Magnesium Alloys
Magnesium alloys are a fairly new type of versatile and light-weight metal alloy made from magnesium and other metallic elements. With features like easy casting, superior strength and ductility and corrosion resistance, magnesium alloys are increasingly being used in the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industries. This article will go over some of the properties and uses of magnesium alloys and examine them in comparison to some other light-weight metals.
Physical Characteristics of Magnesium Alloys
Magnesium alloys are generally lightweight with a density of 1.7-2.4 g/ cm3, which is about two-thirds that of aluminum. They also have good melting points of around 390-495°C and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The alloys themselves can be divided up into three groups depending on their weight and strength: low-density alloys, high-strength alloys, and ultra-high-strength alloys.
Low-density alloys are often used when weight is a major concern, like in aircraft components or consumer products. They can come in cast and wrought forms and feature a low coefficient of thermal expansion. High-strength alloys are stronger than low-density alloys, but are also more expensive. They contain a base of magnesium with small amounts of copper, zinc, and manganese. Ultra-high-strength alloys are the strongest magnesium alloys available, while also being very lightweight. They are typically made with magnesium, rare earths, and zinc.
Alloy Properties
Magnesium alloys have many advantageous physical and mechanical properties, such as good corrosion resistance, great thermal and electrical conductivity, excellent fatigue strength, high ductility, and excellent castability. The alloys have a moderately low cost, which makes them a great option for mass production. The strength and properties of these alloys can also be improved through heat treatments like aging, annealing, and quenching and tempering.
Applications of Magnesium Alloys
Magnesium alloys are used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and construction to aerospace and biomedical. They are often used as structural components in aerospace, automotive, and electronics due to their strength, light weight, and affordability. They can also be used for components and parts that need to be resistant to corrosion and heat. They are also used for medical implants due to their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Comparison to Other Light-Weight Metals
Magnesium alloys are much lighter than aluminum alloys, but not as strong. They are about two-thirds the weight of aluminum, but have lower tensile and yield strengths. Aluminum alloys are still the go-to choice for many applications because they are easily available, inexpensive and have higher mechanical properties than magnesium alloys.
Conclusion
Magnesium alloys are a versatile and light-weight metal alloy used in a wide range of industries. It has good physical and mechanical properties, including a good strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and excellent castability. Compared to other light-weight metals, like aluminum, magnesium alloys are not as strong or are as easily available, but its affordability and wide range of uses makes it a great choice for many applications.
