An engineering perspective on evaluating mechanisms governing ductility in pure molybdenum

Hyer, Holden C.; Dryepondt, Sebastien; Muth, Thomas R.; Nash, Jim

doi:10.1557/s43578-025-01672-x

An engineering perspective on evaluating mechanisms governing ductility in pure molybdenum

Journal Article · Tue Aug 19 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Journal of Materials Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-025-01672-x· OSTI ID:3002472

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

The United States lacks a stable domestic supply of ⁹⁹mTc, a critical medical imaging isotope generated from ⁹⁹Mo. Accelerator-based production using ¹⁰⁰Mo targets (aMo) introduces mechanical concerns due to the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature inherent to refractory metals like Mo. This study evaluates the tensile behavior of aMo targets from 25 to 1000 °C, compared to powder-metallurgy-processed natural Mo (PMo) and cast-and-rolled Mo (RMo), both as-received and after 5 ppm O₂ exposure in flowing He. RMo showed superior ductility (7.3% at 25 °C, 48% at 1000 °C) and strength, attributed to its fine, elongated grains and high geometrically necessary dislocation density. PMo exhibited variable ductility (up to 33%), while aMo remained brittle, with a maximum elongation of 10.4% at 600 °C. EBSD analysis revealed weak texture in PMo and aMo, but high defect density in aMo limited dislocation mobility. This work links processing, microstructure, and deformation mechanisms to guide fabrication of ductile refractory targets.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 3002472

Journal Information:: Journal of Materials Research, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 40; ISSN 0884-2914; ISSN 2044-5326

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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