Ferro molybdenum(Ferro moly) is an alloy primarily composed of iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo). It is produced by melting iron and molybdenum sources, typically ferrosilicon and industrial-grade molybdenum oxide, together in a furnace. The resulting alloy typically contains molybdenum in the range of 50% to 75%. Ferromolybdenum is not classified as a hazardous material for transportation.
Ferromolybdenum is commonly used as an additive in steelmaking and cast iron production. Its addition is aimed at enhancing the hardenability, strength, and corrosion resistance of the final metal products. The presence of molybdenum in the alloy enhances its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for applications in industries such as automotive, construction, petroleum, and natural gas.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Ferro molybdenum
- Atomic weight of Molybdenum (Mo): 95.94. Outer electron structure: 4d5s. Melting point: 2615°C. Boiling point: 4610°C. Density (20°C): 10.2g/cm³.
- Solid Solutions and Intermetallic Compounds: Molybdenum forms α and γ solid solutions with iron, along with two intermetallic compounds, ε(Fe7Mo6) and σ(FeMo).
- Composition: Industrial ferro molybdenum typically contains around 60% Mo, with a melting temperature range of 1800 to 1900°C and a density of approximately 9.0g/cm³.
- Role in Steel: Ferro molybdenum improves hardenability, thermal strength, resistance to temper embrittlement, residual magnetism, coercivity, and resistance to certain media, such as preventing pitting tendencies. It finds widespread applications in various types of steel, including structural steel, spring steel, bearing steel, tool steel, stainless acid-resistant steel, heat-resistant steel, and magnetic steel, among others.
- Role in Cast Iron: Ferro molybdenum effectively improves the strength and toughness of cast iron. When added in the range of 0.25% to 1.25%, it can also form a pearlitic matrix structure in castings with medium to large sections. It is commonly used in rolls and other wear-resistant castings.
Ferro molybdenum Chemical Composition
| Brand | Chemical Compositions | |||||||
| Mo | Si | S | P | C | Cu | Sb | Sn | |
| Min% | Max % | |||||||
| FeMo 70 | 65.0~75.0 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 一 | |
| FeMo60-A | 55.0~65.0 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.04 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| FeMo60-B | 55.0~65.0 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 0.06 |
| FeMo60-C | 55.0~65.0 | 2 | 0.15 | 0.05 | 0.2 | 1 | 0.08 | 0.08 |
| FeMo60 | >=60.0 | 2 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.15 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| FeMo55-A | >=55.0 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.08 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 0.06 |
| FeMo55-B | >=55.0 | 1.5 | 0.15 | 0.1 | 0.25 | 1 | 0.08 | 0.08 |
one-stop service
Smelting Method for Ferro molybdenum
Ferro molybdenum is typically smelted using the metal thermal method.
The primary raw material for smelting ferro molybdenum is molybdenite (MoS2). Before smelting, molybdenum concentrate is usually subjected to oxidative roasting in a multi-hearth furnace to obtain roasted molybdenum concentrate with a sulfur content of less than 0.07%.
The smelting of ferro molybdenum generally employs an external furnace method. The furnace is a cylinder placed on a sand base, lined with clay bricks and charged with ferrosilicon containing 75% silicon and a small amount of aluminum granules as a reducing agent. After the charge is added to the furnace, smelting is initiated using a top ignition method. An igniter (saltpeter, aluminum shavings, or magnesium shavings) is applied to the surface of the charge, which ignites vigorously, followed by quiescence, slag tapping, and removal of the furnace cylinder. The ferro molybdenum ingots are cooled in a sand pit first, then water-cooled in a cooling chamber, and finally crushed and refined. The metal recovery rate ranges from 92% to 99%. In recent years, oxygen molybdenum briquettes have been widely used in the steelmaking industry as a substitute for ferro molybdenum.
Advantages of Ferro Molybdenum (FeMo) Alloy
Ferromolybdenum is used as an additive in steel and corrosion-resistant alloys.
- Improved hardenability.
- Enhanced high-temperature strength and creep resistance.
- Increased corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
- Reduction of temper embrittlement.
- Resistance to temper softening.
- Improved weldability.
focus on ferroalloy production, quality first!
Leave your requirements, FREE quotation!
call us: +8618837209569Ferro molybdenum uses
Ferro molybdenum is an alloy of molybdenum and iron. Its primary purpose is as an additive of molybdenum in steelmaking. The addition of molybdenum to steel can create a uniform fine-grained structure, and improve hardenability, which is advantageous in eliminating temper embrittlement. In high-speed steels, molybdenum can partially replace tungsten. Molybdenum, in combination with other alloying elements, is widely used in the production of stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, acid-resistant steel, and tool steel, as well as alloys with special physical properties. Adding molybdenum to cast iron can increase its strength and wear resistance.
- Steel Industry: Ferro molybdenum is a key additive in the production of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel. Its applications are widespread, including structural steel, automotive components, and machinery. Ferro molybdenum enhances the toughness, hardenability, and corrosion resistance of steel, making it more suitable for high-stress applications.
- Aerospace Industry: Due to its high-temperature resistance and strength characteristics, ferro molybdenum is used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing jet engine components, such as turbine blades.
- Chemical Industry: Ferro molybdenum serves as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including the production of formaldehyde and acetic acid.
- Electrical Industry: Ferro molybdenum, due to its high melting point and thermal conductivity, is used in the production of high-temperature electrical components, such as heating elements and filaments.
- Metallurgical Industry: Ferro molybdenum is used in the production of other molybdenum-based alloys, such as molybdenum-tungsten alloys and molybdenum-copper alloys.
The largest application of ferro molybdenum is in the production of iron alloys, depending on the molybdenum content and range. It is suitable for machine tools and equipment, military equipment, oil pipes in refineries, load-bearing components, and rotary exercises. Ferro molybdenum is also used in automobiles, trucks, locomotives, ships, and more. Additionally, ferro molybdenum is employed in stainless steel and heat-resistant steel manufacturing in synthetic fuel and chemical plants, heat exchangers, generators, refinery equipment, pumps, turbine pipes, ship propellers, plastics, acids, and storage containers. Tool steels with a high proportion of ferro molybdenum are used for high-speed machining parts, cold working tools, drills, screwdrivers, molds, chisels, heavy castings, balls and rolling mills, rollers, cylinder blocks, and piston rings.
Ferro molybdenum price – HSferroalloy
In April, with the significant rise in the price of stainless steel 316, the enthusiasm of end buyers increased, leading to a substantial release of demand for ferro molybdenum. Confidence has been transmitted upstream. The price of molybdenum concentrate continues to rise, leading to increased costs. Meanwhile, ferro molybdenum factories have ample orders and are reluctant to sell at low prices. As a result, the transaction price of ferro molybdenum is gradually catching up, with the current bidding price set to reach 220,000 yuan per ton. Spot transactions are sporadically occurring at 219,000 to 220,000 yuan per ton. It is expected that prices will continue to rise slightly next month.
Hongshun produces ferro molybdenum. As a leading supplier of ferroalloy materials, our ferro molybdenum supply capacity can meet the needs of any customer, and we offer competitive prices and product quality. If you require ferro molybdenum alloy, please leave a message to contact us.
