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Refractory Metal Mo-La As Sintered

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ASTM B387 Grade 364 · GB MoLa · also Lanthanated Molybdenum

Cheapest form for crucibles, blanks and machined-from-solid parts where residual porosity and low ductility are acceptable.

Specialty cost $$$$$

Values for the As Sintered condition

Other Mo-La tempers and conditions

Mo-La is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Mo-La.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
As SinteredThis page
powder-metallurgy blank, not worked
Cheapest form for crucibles, blanks and machined-from-solid parts where residual porosity and low ductility are acceptable.3003803171 HB26 % IACS
Recrystallized / fully annealed
Represents the property floor after long high-temperature service; ML keeps a fine elongated grain structure so it stays far tougher than recrystallized pure Mo.31045022160 HB33 % IACS
Stress relieved
Pick when flatness and low residual stress matter for machined or laser-cut parts, with only a small strength penalty.4906401317 HRC31 % IACS
As RolledDefault
worked and stress-relieved sheet/plate (default supply)
Standard stocked condition for ML sheet, plate and foil: highest as-supplied strength with usable room-temperature bend ductility.560700821 HRC30 % IACS
Swaged / Forged Rod
Standard ML rod and bar condition for electrodes, stirrers, pins and machined furnace hardware.6007501822 HRC30 % IACS

What is Mo-La As Sintered?

Mo-La As Sintered is Mo-La in the As Sintered condition — cheapest form for crucibles, blanks and machined-from-solid parts where residual porosity and low ductility are acceptable. Mo-La As Sintered has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 280 GPa (40.6 Msi). Mo-La As Sintered has a density of 9.9 g/cm³ (0.358 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,620°C (4,748 °F). As Rolled is the default condition FabDigit quotes; As Sintered is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High service temperature — 1,600°C (2,912 °F), better than 90% of refractory metal grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 26 % IACS, better than 80% of refractory metal grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 25 kg CO₂/kg, better than 80% of refractory metal grades
  • Conducts heat well — 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 77% of refractory metal grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
  • Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 88% of refractory metal grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 12 MPa·√m (10.9 ksi·√in), worse than 87% of refractory metal grades
  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 50/100, worse than 77% of refractory metal grades

Mo-La As Sintered properties

Typical room-temperature values for Mo-La As Sintered; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Mo-La reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.

Physical3

Mo-La As Sintered has a density of 9.9 g/cm³ (0.358 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,620°C (4,748 °F).

Density9.9 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)2,620°C4,748 °F
Liquidus Temperature2,620°C4,748 °F

Mechanical17

Mo-La As Sintered has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 280 GPa (40.6 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus280 GPa40.6 Msi
Shear Modulus122 GPa17.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus265 GPa38.4 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.31
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)380 MPa55.1 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Elongation at Break3%
Reduction in Area4%
Compressive Strength450 MPa65.3 ksi
Shear Strength235 MPa34.1 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)150 MPa21.8 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)2 J1.5 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell171 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B88 HRB
Hardness, Rockwell C21 HRC
Hardness, Vickers180 HV

Thermal6

Mo-La As Sintered is rated for continuous service to 1,600°C (2,912 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 77% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 5.3 µm/m·K (2.94 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity105 W/m·K60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)1,600°C2,912 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

Mo-La As Sintered conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 80% of refractory metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity26 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic (paramagnetic, µr ≈ 1.00)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (50/100), worse than 77% of refractory metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.15 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair50/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryResists most non-oxidizing acids (HCl, HF, H₃PO₄, dilute H₂SO₄), molten glass, liquid metals and alkali melts; attacked by nitric acid, aqua regia, hot concentrated H₂SO₄, oxidizing halogen media and molten nitrates; oxidizes to volatile MoO₃ above ~500 °C in air.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of Mo-La As Sintered takes about 380 MJ of energy and emits 25 kg of CO₂ — less than 78% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)25 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability7

Mo-La As Sintered's machinability is poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityPoor30/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)33%
WeldabilityPoor15/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good70/100
PolishabilityGood65/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — not anodized; protection is by Si-Mo or CVD/plasma coatings for air service

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with Mo-La As Sintered

Is Mo-La easy to machine?

Machine with sharp positive-rake carbide or PCD at moderate speed and generous feed, flood coolant, and preheat/warm the part for tapping or thin-wall turning to avoid chipping and edge cracking.

Can Mo-La be welded?

Only EB or laser welding in high vacuum/inert gas is practical, and the fusion zone recrystallizes and becomes notch-sensitive — vacuum brazing or mechanical fastening is preferred for load-bearing joints.

Can Mo-La be formed, bent or molded?

Roll, bend and deep-draw warm (about 150–400 °C for sheet, higher for thick stock); keep bend radii ≥3–5 t, and avoid grinding-induced surface cracks that trigger brittle failure.

What surface finishes work on Mo-La?

Chemically clean/pickle or electropolish for vacuum service; for air service above ~500 °C apply a silicide (Si-Mo) or CVD/plasma-sprayed oxidation barrier — plating and anodizing are not used.

Mo-La chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
La2O3lanthana dispersoid; common commercial blends are 0.3 %, 0.7 % (Plansee ML) and 1.1 %0.3 – 1.20.7
Cimpurity limit≤ 0.010.01
Oexcluding oxygen bound in La₂O₃≤ 0.03
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.01
Niimpurity limit≤ 0.01
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.01
Mo≥98.8 % balancebalance

Mo-La As Sintered — frequently asked

What is Mo-La As Sintered used for?

Mo-La As Sintered is typically used for furnace heating elements, sapphire crystal-growth crucibles, sputtering targets and backing plates, hot-zone shields and support structures, hot-work tooling for glass and metal forming and drawn wire for high-temperature leads and springs. In short: ductile-improved molybdenum wire.

What is the yield strength of Mo-La As Sintered?

Mo-La As Sintered has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is Mo-La As Sintered easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades). Machine with sharp positive-rake carbide or PCD at moderate speed and generous feed, flood coolant, and preheat/warm the part for tapping or thin-wall turning to avoid chipping and edge cracking.

Can Mo-La As Sintered be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Only EB or laser welding in high vacuum/inert gas is practical, and the fusion zone recrystallizes and becomes notch-sensitive — vacuum brazing or mechanical fastening is preferred for load-bearing joints.

What surface finishes work on Mo-La As Sintered?

Chemically clean/pickle or electropolish for vacuum service; for air service above ~500 °C apply a silicide (Si-Mo) or CVD/plasma-sprayed oxidation barrier — plating and anodizing are not used.

Can Mo-La As Sintered be formed, bent or molded?

Roll, bend and deep-draw warm (about 150–400 °C for sheet, higher for thick stock); keep bend radii ≥3–5 t, and avoid grinding-induced surface cracks that trigger brittle failure.

What is the maximum service temperature of Mo-La As Sintered?

Mo-La As Sintered is rated for continuous use to about 1,600°C (2,912 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between Mo-La As Rolled and Mo-La-RX?

As Rolled is the default condition — standard stocked condition for ML sheet, plate and foil: highest as-supplied strength with usable room-temperature bend ductility. RX: represents the property floor after long high-temperature service; ML keeps a fine elongated grain structure so it stays far tougher than recrystallized pure Mo. Yield strength is 560 MPa in As Rolled versus 310 MPa in RX.

Sources

  1. Molybdenum-Lanthanum Oxide (ML) material property data — Plansee SE (2023)
  2. ASTM B386/B386M — Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip and Foil — ASTM International (2021)
  3. ASTM B387 — Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Bar, Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
  5. Lanthanated molybdenum sheet, rod and wire product data — Elmet Technologies / Ed Fagan / (2024)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.