Molybdenum

Molybdenum’s properties include a melting point of 2610° C, good electrical conductivity and tensile strength at high temperatures, along with low vapor pressure and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Because of such characteristics, molybdenum is frequently used in fabricating heating elements, fasteners and structural components for high temperature HIP, vacuum and hydrogen atmosphere furnaces. It is also of value in the lighting, electronics, solar and semiconductor industries. It can be used in conjunction with tantalum fasteners to resist galling that occurs when using like materials. Given its availability and more stable pricing, moly has become more widely used for refractory applications.