What is a Molybdenum Thermal Boat?

A molybdenum thermal boat, also known as a moly boat or Mo boat (its symbol on the periodic table), is a specialized type of boat-shaped container made from molybdenum sheet metal. It is commonly used in high-temperature applications, particularly in the field of materials science, chemistry and research laboratories.

Although thermal boats can be made from different materials, molybdenum is an economical and versatile choice. For these purposes, it has become a preferred choice for use in various types of fabrication and research.

The Design and Purpose

A thermal boat’s design typically consists of a trough-like structure with raised edges that resemble a simple boat. Molybdenum, a refractory metal with excellent high-temperature properties, is one of the materials of choice for constructing these boats due to having well-rounded characteristics like high melting point, good thermal conductivity and resistance to chemical attack at elevated temperatures.

The main purpose of a molybdenum thermal boat is to hold and transport materials during high-temperature processes, such as thermal evaporation, sublimation and furnace applications. These boats are loaded with solid materials, such as metals, semiconductors or compounds, which need to be heated to high temperatures to facilitate vaporization or reaction.

Common Applications

1. Thin Film Deposition
   • In physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes, molybdenum boats are used to hold the evaporant material (e.g., metal, alloy or other material) that is heated to produce a vapor. This vapor then condenses on a substrate, forming a thin film.
     
2. High-Temperature Reactions
   • Molybdenum boats are employed in high-temperature reactions where precise control of temperature and containment of reactants are essential.
     
3. Crystal Growth
   • Molybdenum boats can also be utilized as crucibles or containers for melting and crystallizing materials during crystal growth processes, particularly in research and production of single crystals.
     
4. Materials Testing
   • These boats are used in laboratories for various material characterization and analysis techniques, including thermal analysis, high-temperature microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.

Molybdenum thermal boats come in different sizes, thicknesses and configurations to accommodate specific applications and equipment requirements. They are favored in high-temperature applications due to molybdenum’s ability to withstand extreme conditions without deforming or reacting with the materials it holds. The boats are also known for their longevity and durability, making them indispensable tools in various scientific and industrial processes involving high temperatures.

Shop Molybdenum Thermal Boats

R.D. Mathis Company’s molybdenum thermal boats are renowned for their exceptional quality and reliability in high-temperature applications. They are expertly crafted from high-purity molybdenum metal, ensuring excellent thermal conductivity and resistance to chemical reactions at elevated temperatures.

All of our evaporation boats are available in a variety of materials and thicknesses — visit our website to shop now.