Molybdenum is included into the group of rare metals. The element was discovered by C. Scheele in 1779 in the form of molybdic acid. Its concentration in the Earth's crust is 0.00011 %. Molybdenum and its alloys are widely used in various fields of engineering and industry, but the major consumer is the ferrous metallurgy — 70 80 % of the produced molybdenum goes to the production of alloyed steels. The balance is used in the form of pure metallic molybdenum and molybdenum alloys, alloys with non-ferrous and rare metals as well as in the form of chemical compounds.
Molybdenum improves hardenability and mechanical properties of steel. It is used to obtain a uniform fine-grained structure of steel. It is also used to widen the temperature range of quenching and tempering and to improve resistance to overheating.
The total allowable mass of sand inclusions, slag and other contaminants is limited to 0.5 % of the batch mass. Adherent materials and oxides film are allowed.
Ferromolybdenum is transported in lumps or in the form of crushed and screened particles. Allowable particle sizes should match specification.
Ferromolybdenum is transported in special containers, steel drums and wooden boxes.