawater will continue to drive the use of molybdenum in the tubing for many power plants worldwide and increasingly for tubing found in desalination and water recovery plants. The emergence of super-ferritics in power plants could add to far less nickel content but maintain as much as four percent molybdenum in power plant condenser tubes.

Useful links

Try the sites listed below for more detailed information regarding this valuable metal

www.imoa.info

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/molybdenum

http://stockinterview.com/moly-index.html