molybdenum disilicide heating elements are a refractory ceramic that combines the best properties of both metallic and ceramic materials. They are corrosion and oxidation resistant, low thermal expansion, have excellent electrical conductivity and are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
They are used in industrial furnaces for melting of metals and glass, sintering and in heat treatment of materials. They have the highest operating temperature and watt loading of all electric heating elements.
These heating elements are designed to work in temperatures up to 1800 degC in oxidizing atmospheres. They are easy to replace and maintain their electrical resistivity over time.
American Elements manufactures and sells molybdenum disilicide heating elements to industry established resistance values, spacing and power ratings in a range of shapes and sizes. They are readily available and can be shipped to most locations within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving an order.
The manufacturing process includes crushing (milling) raw material to a minimum of 5um or less, preferably 2um, with no contamination of the product with metals or other substances. The pulverized raw material is then mixed with an organic binder and water, then kneaded and extruded into a rod-shaped heating element.
After the extrusion step, a protective SiO2 film is formed on the entire body of the sintered heating element. This dense protective SiO2 film should be perfectly coated on every part of the sintered heating element before mounting it in a shaped heat-insulating material or in a heat treatment furnace.