Pure Molybdenum (Mo) and its alloys are frequently used in high temperature applications due to their excellent properties. For advanced applications such as high temperature vacuum furnaces that require dimensional shape stability at high temperatures and prevention of brittle fracture after recrystallization Molybdenum doped with Lanthanum Oxide (Mo La203) is often the material of choice. High temperature industrial furnaces constructed with Mo La203 provides an ultra-pure environment, high vacuum capabilities and fast temperature cycling. It is preferred for applications in the range of 1200°C (2192°F) up to 2000°C (3632°F).
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide (ML) is produced by adding small amounts of Lanthanum Oxide particles (0.3-0.7%) depending on the product form to Molybdenum to create a special stacked fiber microstructure that is stable at temperatures up to 2000°C (3632°F). After recrystallization the elongated grain structure with jagged grain boundaries provides a measurable increase in ductility and creep resistant strength over that of pure Molybdenum. Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Recrystallized Sheets (MLR) and Stress Relieved Sheets (MLS) contain 0.7% Lanthanum Oxide, while other ML products contain varying amounts to tailor their physical properties to meet specific requirements.
MOLYBDENUM LANTHANUM OXIDE QUICK FACTS
- Produced by Powder Metallurgy Techniques
- Enhanced Mechanical Properties vs. Mo
- Increased Dimensional Stability
- Creep Resistant Over Extreme Conditions
- Available in Recrystallized and Stress Relieved Conditions
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Forms and Sizes
Ed Fagan is a leading supplier of Refractory Metals & Alloys with an unmatched selection of sheet inventory. Our Molybdenum doped with Lanthanum Oxide sheets are certified with shipment. Select your sheets from the two conditions we supply depending on the thickness required: Recrystallized (MLR) and Stress Relieved (MLS).
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Sheets – Recrystallized (MLR)
Our stock of Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide recrystallized sheets ranging in thicknesses from 0.040″ up to 0.125” offers improved creep resistant strength and is appropriate for applications where ductility is not the major concern.
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Sheets – Stress Relieved (MLS)
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide stress relieved sheets are run through additional stress relieving heat treatments and are thermo-mechanically worked. They are a thinner gauge sheets best suited for applications requiring ductility. See our ready to ship sheets in thicknesses ranging from 0.010″ up to 0.030”.
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Characteristics and Properties
The mechanical properties of Molybdenum doped with Lanthanum Oxide (Mo La2O3) are significantly different than those of pure Mo. View the mechanical, physical and chemical properties provided by this unique combination of materials.
- Dimensional Shape Stability at High Temperatures
- Good Ductility
- Increased Creep Resistant Strength
- Stacked Fiber Microstructure
- Increased Recrystallization Temperature
Forming Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide
Forming must take place above the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature. This temperature is dependent upon the sheet thickness and deformation history.
You can easily join MLR/MLS sheets by riveting and folding. Welding of all Mo based materials is not recommended for mechanically loaded parts.
Furnace fixture photo courtesy © Plansee SE Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Molybdenum Lanthanum Oxide Applications
MLR with its superior creep resistance and retained ductility after high temperature operations is the perfect material for mechanically loaded furnace parts such as grids, racks and plates. Additional applications for MLR and MLS include:
- Base Plates for Semiconductors
- Components for Epitaxial Growth Processes
- Cylinders for Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)
- Electrodes for Resistance Welding
- Heating Elements for MOCVD
- High Temperature Vacuum Furnace Fixtures
- Nozzles to Produce Glass Wools and Fibers
- Sintering and Annealing Boats
For additional information on commercial heat treating, you can visit the ASM Heat Treating Society — the world’s largest network of heat treating professionals.
Furnace and furnace fixtures photo courtesy © Plansee SE Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Ed Fagan is your source for special purpose metals and alloys. Serving the aerospace, communications, defense, electronic, energy, medical, research and other high technology markets since 1965 with our high quality materials and on-time delivery.