Molybdenum titanium zirconium (TZM) alloy

TZM alloy, also known as molybdenum-zirconium-titanium alloy, is a high-performance molybdenum-based material. Its unique composition includes 0.50% titanium, 0.08% zirconium, and 0.02% carbon, with the remainder being molybdenum. This alloy exhibits superior mechanical properties at high temperatures compared to pure molybdenum, thanks to its high melting point, high strength, high elastic modulus, low coefficient of thermal expansion, low vapor pressure, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and outstanding corrosion resistance.

VIMATERIAL offers TZM spherical powder, tubing, rods, and more. Please contact us if needed.

Strengthening Mechanism of TZM Alloy

Work Hardening through Cold Deformation

• Increases the alloy’s strength while refining grain size, producing a tough, fibrous microstructure.

Solid Solution Strengthening

• Small amounts of titanium and zirconium dissolve into the molybdenum matrix, enhancing structural stability and increasing the recrystallization temperature.

Precipitation Strengthening via Dispersion Hardening

• The reaction between substitutional elements (Ti, Zr) and interstitial elements (C) in the molybdenum matrix forms spherical complex carbide precipitates, improving high-temperature strength and creep resistance.

Applications

The numerous advantages of TZM alloy make it highly versatile across various industries:

1.  Defense and Aerospace

Its excellent mechanical properties under high temperature and high-pressure conditions make it widely used in military industries, such as:

• Distribution valve bodies in torpedo engines
• Rocket nozzles and gas pipelines
• Throat inserts in propulsion systems

2. Glass Industry

TZM alloy’s corrosion resistance against molten metals makes it ideal for use in the production of color TV tube glass, such as:

• The main shaft of platinum-rhodium clad stirrers in glass furnaces

3. Die Casting & Molding

Due to its high melting point, TZM alloy is used for die-casting molds of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and seamless stainless steel piercing plugs, such as:

• Copper rotor molds in engine manufacturing

4. Electronics & Electrical Industry

Widely applied in electronic and electrical industries, including:

• Cathodes and grids in electron tubes
• High-voltage rectifier components
• Semiconductor thin-film integrated circuits

5. Nuclear Energy Applications

Extensively used in nuclear energy equipment due to its high temperature and radiation resistance, including:

• Radiation shields
• Support structures
• Heat exchangers
• Guide rails

6. High-Temperature Structural Materials

TZM alloy is also widely used as sheet material for:

• Furnace walls in high-temperature furnaces
• Insulation screens in hot isostatic pressing machines

With its exceptional properties, TZM alloy continues to be a critical material in industries that demand high strength, stability, and durability in extreme environments.