The implementation of the standard for wide-width molybdenum sheets (GB/T 43095-2023) has broken the foreign monopoly on molybdenum sheets, particularly wide-width molybdenum sheets, primarily based on the urgent needs for technological autonomy, industrial security, market expansion, enhancement of international discourse power, and promotion of technological progress. It has accelerated the process of localization substitution and holds significant importance for improving the technological level and international discourse power of China’s molybdenum industry.
With the rapid development of high-definition and flexible semiconductor industries, the demand for wide-width molybdenum sheets has surged. In display manufacturing, larger-sized molybdenum sheets can meet the production requirements of high-resolution screens, reduce splicing gaps, enhance display effects, while improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs. However, at that time, the domestic market for wide-width molybdenum sheets relied heavily on imports, with a single foreign enterprise monopolizing high-end products, resulting in high prices and limited supply. To change this situation and meet the needs of domestic industrial development, the formulation of GB/T 43095 standard became imperative.
I. Technological Autonomy and Industrial Security
Technological Gap Filling: In the field of wide-width molybdenum sheets, foreign countries have long monopolized core technologies, leading to a technological gap in China. For example, in the case of G6-generation ultra-large-sized high-end molybdenum targets, China previously relied on imports and had to purchase large quantities of products from abroad each year. Through independent research and development and standard formulation, China has successfully filled this technological gap and achieved localization substitution of wide-width molybdenum sheets.
Supply Chain Security: Heavy reliance on imported molybdenum sheets not only implies high costs but also poses a risk of supply chain disruption at any time. Achieving localization substitution can safeguard the supply chain security of China’s molybdenum industry and reduce dependence on external markets.
II. Market Expansion and Industrial Upgrading
Meeting Domestic Demand: With the rapid development of high-definition and flexible semiconductor industries, the demand for wide-width molybdenum sheets has surged. Localization substitution can meet the needs of domestic industrial development and promote the rapid growth of related industries.
Industrial Upgrading: The research and development of wide-width molybdenum sheets and the formulation of national standards have driven China’s molybdenum industry towards high-tech and high-value-added directions. This helps enhance the overall competitiveness of China’s molybdenum industry and achieve industrial upgrading.
III. Enhancing International Discourse Power
Breaking the Monopoly: By breaking the foreign monopoly on high-end molybdenum sputtering targets, the position of China’s molybdenum industry in the international market has been elevated. This helps China争取 (strive for) more discourse power and pricing power in the international molybdenum market.
Standard Leadership: The national standard for wide-width molybdenum sheets formulated by China provides new technical references and standard leadership for the international molybdenum market. This helps enhance the international influence of China’s molybdenum industry and promote the healthy development of the global molybdenum market.
IV. Promoting Technological Progress and Innovation
Technological Breakthroughs: During the research and development process of wide-width molybdenum sheets, China has overcome a series of issues, such as large-unit-weight molybdenum powder metallurgy slab production, large-sized molybdenum sheet rolling, and machining technologies. These technological breakthroughs provide strong support for the further development of the molybdenum industry.
Innovation-Driven: The process of localization substitution is also an innovation-driven process. Through independent research and development and technological innovation, China’s molybdenum industry continuously introduces new products and technologies to meet the ever-changing market demands.
Standard Content and Characteristics
GB/T 43095-2023 “Wide-Width Molybdenum Sheets” standard is systematic and comprehensive, mainly covering the following six aspects:
Product Classification: Wide-width molybdenum sheets are scientifically classified into three categories based on their final delivery state and microstructural properties: as-rolled, stress-relieved annealed, and recrystallization annealed states, providing clear guidance for users in material selection.
Chemical Composition: The standard strictly stipulates the purity requirements for the main element molybdenum (Mo) in the sheets and limits the content of key impurity elements such as carbon (C), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and silicon (Si) to ensure that the sheets possess excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and high strength.
Density and Mechanical Properties: The standard specifies the density requirements and testing methods for the sheets and defines mechanical property indicators such as tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at room temperature for products in different states, providing a basis for structural design, load-bearing assessment, and processing and forming.
Dimensional Specifications and Allowable Deviations: The standard details the thickness, width, and length ranges of the products and their allowable deviations, with particularly strict regulations on the flatness and side edge curvature of wide-width sheets to ensure high precision and high yield rates during subsequent precision processing and assembly.
Surface Quality Requirements: The standard clearly defines the types, degrees, and testing methods for defects on the sheet surface, such as cracks, peeling, folding, oxidation, contamination, and dents. Excellent surface quality is a prerequisite for ensuring uniform sputtering target coating and improving the service life of thermal field components.
Ultrasonic Testing: The standard specifies the ultrasonic testing process and defect judgment criteria to ensure that the internal quality of the sheets meets the standard requirements.