Molybdenum is used efficiently and economically in alloy tool steel
improve hardenability
reduce temper embrittlement
resist hydrogen attack & sulphide stress cracking
increase elevated temperature strength
improve weldability, especially in high strength low alloy steels (HSLA)
In the present section the focus is on grades and properties of Mo containing alloy steel and iron. End uses cover the whole world of engineered products for:
Automotive, shipbuilding, aircraft and aerospace
Drilling, mining, processing
Energy generation, including boilers, steam turbines and electricity generators
Vessels, tanks, heat exchangers
Chemical & Petrochemical processing
Offshore; Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG)
In most cases molybdenum is needed to meet the high end of the application properties, which is accomplished with comparatively small molybdenum additions. In fact, with the exception of High Speed Steel and Maraging Steel the Mo content often ranges between 0.2 and 0.5% and rarely exceeds 1%.