Characteristics of Magnesium Alloy
Magnesium alloy is an important engineering material that is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties. The combination of magnesium and its alloying element, such as aluminum and zinc, results in characteristics of strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility and malleability, specific gravity, machinability, and corrosion resistance. In this paper, the general properties of magnesium alloys are discussed in detail.
Mechanical properties
Mechanical properties of magnesium alloys can be greatly affected by their chemical composition, manufacturing processes, and service conditions. Studies have found that magnesium alloys have good specific strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness. This is attributed to their lightweight, high strength and low thermal expansion coefficient. In addition, magnesium alloy has excellent wear-resistance and energy-absorption capacity. It has been widely used for its excellent wear-resistance and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
Thermal Properties
Magnesium alloy has a low thermal conductivity but it has excellent conductivity to heat. It also has a high melting point and high thermal stability. This allows the material to withstand different working conditions and still maintain its properties. The low coefficient of thermal expansion of magnesium alloy leads to low thermal stress production during operation. It also reduces the need for additional measures such as adhesive bonding for achieving a thermal-proof joint.
Magnetic Properties
Magnesium alloys have been studied for their magnetic properties. They show a strong magnetic response and possess high permeability. This magnetic property makes magnesium alloys an ideal material for electromagnetic shielding. It also provides excellent performance while used in anisotropic magnetic recording media and miniature magnetic components.
Corrosion Resistance
Magnesium and its alloys are highly corrosion resistant. Its corrosion resistance is due to the formation of a surface oxide film that is impervious to both water and oxygen. The surface oxide film has typical thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 nanometers, which provides excellent corrosion protection.
The protective oxide film also prevents corrosion from aggressive components such as chlorine, sulphur, and other compounds. Depending on the protective oxide film, surface treatment and coating may be required for environments with high humidity, humidity with salt and other sources of corrosion.
Conclusion
Magnesium alloy is an important engineering material that is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties. Its combination of magnesium and alloying element, such as aluminum and zinc, results in characteristics of strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility and malleability, specific gravity, machinability, and corrosion resistance. This paper discussed in detail the general properties of magnesium alloys including its mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, and corrosion resistance. With thorough knowledge of magnesium alloys, designers and engineers can take full advantage of magnesium alloys in their designs and projects.
