TZM Molybdenum | TZM Alloy

TZM Molybdenum Properties and Appearance

TZM, the acronym for Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum, adds 0.50% titanium, 0.08% zirconium, and 0.02% carbon to pure Molybdenum. This combination enhances its strength, creep resistance and thermal stability. With a melting point of 2,623 degrees Celsius (4,753 F) it is used in high temperature applications. TZM has a silvery white appearance, with a hint of gold luster and is part of the corrosion-resistant and high-temperature group.

TZM is more expensive than pure molybdenum, however in appropriate applications this is justified by its increased strength at greater temperatures, a higher recrystallization temperature, improved hardness and good ductility. TZM also exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in chemical processing plants as well as the oil and gas industries, whilst its thermal stability and electrical conductivity makes TZM a useful alloy in the semiconductor industry.

In elevated temperature applications, TZM’s higher strength, hardness, creep resistance and ductility ensure it will not weaken or soften. In addition, TZM demonstrates good thermal conductivity, low vapor pressure and is machinable. TZM is recommended for high-strength, high-temperature structures and applications operating between 700 and 1,400 degrees Celsius. It is less prone to delaminating, cracking or breaking compared to pure molybdenum under these extreme conditions. However, like pure molybdenum, TZM begins to oxidize at 400 degrees Celsius and oxides rapidly in atmospheres above 500 degrees Celsius. Despite being similar in strength to pure molybdenum at room temperatures, at high temperatures, exceeding the recrystallization temperature of pure molybdenum (900 to 1,100 degrees Celsius), TZM is much stronger. In load-bearing applications exceeding 1300 degrees Celsius, TZM is twice as strong as pure molybdenum.

TZM is commonly produced by powder metallurgy or arc-cast processes via progressive powder metallurgy techniques with the addition of particle-strengthened carbides and oxides to inhibit grain growth at elevated temperatures. This combination increases the ductility and creep strength of the alloy.

TZM Molybdenum Applications

TZM is commonly used in rocket nozzles, vacuum furnace components, die inserts, heat shields, jet engine exhaust cones, fuel cells, anodes in X-ray tubes, gas pipelines, annealing and sintering, light-alloy casting molds and high temperature structural parts. TZM is useful where demanding mechanical load at temperatures above 900 degrees Celsius, or when recrystallization and embrittlement of pure molybdenum is a concern due to repeated temperature cycling and handling. Industries where TZM is used include:

• Aerospace Industry
• Defence Industry
• Automotive Industry
• Nuclear Industry
• Semiconductors Industry
• Power generation Industry
• Metalworking Industry
• Electronics Industry

TZM Molybdenum Formats Supplied

Vulcan Metal Group is a leading global supplier of Molybdenum TZM in bar, plate, rod, sheet and wire. Custom machined and finished parts supplied to print. Please contact us for more information on how Vulcan Metal Group can help you.