Moly Alloy Cleaning

Question:

Does the acid solution used in cleaning Moly cause any embrittlement of the moly? If so, how is it removed? Thanks in advance for your help D.L.

Answer:

I am not aware of hydrogen embrittlement taking place with molybdenum. After looking into it, I do not see an issue. Considering applications for this refractory metal include reducing atmospheres and acids, I cannot see it being a problem. Since the typical operation to remove the embrittlement is rather long (300°F for 2-24 hours), it is worth exploring. I would check with your metal supplier. If it is a service center, have it try to get back to the actual metal producer, since it should be able to definitively answer your question.