Molybdenum crucibles can be used in plasma environments, but protective measures must be taken in combination with specific working conditions. The following is a specific analysis:
- Applicability of Molybdenum Crucible in Plasma Environment
High temperature resistance
molybdenum is as high as 2610℃, and it can work stably in a high temperature environment above 2000℃, meeting the high temperature requirements of plasma processes (such as radio frequency plasma spheroidization and induction plasma melting).
Chemical inertness
In an inert gas or vacuum environment, molybdenum crucibles are not easy to react chemically with active particles in the plasma (such as Ar⁺, N⁺), thus avoiding the introduction of impurities and ensuring the purity of the material.
Low coefficient of thermal expansion
molybdenum (about 5.5×10 ⁻⁶ / ℃) is similar to that of most metals, which reduces cracking or deformation caused by thermal stress and improves stability in plasma environments.
- Potential Challenges and Solutions
Oxidation Problem
Challenge: In oxygen-containing plasma, molybdenum is easily oxidized to form volatile MoO₃, resulting in material loss.
Solution: Use under vacuum or inert gas (such as Ar, N₂) protection, or use surface coating technology (such as Mo₂C, ZrO) to delay oxidation.
Plasma Erosion
Challenge: High-energy particle impact may lead to grain refinement and increased dislocation density on the surface of the molybdenum crucible, and long-term use may cause spalling.
Solution: Optimize the molybdenum plate preparation process (such as controlling the crystal growth direction, reducing the impurity content), or use composite materials (such as molybdenum -based composite coatings) to enhance corrosion resistance.
Electrical performance impact
Challenge: Charged particles in the plasma may cause ionization and excitation of the molybdenum crucible, affecting its thermal conductivity.
Solution: Optimize plasma parameters (such as power and gas flow) through experiments to reduce electrical interference to the molybdenum crucible.
- Application Cases and Data Support
Plasma spheroidization process
In radio frequency plasma spheroidization technology, molybdenum crucibles are used to carry metal powders (such as titanium alloys and molybdenum powders) and achieve powder spheroidization in an environment of 1000℃~2000℃.
Data: When the powder feeding rate is 2~5g /min, the powder spheroidization rate can reach 100%, and the loose density and tap density of the powder after spheroidization are significantly improved.
Induction Plasma Melting
In a small casting furnace (≤ 50kg), the molybdenum crucible is used as the bottom electrode (anode), which withstands the high temperature of the plasma arc (about 5000℃~10000℃) to achieve rapid melting and homogenization of the molten metal.
Case: Since the late 1960s, the Ukrainian Institute of Physical and Technological Research of Metals and Alloys has successfully applied single plasma gun technology to molybdenum crucible smelting.
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