Molybdenum

In its pure form, molybdenum is a silvery-white metal and it’s a part of the refractory metals family. It has a melting point of 2,623 °C (4,753 °F); of the naturally occurring elements, only tantalum, osmium, rhenium, tungsten, and carbon have higher melting points. Molybdenum burns only at temperatures above 600°C (1,112 °F). It has one of the lowest coefficients of thermal expansion among commercially used metals.

Typical uses:

• Pure Metals – Molybdenum can be used for parts of furnaces and filament supports in light bulbs.
• Pistons – Molybdenum may be used with vehicle piston rings. It can be sprayed on the piston rings to lesson friction and lengthen the life of the pistons as well as other parts of the vehicle.
• Nuclear – molybdenum can be used with nuclear energy applications. Missile and aircraft parts can especially use this element, because molybdenum oxidizes at higher temperatures.