Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which steel products use small additions of molybdenum?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Small additions of molybdenum (typically 1 percent or less) are used to enhance the properties of various steel products. Specifically, these additions are utilized in:
- Stainless steels: Molybdenum is added to improve the high corrosion resistance required for processing pharmaceuticals.1
- Chromium steels: Small amounts are used to enhance the corrosion resistance of steels used for automotive trim.1
- Quenched and tempered steels: Molybdenum contributes to the overall toughness of these materials.1
In general, adding small quantities of molybdenum to a steel matrix significantly improves abrasion resistance, anticorrosive properties, and high-temperature strength and toughness. It is also one of the most effective elements for increasing the hardenability of iron and steel.21