Interesting facts about cobalt, molybdenum and titanium: metals for precision alloys and special steels

Metals play an important role in modern industry, especially when it comes to the production of special steels and precision alloys. Elements such as cobalt, molybdenum and titanium are widely used in the smelting of high-quality materials, providing them with the necessary physical and mechanical properties. In this article, we will look at interesting facts about these metals and their role in modern times production.

Cobalt: an element with a rich history and a wide range of uses

Cobalt has been known to science for more than three centuries. This metal was discovered in 1735 by the Swedish chemist Georg Brandt, who isolated it from the mineral “kobold”. The name comes from the German word “kobold”, which means “brownie” or “gnome”.

Interesting facts about cobalt:

1. Vitamin B12 component. Cobalt is an important element in vitamin B12, which is necessary for maintaining the normal functioning of the nervous system and hematopoiesis.
2. Biological role. The human body contains about 1.5 mg of cobalt, most of which is concentrated in the liver, kidneys and muscles. This metal is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones and the normal course of enzymatic processes.
3. Toxic metal. At high concentrations, cobalt can be toxic.
4. Catalyst in oil refining. Cobalt compounds are used in the production of gasoline and other petroleum products as catalysts.
5. Making powerful magnets. Cobalt has ferromagnetic properties, that is, it can be magnetized, which makes it possible to use it to create heavy-duty magnets.
6. Glass and art industry. Cobalt compounds are used to give a blue color to glass and paints.
7. Being in nature. In the earth's crust, cobalt is found in the form of minerals such as cobaltin, carolite, glaucodot, and others.
8. Silver with a pink tint. Cobalt has a distinctive color that makes it easy to distinguish it from other metals.

It is also used in soft magnetic alloys, such as 49K2FA-VI (48— 50% Co) and 27KH (26.5— 28% Co), which are used in precision electronics and mechanical engineering. In alloys for elastic elements like 40KHNM (40% Co, 7% Mo), cobalt provides excellent mechanical properties.

Molybdenum: a metal for high temperatures and critical tasks

Molybdenum was discovered in 1778 by Carl Scheele, who discovered it in the form of an oxide. It was first isolated in its pure form in 1817 by Swedish scientist Jens Jacob Berzelius. This metal is known for its extreme resistance to high temperatures and is one of the most refractory elements.

Interesting facts about molybdenum:

1. High melting point. Molybdenum melts at about 2620°C, making it an ideal material for use in extreme conditions.
2. Use in incandescent lamps. Due to its heat resistance, molybdenum wire is used in incandescent lamps.
3. Nuclear power. Molybdenum is used in the production of fuel element shells (TVEL) for nuclear reactors.
4. Chemical industry. Molybdenum compounds are in demand when creating dyes, catalysts and pigments.
5. Global production. The world produces about 50,000 tons of molybdenum annually. The main suppliers are China, the United States, Chile and Canada.
6. Presence in the human body. The daily human requirement for molybdenum is about 75—250 mcg.
7. In the natural environment. Molybdenum occurs naturally as minerals such as molybdenite, powellite, and wulfenite. They are used to produce pure metal.
8. Greek “roots”. The name “molybdenum” comes from the Greek word for lead, as the mineral containing this element was confused with lead ore.

Molybdenum is part of various corrosion-resistant steels, such as 10X17N13M3T (3% Mo), which are used in corrosive environments. Molybdenum alloys are used in the chemical industry, which requires high corrosion resistance and heat resistance. Molybdenum is also included in soft magnetic alloys, such as 79NM (4% Mo) and 81NMA (5% Mo), which are used in high-precision technology.

Titanium: strength, lightness and biocompatibility

Titan, one of the most common elements in the earth's crust, does not occur in its pure form in nature. This metal was discovered in the 18th century, but its industrial production became possible only in the 20th century. In modern industry, titanium is widely used due to its incredible strength and resistance to corrosion.

Interesting facts about titanium:

1. High strength and corrosion resistance. Due to these properties, titanium is actively used in aviation and space industries, as well as for building submarines and body armor.
2. Use in solar panels. Titanium is able to absorb light and convert it into electricity, which makes it useful in the manufacture of solar cells.
3. Elegance in jewellery. Titanium is used to create jewelry that looks like silver.
4. Medical applications. Titanium plays an important role in making medical instruments such as scalpels, clips, and other surgical instruments.
5. Biocompatibility. Titanium is not a toxic element. It is widely used in medicine for manufacturing implants and dentures due to its compatibility with body tissues.
6. Strength in sports. Titanium's lightness and strength make it an ideal material for making bicycles, skateboard frames and other sports equipment.
7. Welding in space. Titanium is one of the few metals that can be welded in space, making it an important material for future space missions.

Titanium is actively used in corrosion-resistant steels, such as 12X18H10T (1% Ti) and 10X17N13M3T (3% Mo, 1% Ti) used in corrosive environments. Precision alloys containing titanium, for example 17HNGT (1% Ti) and 36NHTYU (3% Ti) are widely used in the production of elastic elements that require high strength and durability.

Alloys with cobalt, molybdenum and titanium produced by PZPS

Precision alloys and special steels used to make high-precision and reliable parts often contain cobalt, molybdenum, and titanium. These metals give steels unique properties:

• the addition of cobalt improves the magnetic characteristics of materials;
• the presence of cobalt and molybdenum increases the elasticity and strength of alloys;
• titanium and molybdenum provide corrosion resistance and resistance to aggressive environments.

The St. Petersburg Precision Alloy Plant uses advanced technologies and modern materials when smelting steels, so we are able to create products with unique mechanical properties. Leave it requisitions on the website or contact us at phone. Our experts will help you find the best materials for solving any technical problems that require high strength, corrosion resistance and heat resistance.

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