TZM molybdenum alloy TZM

Mo balance, Ti 0.5, Zr 0.08, C 0.03 (reference values, weight %)

Also known as ASTM 363, ASTM 364, ASTM B386, TZM

TZM is a molybdenum alloy (Mo-0.5Ti-0.08Zr-0.02C, titanium-zirconium-molybdenum) with about 0.5 % titanium, 0.08 % zirconium and a small carbon addition that forms fine carbides.

9 sources · Updated 2026-10-25 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Carry heat

130 W/(m·K)

Hold strength when hot

1400 °C

Weight

10.2 g/cm3

Stiffness

300 GPa

Strength

750 to 900 MPa yield

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Mo balance (the rest)Molybdenum
  • Ti 0.5%Titanium
  • Zr 0.08%Zirconium
  • C 0.01 to 0.04%Carbon

Best for

High-temperature strength in vacuum and inert furnaces: recrystallisation at 1400 °C and a reference yield strength of 750 to 900 MPa, against 1100 °C for pure molybdenum

Weakest at

Oxygen and water vapour. TZM loses ductility at 500 ppm oxygen and is embrittled within hours at 1150 °C in low-pressure oxygen (ORNL-5431), so it is kept below 825 °C in oxidising service

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Mixed notifications
  • If it fails Severe. Oxygen embrittlement
  • Corrosion Severe. Oxygen dissolves into TZM and it loses its ductility within hours.

Quick facts: TZM

Key properties of TZM
PropertyValueBasis
Density10.2 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength750 to 900 MPa1 sourced value
Tensile strength800 to 1,000 MPa1 sourced value
Young's modulus300 GPa1 sourced value
Thermal conductivity130 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)5.3 to 5.7 ppm/K1 sourced value
Specific heat250 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity0.06 Ω·mm²/m1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature825 °C1 sourced value

What is the density of TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy has a density of 10.2 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the thermal conductivity of TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy has a thermal conductivity of 130 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 5.3 to 5.7 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy has a yield strength of 750 to 900 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the tensile strength of TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy has a tensile strength of 800 to 1,000 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What are the other names and codes for TZM molybdenum alloy?

TZM molybdenum alloy is also written as ASTM 363, ASTM 364, ASTM B386, TZM. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is TZM molybdenum alloy used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Vacuum furnace heating elements, trays in continuous heating furnaces, sinter boats; Forging tools; Rocket nozzles and engine valve bodies.

Why it exists

TZM is a molybdenum alloy with about 0.5 % titanium and 0.08 % zirconium. It is chosen for high-temperature work in vacuum or inert gas, where it keeps more strength than pure molybdenum. Plansee says it has a recrystallisation temperature of 1400 °C, against 1100 for pure molybdenum, and Wieland gives a reference yield strength of 750 to 900 MPa. Oxygen is the weak point: the ORNL study found it loses ductility at 500 ppm oxygen.

Where it's used

Furnace parts

Wieland lists vacuum furnace heating elements, trays in continuous furnaces, sinter boats and hot-runner tips for plastic injection nozzles.

Forging and tools

Plansee lists forging tools and rotating anodes in X-ray tubes as typical uses of TZM.

Military and nuclear hardware

Wikipedia lists torpedo engine valve bodies, rocket nozzles and radiation shields in nuclear applications.

Recipe

Mo balance, Ti 0.5, Zr 0.08, C 0.03 (reference values, weight %); titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy with carbide-forming carbon

TZM is a molybdenum-base alloy. Plansee gives 0.5 % titanium, 0.08 % zirconium and 0.01 to 0.04 % carbon, which forms fine carbides. ASTM B386 names two forms with 0.5 % titanium and 0.1 % zirconium: Alloy 363, vacuum arc-cast, and Alloy 364, powder metallurgy. Wikipedia gives roughly 99 % molybdenum, 0.5 % titanium, 0.08 % zirconium and some carbon.

What TZM is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Molybdenum Mo balance (the rest) The matrix of the alloy, with a body-centred cubic structure.
Titanium Ti 0.5% Forms fine carbides and oxide zones; the oxygen study shows titanium and zirconium react with oxygen.
Zirconium Zr 0.08% Forms carbides with carbon, and reacts with oxygen in service.
Carbon C 0.01 to 0.04% Forms fine carbides that raise strength and recrystallisation temperature (Plansee).

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Carry heat

130 W/(m·K)

measured

Thermal conductivity is about 130 W/(m·K) at 20 °C (Wieland, printed as ca. 130).

Hold strength when hot

1400 °C

measured

Plansee gives 1400 °C as the temperature for 100 % recrystallisation after 90 % deformation and one hour, which is above the 1100 for pure molybdenum.

Weight

10.2 g/cm3

measured

Density is 10.2 g/cm3 in the Wieland datasheet.

Stiffness

300 GPa

measured

The modulus of elasticity at 20 °C is 300 GPa.

Strength

750 to 900 MPa yield

measured

Reference yield strength is 750 to 900 MPa and reference tensile strength 800 to 1000 MPa, with 6 to 10 % elongation at L = 5D.

How it compares

Plansee states TZM is stronger than pure molybdenum and recrystallises at 1400 °C against 1100 for pure molybdenum. No pure-molybdenum density was taken from a fetched page for this profile, so the density row shows TZM only. The rows show these as examples, since the sources use different grades and conditions.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
MeasurementTZMWWCHfMoMo-ReMo-30WNbNb alloysReW-ReWHAW-CuW-AgWT20VV alloysZrZr alloysTiH2Be
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity of TZM at 20 °C130 W/(m·K)2174 W m-1 K-1110 W/(m·K)23 W/(m·K)142 W/(m·K)no datano data53.7 W/(m·K)38.1 W/(m·K)48 W/m·Kno datano data235 W/(m·K)no data174 W m-1 K-130.7 W/(m·K)no data22 W/(m·K)21.5 W/m-Kno data216 W/(m·K)
Specific heat of TZM0.25 J/(g·K)4no datano data25.69 J/(g·K)0.25 J/(g·K)no datano data264.8 J/(kg·K)no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data0.2847 kJ/(kg·K)0.285 J/g-°Cno data1.95 J/g/°C
Physical and electrical
Density of TZM10.2 g/cm³119250 kg/m314.8 g/cm³13.3 g/cm³10.22 g/cm³14.6 g/cm³10.9 g/cm³8.582 g/cm³8.85 g/cm³21.02 g/cm³19.4 g/cm³16.85 to 17.25 g/cc15.15 g/cm³11.75 to 16.1 g/cm³19250 kg m-36.11 g/cm³6.05 g/cm³6.51 g/cm³6.55 g/cc3.91 g/cm³1.85 g/cm³
Electrical conductivity of TZM at 20 °C15 MS/m5no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data34 %IACS37 to 75 %no datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Electrical resistance of TZM at 20 °C0.06 Ω·mm²/m65.4×10^-8 ohm mno datano data0.056 Ω·mm²/mno datano datano datano data196 nΩ·m70 circ mil/ftno data5 µΩ·cm2.3 to 4.6 µΩ·cmno datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Hardness of TZM (Vickers)200 to 250 HV8no datano datano datano datano data185 HV10no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Temperature behavior
Temperature for 100 % recrystallisation of TZM, 90 % deformation1400 °C12no datano datano data925 °Cno datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data800 °Cno datano datano datano datano data
Recommended operating temperature range of TZM700 to 1400 °C13no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Other measurements
Coefficient of thermal expansion of TZM, 0 to 300 °C5.3 to 5.7 ppm/K34.5×10^-6 K-15.5 μm/(m·K)5.9 ppm/K5.2 ppm/Kno datano data7.07 ppm/Kno datano datano datano data8.3 ppm/Kno datano data8.3 ppm/Kno data6.3 10-6/°C6 µm/(m·°C)no data11.3 ppm/°C
Modulus of elasticity of TZM at 20 °C300 GPa7411 GPa530 to 700 GPa137 GPano datano datano data105 GPa90 GPa460 GPano data340 GPa280 GPano data411 GPa128 GPa125.6 GPa99.2 GPa99.3 GPano data290 GPa
Tensile strength of TZM, reference range800 to 1000 MPa9no datano data> 400 MPa411 MPa719 MPa170 MPa386 MPa386 MPa400 to 700 MPa220 x 10^3 psi758 MPa620 to 689 MPano datano datano data488 MPa468.1 MPa541 MPano data> 290 MPa
Yield strength of TZM, reference range750 to 900 MPa10no datano data> 151 MPa265 MPa557 MPano data276 MPa276 MPa200 to 500 MPano data517 MPano datano datano datano data402 MPa321.1 MPa468 MPano data> 207 MPa
Elongation of TZM, L = 5D, reference range6 to 10 %11no datano data> 20 %no data18 %10 %20 %20 %30 to 50 %20 %5 %8.3 %no datano data35 %30.8 %28.9 %28 %no data> 3 %
Oxygen content at which exposed TZM loses ductility500 wt ppm O14no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Operating limit for TZM in oxidising gases< 825 °C15no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data2200 °Cno datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • High-temperature furnace and hot-tool parts in vacuum or inert gas: recrystallisation at 1400 °C.
  • Heat flow: about 130 W/(m·K) at 20 °C.
  • Stiffness: 300 GPa modulus with a 750 to 900 MPa reference yield strength.

Watch out for

  • Oxygen: TZM loses ductility at 500 ppm oxygen and was embrittled within 5 to 24 hours at 1150 °C in the ORNL study.
  • Oxidising gas: keep below 825 °C if the part must be used in oxygen, water vapour or CO.
  • Supply: China, Chile, Peru and the United States produced most of the 260,000 t of molybdenum mined in 2025, and China imposed powder export controls in February 2025.
  • Some values, including the melting point, are missing for TZM itself.

TZM is a molybdenum alloy with about 0.5 % titanium and 0.08 % zirconium, chosen for strength and high recrystallisation temperature at high temperature. Wieland gives a reference density of 10.2 g/cm3, a thermal conductivity of about 130 W/(m·K) and a yield strength of 750 to 900 MPa. Its main weakness is oxygen, which embrittles it at 500 ppm and within hours at 1150 °C. This profile lacks a TZM melting point, a UNS number and any space-environment test data.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
ASTM363, 364, B386
Trade nameTZM (short name, from Titan-Zirkon-Molybdän)

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density of TZMReference value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheetform reference value, grade and temper not statedtemperature not stated in the rowunit in source g/cm³—
2Thermal conductivity of TZM at 20 °CValue printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature 20 °C (293 K)qualifier printed as ca. 130form not stated—
3Coefficient of thermal expansion of TZM, 0 to 300 °CRange printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature 0 to 300 °C (273 to 573 K)unit in source 5.3 – 5.7 × 10-6 1/K—
4Specific heat of TZMValue printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature not stated in the rowunit in source 0.25 J/(g·K)—
5Electrical conductivity of TZM at 20 °CValue printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature 20 °C (293 K)qualifier printed as ca. 15—
6Electrical resistance of TZM at 20 °CValue printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature 20 °C (293 K)qualifier printed as ca. 0.06—
7Modulus of elasticity of TZM at 20 °CReference value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheettemperature 20 °C (293 K)unit in source 300 kN/mm²—
8Hardness of TZM (Vickers)Reference range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheetform reference value, temper not stated—
9Tensile strength of TZM, reference rangeReference range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheetform reference value, temper not statedunit in source 800–1.000 N/mm²note the datasheet says tensile strength depends on cross-section and design—
10Yield strength of TZM, reference rangeReference range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheetform reference value, temper not statedunit in source 750–900 N/mm²—
11Elongation of TZM, L = 5D, reference rangeReference range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheetgauge length L = 5Dform reference value, temper not stated—
12Temperature for 100 % recrystallisation of TZM, 90 % deformationValue in a table of recrystallisation temperatures printed on the Plansee molybdenum properties pageannealing time 1 hourdeformation 90 %definition temperature for 100 % recrystallisationform not statedThe same table gives 1100 for pure molybdenum at 90 % deformation, and TZM at 99.99 % deformation is shown as a dash
13Recommended operating temperature range of TZMRange printed on the Plansee molybdenum alloys pagebasis recommended operating temperature printed for TZM—
14Oxygen content at which exposed TZM loses ductilityDuctility result from tensile tests of oxygen-exposed TZM sheet, Oak Ridge National Laboratory report ORNL-5431exposure oxidising gas (oxygen, water vapour or CO) at 825 to 1150 °Cindependent of exposure temperaturematerial TZM sheet, 0.51 mm, ORNL study—
15Operating limit for TZM in oxidising gasesRecommendation printed in the conclusions of an Oak Ridge National Laboratory reportenvironment oxidising gases, oxygen, water vapour or CObasis ORNL recommendation for closed-cycle energy systems—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Low-pressure oxygen at 1150 °C severe Oxygen dissolves into TZM and it loses its ductility within hours.1
Oxygen, water vapour or CO at 825 to 1000 °C moderate At 1000 °C TZM is embrittled after 100 hours in oxygen or 1500 hours in CO.2
Molten fluoride salt (FLiBe) above 1300 °C low TZM resists molten fluoride salts above 1300 °C with little measurable corrosion.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Low-pressure oxygen at 1150 °C TZM picks up oxygen at about 20 ppm/h at 1150 °C in 1.3 mPa oxygen and loses carbon, from 177 to 43 ppm after 100 hours. Tensile ductility falls in 5 to 24 hours. Oxide zones and precipitates harden the alloy and promote cleavage and grain-boundary fracture. pressure 1.3 mPa oxygentemperature 1150 °Cspecimen 0.51 mm TZM sheet, ORNL study composition Ti 0.51 wt%, Zr 0.054 wt%
2 Oxygen, water vapour or CO at 825 to 1000 °C The ORNL study says TZM is embrittled after 100 hours exposure in 1.3 mPa oxygen at 1000 °C, or after 1500 hours in 1.3 mPa CO at 1000 °C. Below 825 °C oxygen uptake is by bulk diffusion, and the study predicts ductility below 5 % after 20,000 hours at 825 °C for 0.51 mm sheet. pressure 1.3 mPatemperature 825 to 1000 °Cthickness 0.51 mm sheet, predicted case
3 Molten fluoride salt (FLiBe) above 1300 °C Wikipedia reports that TZM resists molten fluoride salts above 1,300 °C and lasted 1100 hours with so little corrosion that it was difficult to measure, in a test with FLiBe salt and its vapour. salt FLiBe and salt vapourduration 1100 hourstemperature above 1300 °C

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The hazard notifications for molybdenum disagree, and none of the opened sources describes a health effect of a TZM part.

Molybdenum as a substance
Notifications to the European chemicals agency for molybdenum give H228 flammable solid for 30 % of codes and H361 for 29.5 %, but 57.4 % of reports do not meet the criteria. The NITE-CMC entries list only irritation, H315, H319 and H335.

If it fails

The failure route in the sources is oxygen, not mechanical overload.

Oxygen
At 1150 °C in 1.3 mPa oxygen, TZM lost ductility in 5 to 24 hours in the ORNL study, and exposed TZM loses ductility at 500 ppm oxygen.
Recrystallisation
Plansee gives 1400 °C as the temperature for full recrystallisation of TZM after 90 % deformation, against 1100 for pure molybdenum.

Handling and storage

Oxidising gas
Keep TZM below 825 °C in oxygen, water vapour or CO, the ORNL recommendation.
Specify the datasheet values
Wieland's strengths are reference ranges with no temper stated, so test the real part.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Oxygen embrittlementcritical severityExposure to oxygen, water vapour or CO at 825 to 1150 °CExposed TZM loses its ductility at 500 ppm oxygen, and in the ORNL study it lost ductility in 5 to 24 hours at 1150 °C in 1.3 mPa oxygen. The study concludes it is generally not suitable for closed-cycle energy systems.
Recrystallisation of cold-worked structuremoderate severityAnnealing or service above about 1400 °C after 90 % deformation (1 hour)The recrystallised structure replaces the deformed one. Plansee gives 1400 °C for TZM and 1100 for pure molybdenum in the same table; the page gives no strength figure for the change.

Side effects on surrounding parts

Side effects on surrounding parts
AffectsEffect
Mass of hot-zone hardwareMolybdenum is dense at 10.2 g/cm3 (Wieland reference value for TZM), so mass is a concern in lightweight hardware. Wieland's datasheet lists TZM for trays, sinter boats, heating elements and hot-runner tips, all of them furnace or mould parts rather than structures.

Handling and storage

  • Keep TZM below 825 °C in oxidising gases, since the ORNL study finds oxygen embrittlement follows exposure in oxygen, water vapour or CO.
  • Wieland notes that tensile strength depends on cross-section and design, so reference strengths are not a guarantee for a given part.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Molybdenum (mine production, molybdenum content, 2025 estimate)

Top producers (2025)
China 37.3%, Chile 16.2%, Peru 15%, United States 15.4%
Recycling
USGS: molybdenum recycled as part of new and old steel and other scrap may be as much as 30 % of the apparent supply. There is no separate recovery process for secondary molybdenum from its alloys.
Substitutes
USGS: little substitution for molybdenum in steels and cast irons. Potential substitutes in refractory materials for high-temperature electric furnaces are graphite, tantalum and tungsten.