Molybdenum is a silvery-white metal that is ductile and highly resistant to corrosion. It has one of the highest melting points of all pure elements — only the elements tantalum and tungsten have higher melting points. Molybdenum is also a micronutrient essential for life.
The melting point of molybdenum is 2623 °C (4753.4 °F), making it one of the highest melting points among pure metals.
The high melting point of molybdenum is due to the strong covalent bonds between its atoms, which require a large amount of energy to break. This makes molybdenum an ideal material for high-temperature applications, such as furnace linings, heat exchangers, and vacuum tubes.
Molybdenum’s melting point is also crucial in the manufacturing of steel alloys, as it provides the necessary high-temperature strength and resistance to creep and creep-rupture.
The addition of molybdenum to steel enhances the steel’s ability to withstand high temperatures and reduces its tendency to deform under stress. Molybdenum steel alloys are widely used in various industries, including the aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries.
