Molybdenum Heating Elements for Glass Melting and Optical Fiber Production
                     MoSi₂ Heating Elements for 
Sintering of Advanced Ceramics 
and Powder Metallurgy
Submitted by: 
M-Kube Enterprise LLC
Introduction
• Molybdenum disilicide heating element (MoSi₂) → key component in high-
temperature furnaces (up to 1800°C)
• Widely used in advanced ceramics (Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, Si₃N₄, SiC) sintering
• Also crucial in powder metallurgy furnaces for tool steels, superalloys, and 
refractory metals
• Growing adoption due to clean, efficient heating compared to gas furnaces
Properties of MoSi₂ Heating 
Elements
• Extremely high melting point (~2030°C)
• Protective SiO₂ layer prevents oxidation at high temps
• High electrical resistivity stability → reliable long-term heating
• Compatible with oxidizing, inert, and reducing atmospheres
• Typical configuration: straight, bent, or U-shaped mosi2 heater
Why Use MoSi₂ in Sintering?
• Uniform heat distribution → prevents cracks/warping in ceramics
• High-temperature capability → essential for densification of advanced ceramics
• Non-contaminating heating → critical for powder metallurgy purity
• Compact furnace design → smaller footprint vs gas-fired furnaces
Applications in Advanced 
Ceramics
• Alumina (Al₂O₃) & Zirconia (ZrO₂) sintering
• Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) & Silicon Carbide (SiC) advanced structural ceramics
• Dental and biomedical ceramic implants
• Electronic substrates & multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs)
• Furnace linings with moly disilicide heating elements for stability
Applications in Powder 
Metallurgy
• Sintering of tungsten, molybdenum, titanium alloys
• Production of hard metals & cutting tools (WC–Co, TiC)
• Nuclear materials & superalloys requiring >1600°C
• Furnace heating powered by mosi2 heating element ensures consistency
Types of MoSi₂ Heating 
Elements
• Straight MoSi₂ element – general heating zones
• U-shaped MoSi₂ heating element – uniform distribution in tunnel furnaces
• Customized moly disilicide heating elements – tailored for sintering loads
• Modular mosi2 heaters allow replacement without full furnace downtime
Performance & Durability
• Long service life due to self-healing SiO₂ protective layer
• Resists creep & sagging under long sintering cycles
• Stable performance even with thermal cycling
• Durability helps justify mosi2 heating element price compared to cheaper 
alternatives
Cost & Market Aspects
• mosi2 heating element price depends on:
• Operating temperature grade (1700°C, 1800°C, 1900°C types)
• Size, shape (straight, U, W-type)
• Supplier & customization requirements
• Increasing demand in ceramics, metallurgy, and renewable energy industries
• Leading manufacturers supply mosi2 elements worldwide
Challenges & Limitations
• Oxidation in very low oxygen partial pressure atmospheres
• Brittle nature → requires careful handling during installation
• Higher upfront cost than SiC heaters, though longer lifespan balances ROI
• Limited use in very high vacuum furnaces (>10⁻³ Pa)
Case Studies
• Ceramic Plant (ZrO₂ sintering): improved densification and reduced defects 
using mosi2 heater
• Powder Metallurgy Facility: productivity increased 25% by switching from 
graphite to mosi2 heating elements
• Research Lab: consistent furnace performance with molybdenum disilicide 
heating element at 1750°C for advanced alloys
Conclusion
• MoSi₂ heating elements are indispensable in ceramic sintering and powder 
metallurgy
• High temperature, uniformity, and purity advantages
• Range of designs: straight, U, custom mosi2 element options
• Despite higher mosi2 heating element price, lifecycle benefits ensure cost-
effectiveness
• Future innovations → coatings, hybrid elements, and longer furnace life