Tel: +44(0) 1246 292292 | alloys@wbrl.co.uk
FERRO MOLYBDENUM
At Westbrook Resources, we supply and distribute Ferro Molybdenum to steel works across the globe. Below, our chemical analysis can be found together with the production, usages and key properties of our Ferro Molybdenum.
Standard Material | % |
|---|---|
Mo | 60% min or 65% min |
Cu | 0.5% max |
Si | 1.5% max |
S | 0.1% max |
P | 0.1% max |
C | 0.05% max |
Ferro Molybdenum Packing & Size Options
The section below details the various sizing and packaging options we offer for Ferro Molybdenum. When placing your enquiry, please let us know of any specific requirements you have with regards to packing or distribution.
Packing
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Drums on a pallet
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1mt bags
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25kg bags
Size
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1-5mm
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5-50mm
About Ferro Molybdenum
Ferro Molybdenum is an alloy formed by combining Iron and Molybdenum. Ferro Molybdenum is a hardening agent and is found in many alloy steels that are heat-treatable. Molybdenum prevents corrosion in stainless steels, and when mixed with Iron, the Molybdenum also strengthens and hardens into austenite.
Ferro Molybdenum comes in many grades, although predominantly it is produced in two grades (US grade and European grade) where the content of pure Molybdenum is between 60% and 75%.
Production of Ferro Molybdenum
The most basic definition of the Ferro Molybdenum production process would be that the Molybdenum is first mined and then transformed into Molybdenum (VI) Oxide MoO₃. That oxide is mixed with Iron Oxide and Aluminium and then reduced in an aluminothermy reaction. Electron-beam melting then purifies the Ferro Molybdenum, or the product can be packaged as-is.
Typically, the resulting alloy will be produced as either small briquettes or as a finer powder. Ferro Molybdenum is usually supplied in either bags or steel drums for shipping.
Key Properties of Ferro Molybdenum
Ferro Molybdenum is an additive to the production process of amorphous metals and will impart several desirable properties into the new alloy. One of the primary benefits of adding Ferro Molybdenum to an alloy is its hardening properties that makes steel extremely strong and at the same time weldable, as Molybdenum is one of the top 5 melting-point metals.
It also helps the durability of the new alloy providing corrosion resistance (including pitting and crevice corrosion), creep resistance, temper resistance and wear resistance. Ferro Molybdenum can also be used to create a protective film over other metals.
Uses/Benefits of Ferro Molybdenum
The largest practical applications of Ferro Molybdenum are its use in ferrous alloys, and depending on the Molybdenum content range, it is suited for machine tools and equipment, military hardware, refinery tubing, load-bearing parts and rotary drills. Ferro Molybdenum is also used in cars, trucks, locomotives and ships. Its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments facilitates its use in marine and chemical industries.
In addition, Ferro Molybdenum is used in stainless and heat-resisting steels that are employed by synthetic fuel and chemical plants, heat exchangers, power generators, oil-refining equipment, pumps, turbine tubing, ship propellers, plastics and inside acid storage containers. Tool steels, with a high percentage range of Ferro Molybdenum, are used in high-speed machining parts, cold work tools, drill bits, screwdrivers, dies, chisels, heavy castings, ball and rolling mills, rolls, cylinder blocks, piston rings and large drill bits.
Why Choose Westbrook As Your Ferro Molybdenum Supplier
Westbrook Resources is a UK based, metallurgical company involved in producing and distributing ferro alloys, metals and minerals throughout the UK and across the globe.
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Westbrook has full ISO 9001 accreditation verifying a robust quality management system meeting international standards and customer satisfaction. We are also approved as an Authorised Economic Operator, an internationally recognised quality standard demonstrating that our role in the supply chain is secure and our customs controls are compliant and efficient.
Westbrook are a long established group with a distinguished international reputation backed by strong financial stability and access to global storage facilities and international distribution networks.
In addition to this, our team delivers outstanding customer service and support, ensuring a smooth enquiry and delivery process. For Westbrook’s extensive range of materials, visit our products page.
Contact Us
Our team is here to help you meet all of your supply needs.
​Contact us today to discuss your requirements and experience the difference of working with a reliable and experienced supplier in the industry. Alternatively, you call on +44(0)1246 292292.
Ferro Molybdenum FAQs
Why use Ferro Molybdenum in steel melts rather than pure Molybdenum?​
The melting point of Ferro Molybdenum (1500°C - 1650°C) is similar to the temperature of molten steel (1550°C - 1650°C) but Pure Molybdenum has a much higher melting point (2623°C) so it wouldn’t simply dissolve into the steel melt. In addition, Ferro Molybdenum does not need to be completely molten before the Molybdenum transfers into the steel. The sizing of the Ferro Molybdenum is crushed to suit steelmaking in controlled additions.
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Pure Molybdenum is more expensive to produce than Ferro Molybdenum, so the latter is also a more cost-effective product. Pure Molybdenum is more often used in high-purity alloys with a tight chemistry in which additional iron units are being avoided.
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What is temper resistance and how does Ferro Molybdenum improve it?​
Temper resistance is the ability of steel to retain its hardness and strength when it is exposed to high temperatures. Ferro Molybdenum improves this as the Molybdenum combines with Carbon to form very hard, Molybdenum-containing carbides. These carbides help preserve the steel’s microstructure at high temperatures, reducing softening and improving strength retention.
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When the steel is subsequently heating during tempering, Molybdenum slows down diffusion (the spontaneous movement of atoms within the steel) through the formation of very fine Molybdenum-rich alloy carbides. This can lead to increased hardness and strength through a process known as “secondary hardening".​
Does the particle size of Ferro Molybdenum affect the performance?​
Yes, the particle size of Ferro Molybdenum can impact its performance. Finer grade material allows better distribution and dissolution in molten steel to increase the alloying effect. Where slower dissolution rates are preferred, larger, coarser particle sizes will be utilised.
Is Ferro Molybdenum in high demand?​
The Ferro Molybdenum market is expected to rise between the years 2026–2031, not only as the steel industry is forecast to grow over this period, but also due to increased demand for high performance steel products. New applications for Ferro Molybdenum in renewable energy and electronics and increased usage in automotive and aerospace industries add to the positive outlook on Ferro Molybdenum demand.
​What other Noble Alloys do Westbrook Resources supply?​
Westbrook Resources supply a range of Noble Alloys to industries around the world. Click on the links below for further details of each product:
