Molybdenum plates are metal plates made primarily of molybdenum or molybdenum alloys. They have the features of high purity (≥99.95%), high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. Their production process includes hot rolling, cold rolling, and alkaline washing, and the surface can be classified into cold-rolled, hot-rolled, alkaline-washed, and polished types. They are mainly used in vacuum furnace hot zones, mold manufacturing, electronic semiconductor devices, nuclear energy equipment, and photovoltaic industries, and can also be processed into molybdenum sheet, molybdenum foils, molybdenum discs, and other molybdenum components.
The following are the main applications of molybdenum plates:
1. High-Temperature Furnaces and Thermal Equipment (Main Application)
This is the largest and most traditional application area for molybdenum plates, directly utilizing their extremely high melting point and excellent high-temperature strength.
- Molybdenum Heating Element (Heating Body):
In high-temperature furnaces (up to 1800℃) protected by vacuum or inert atmospheres (such as hydrogen, argon), molybdenum plates are processed into mesh, strip, or spiral shapes as resistance heating elements to provide heat to the furnace chamber.
- Molybdenum Heat Shield/ Thermal Insulation Screen/Radiation Screen:
In high-temperature furnaces, multi-layered molybdenum plates are used as thermal insulation screens to effectively reflect heat, reduce heat loss, improve thermal efficiency, and protect the furnace shell. This is a standard configuration for modern vacuum high-temperature furnaces.
Sintering Boats/Gaskets: In the powder metallurgy industry, especially in the sintering of tungsten, cemented carbide, and magnetic materials, boats, trays, and gaskets made from molybdenum plates are used to support workpieces. They do not deform at high temperatures and do not react with the workpiece, ensuring the dimensional accuracy and purity of the products.
- Sapphire Crystal Growth Furnace Hot Zone:
This is a crucial high-end application of molybdenum plates. In the process of growing large-size sapphire crystals using the heat exchange method (HEM) (for LED substrates, mobile phone camera covers, watch glass, etc.), key components of the entire hot zone, such as heaters, insulation packs, and crucibles, are all made of high-purity molybdenum plates because they provide a pure, stable, and uniform high-temperature environment.
2. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry
Utilizing its excellent electrical conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and vacuum stability.
- Molybdenum Sputtering Targets: High-purity molybdenum plates (usually bonded to a backing plate) are used as sputtering targets to deposit molybdenum thin films on glass substrates, solar thin films, and semiconductor devices, serving as conductive or barrier layers.
- Electron Tubes and Power Device Components: Used to manufacture electrodes, supports, and heat sinks inside high-power microwave tubes, magnetrons, X-ray tubes, etc.
3. Glass and Refractory Materials Industry
Utilizing its resistance to high-temperature molten glass corrosion and high-temperature strength.
- Glass melting electrodes: In electrically assisted glass melting furnaces, molybdenum plate electrodes are inserted into molten glass, and direct electric heating reduces fuel consumption and improves glass quality and melting rate. Molybdenum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to most molten glass.
- Glass stirring rods: Used for stirring and homogenizing melts of high-quality optical glass and glass fibers.
4. Corrosion-resistant components
Utilizing its excellent resistance to various molten metals and certain acids and alkalis.
- Rare earth smelting: Used as lining material in crucibles and vessels for smelting rare earth metals.
- Zinc smelting: Used in the manufacture of zinc melt temperature measuring tubes, pump components, etc., resistant to zinc melt corrosion.
5. Defense and aerospace
Utilizing its reliability and high-temperature performance under extreme environments.
- Rocket nozzle linings and nozzle throat liners: Used in solid-fuel rocket engines, capable of withstanding the scouring of high-temperature, high-speed airflow.
- High-temperature structural components: Used in parts of aircraft and hypersonic vehicles that need to withstand aerodynamic heat.
