Molybdenum in Constructional Engineering Steels and Stainless Steels

In 2009 approximately 21,200 tonnes of molybdenum were used across the globe. Constructional engineering and stainless steel sectors dominate with 60% of total usage. Although engineering steels typically use less the 1% Molybdenum, more often 0.1 to 0.2% Molybdenum, where the tonnages produced are enormous.

The stainless steel tonnages are, by comparison, nowhere near that of its Engineering Steels bigger brother. The Molybdenum units involved can be up to 6% in super Duplex alloys and even more for specific alloy types, whilst one of the mainstay stainless alloys, Type 316, can have up to 2.5% Molybdenum. Somewhere in between 25% and 30% of the molybdenum used in stainless steel manufacture is added in the form of recycled scrap material.

Industry & Molybdenum

Stainless Steel Statistics

Contstructional Engineering Steels Statistics

Engineering Steels Statistics

Molybdenum in Chemicals 

Molybdenum is commonly found in the catalysts used at petroleum refineries. This is because the molybdenum reduces the sulphur content of both gasoline and diesel. The sulphur content of crude oils is on the rise and so there is sufficient demand for these catalysts, as Governments worldwide mandate lower sulphur fuels for vehicles.

This is the sector of interest for both austenitic, duplex stainless steels and corrosion resistant nickel alloys. These alloys have up to 16% Molybdenum content.

Chemical Statistics

Molybdenum in Alloy Tools & High Speed Steels
The machines in tool manufacture as well as the tools themselves contain molybdenum. The molybdenum strengthens drills tools, cutting and sharping edges, as well as inducing hardness and resistance to both wear and corrosion. Molybdenum bearing tools are cost efficient and steel effective as the properties molybdenum provides are unique with few substitutes.

This particular use of Molybdenum is primarily found in the mechanical engineering and heavy equipment sector. The tools are used for multiple procedures including mining, recycling, forging, rolling, bending, cutting, stamping and even wood-working. High speed tools can contain up to 10% Molybdenum!

Alloy Tools & High Speed Steels Statistics

Molybdenum in Super Alloys
Molybdenum is typically found in a combination with nickel and other speciality metals. These super alloy combinations are used in jet and rocket engines, power generating turbines, petrochemical plants and turbochargers. These sectors deem these specific super alloy combinations essential due to their ability to withstand high temperatures, their high corrosive resistance and excellent surface stability properties. Aerospace and defence sectors typically comprise of wrought and cast Molybdnum-containing materials. This particular sector is only responsible for 3% of Molybdenum consumption.

Super Alloys Statistics

Molybdenum in Cast Iron and Steels
Due to molybdenum's ability to add strength, hardness and improve cast iron's capacity to withstand such high pressures and temperatures it is usually found in modern diesel engines. The alloyed metal allows engines to run at higher temperatures, hence carbon emissions are significantly reduced, along with the added benefit of reduced weight meaning that fuel efficiency is also increased.

The transportation industry is of interest here, the sector compensates for 18% of Molybdenum usage worldwide.

Cast Iron and Steels Statistics

Molybdenum Metal
Pure metal molybdenum is used frequently in small quantities in situations such as powder coating of other metals. This process increases the wear and friction resistance of automotive components. Pure molybdenum metals are generally used in electronics, light bulbs, solar cells and flat panel displays.

The power generation sector stands for 8% of Molybdenum usage. Molybdenum can be found in materials used in coal fired, nuclear and oil/gas fired plants, as well as in newer biomass and waste to energy equipment. Molybdenum in pure form is also found within equipment used in alternative renewable energy procedures including tidal, wind, solar and geo-thermal.

Another area of industry which uses Molybdenum in its pure elemental form is the growing consumer good, medical and electronic applications sector. This sector compensates for only 3% of total molybdenum usage worldwide. It is however found in many items and objects that affect our everyday lives. The range is vast, varying from Flat screen television screens, lighting, semi-conductors to medical X-ray equipment!

The chart provides a general overview of the percentage of molybdenum used within given industrial sectors. The sectors using the largest percentage of Molybdenum are the oil & gas and chemical & petrochemical industries, whereas the sectors using the smallest percentage are Aerospace, Defence, Electronic and Medical.

Molybdenum Metal Statistics

Molybdenum Uses

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