A molybdenum crucible can be reused depends on many factors, including the use environment, operating temperature, experimental materials, and maintenance conditions. In theory, a molybdenum crucible can be reused dozens to hundreds of times, but the number of times it can be used will be affected by the following factors:
- Key factors affecting the service life of molybdenum crucible
- Operating temperature
High temperature will accelerate the oxidation and physical degradation of molybdenum crucibles. If used frequently in a high temperature environment (such as over 1000°C), the surface of the crucible will gradually oxidize, resulting in a decrease in its heat resistance and mechanical properties, thereby reducing the number of uses.
Low temperature use has less impact on molybdenum crucibles, but if the temperature changes drastically, thermal fatigue and cracks may still occur.
- Use atmosphere
a molybdenum crucible in air, the oxidation rate is fast, so the oxide layer (MoO ₃) will continue to accumulate, affecting its service life. An inert gas environment (such as argon and helium) can effectively avoid oxidation and increase the number of times the molybdenum crucible can be used.
A vacuum environment also has less impact on molybdenum and can reduce oxidation, but in an environment with chemically reactive gases, molybdenum may react with certain gases, thereby shortening its life.
- Experimental Materials
Strongly corrosive materials (such as perchlorates, strong acids or halogen-containing substances) will accelerate the corrosion of molybdenum. Especially when it comes into contact with molten metals, acidic or oxidizing chemicals, it will cause surface damage and reduce the number of repeated uses.
If neutral or low-corrosive substances (such as certain inorganic salts or metal alloys) are processed, the service life of molybdenum crucibles is relatively long.
- Heat treatment and maintenance
Regular annealing can reduce the thermal stress accumulation of molybdenum crucibles, restore their ductility and extend their service life.
Coating protection (such as boron nitride, graphite, and alumina coating) can effectively improve the chemical corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the crucible surface, thereby increasing the number of repeated uses.
- Physical damage
Mechanical impact, wiping and chemical wear will reduce the number of times the molybdenum crucible is used. Avoid collision between the crucible and hard objects during operation, and check regularly for cracks or other physical damage.
- Actual use times of molybdenum crucible
Under ideal conditions of use (vacuum or inert atmosphere, proper temperature control, and avoidance of contact with highly corrosive substances), the molybdenum crucible can usually be used dozens to hundreds of times.
Low temperature experiments and inert environments (such as metal melting and some crystal growth experiments): 50–100 times.
In high temperature experiments and environments with corrosive substances: 20-50 times, or even less.
the molybdenum crucible is well maintained and annealed regularly, its service life will be extended and the number of repeated uses will increase.
- Suggestions for extending the number of times of use
Periodic annealing: Regularly perform high temperature annealing on the molybdenum crucible to eliminate the internal stress caused by thermal cycling.
Avoid rapid heating and cooling: gradually increase and decrease the temperature to avoid thermal shock to the crucible.
Reasonable storage and handling: avoid mechanical shock and bumps, and ensure that there are no cracks on the crucible surface.
Surface coating protection: Boron nitride (BN), graphite coating and other protective materials are coated on the inner wall of the molybdenum crucible to reduce direct contact with the sample and avoid chemical reactions.
Regular inspection: Check the molybdenum crucible for cracks, oxidation damage or other faults before and after each use, and replace or repair it in time.
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