HOW IS MOLYBDENUM DISULPHIDE POWDER MADE?
Molybdenum disulphide powder (often known as ‘Moly Powder’) is refined and ground naturally occurring molybdenum ore. Climax Molybdenum mine the ore from two primary mines. Their mining operations recover ore containing ca. 0.2-0.3% molybdenite as deposits in rock. After mining, they crush the ore and separate out the molybdenum disulphide, which they then mill into powders. Additionally, they own two by-product mines that recover molybdenum as a by-product of copper mining.
Climax operate their mining, crushing, and milling facilities according to the highest health & safety and environmental standards. To this end, they invest heavily in plant equipment, training, and PPE. Moreover, while mineral explorers have found molybdenum deposits in other parts of the world, few warrant such outlay.
Molybdenum disulphide is an intrinsic lubricant. In dry coating applications, graphite needs the presence of adsorbed water molecules between its graphene sheets in order for it to provide lubrication. In contrast, molybdenum disulphide is a solid lubricant powder that provides extreme pressure/boundary lubrication with a very low coefficient of friction even at high altitude or in the vacuum of space.
WHO USES MOLY POWDER?
The Lubricant Industry, Plastic Manufacturers, and Aerospace Materials Engineers use Molybdenum Disulphide in the following ways:
- Aerosol spray dry-film lubricant
- Plastics additive
- Composites additive
- Grease additive
- Boundary lubricant dispersion in Industrial EP oils
- Low temperature forging lubricant
- Aerospace lubricant
- Glass mould release/anti-flock agent
While some of the above applications use this material in powder form, others use a stabilized dispersion in a suitable carrier fluid or medium.
Additionally, some chemical industries use molybdenum disulphide in catalysis.
BRAD-KEM BV & CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM
Brad-Chem and Kemat have agreed a joint venture to supply Climax Molybdenum Disulphide Powders in Europe. Climax Molybdenum has established an unparalleled reputation, internationally, for consistent top quality. What’s more, Brad-Chem and Kemat have combined their excellent industry sales support, customer service, and technical knowledge and support in this new venture. Accordingly, Brad-Kem BV will add unrivalled quality to your supply chain.
To learn more about our range of Molybdenum Disulphide Powders, or to make an enquiry contact us