Molybdenum Mesh
Molybdenum mesh is a high-performance material valued for its high melting point, thermal conductivity, and high-temperature strength, making it ideal for extreme environments where most metals fail.
Comparison of Molybdenum Mesh vs Tungsten, Tantalum, and Zirconium Mesh
Property | Molybdenum (Mo) Mesh | Tungsten Mesh | Tantalum Mesh | Zirconium Mesh |
---|---|---|---|---|
Melting Point | 2,623 °C | 3,422 °C | 2,996 °C | 1,852 °C |
Density | 10.2 g/cm³ | 19.25 g/cm³ | 16.6 g/cm³ | 6.5 g/cm³ |
Oxidation Resistance | Poor (above 600 °C) | Poor (above 500 °C) | Excellent | Good |
Thermal Conductivity | Best | High | Moderate | Low |
Relative Cost | Moderate | Very High | High | High |
Types of Molybdenum Mesh
Type | Composition | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Pure Molybdenum Mesh | Mo ≥ 99.95% | Standard grade for high-temperature use, good thermal conductivity | Heating elements, furnace parts, thermal shielding |
Molybdenum-Lanthanum (Mo-La) Alloy Mesh | Molybdenum + Lanthanum Oxide | Improved creep resistance, better ductility at elevated temperatures | High-temperature structural components, aerospace, furnace supports |
TZM Alloy Mesh (Mo-0.5%Ti-0.1%Zr) | Molybdenum + 0.5% Titanium + 0.1% Zirconium | Higher strength and stability under extreme temperatures, excellent wear resistance | Aerospace, nuclear industry, die-casting molds, high-stress furnace parts |
Note: The above parameters can be optimized and customized according to working conditions.
The main characteristics of molybdenum mesh:
1. High Melting Point (2,623°C / 4,753°F)
– Second only to tungsten among common metals, suitable for ultra-high-temperature applications.
2. Excellent Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
– Used in vacuum furnaces, electronic devices, and thermocouples.
3. Low Thermal Expansion
– Maintains dimensional stability under rapid heating/cooling (critical in semiconductor and aerospace applications).
4. Good Corrosion Resistance
– Resistant to non-oxidizing acids (HCl, HF), but oxidizes in air above approximately 600°C (requiring an inert/vacuum environment).
5. High Strength at High Temperatures
– Maintains structural integrity better than tungsten at 1,200–1,600°C.
6. Medium Density (10.2 g/cm³)
– Lighter than tungsten, suitable for weight-sensitive, high-temperature applications.
Molybdenum mesh type:
– Pure molybdenum (Mo ≥ 99.95%) – Standard for high-temperature use.
– Molybdenum-lanthanum (Mo-La) alloy – Improved creep resistance.
– TZM alloy (Mo-0.5%Ti-0.1%Zr) – Higher strength at extreme temperatures.
Available product forms:
Molybdenum wire cloth (thin) and crimped braid (thick)
Advantages of molybdenum mesh:
- Optimal balance of heat resistance and machinability (easier to machine than tungsten).
- Excellent thermal conductivity among refractory metals.
- More cost-effective than tungsten for many high-temperature applications.
- Disadvantages
- Oxidizes in air above 600°C (requires an inert/vacuum environment).
- Brittle at room temperature (fractures under bending stress) when the mesh is thick, but becomes flexible when the mesh is thin.
- Not biocompatible (unlike titanium or zirconium).
Common applications of molybdenum mesh:
High-Temperature Furnaces and Vacuum Systems
– Heat shields, sintering trays, and furnace components (Mo does not outgas in a vacuum).
– Thermocouple sheaths for molten metal monitoring.
Electronics and Semiconductors
– Sputtering targets for thin-film deposition (OLEDs, solar cells).
– Electrodes in glass melting and LED manufacturing.
Aerospace and Defense
– Rocket nozzles, missile components, and jet engine parts.
– Thermal protection systems (due to heat resistance).
Industrial and Chemical Processing
– Molten metal filtration (zinc, aluminum, copper alloys).
– Corrosion-resistant screens for acidic environments.
Medical and X-ray Equipment
– X-ray anodes and radiation shielding (alternative to tungsten).