Title: The role of rare earth elements in the development of magnesium base alloys

Authors: W. Unsworth

Addresses: Magnesium Elektron Limited, UK

Abstract: This paper examines the importance of rare earth metals in the development of magnesium alloys, and their effect on mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Examples are given of commercial and some experimental alloys, and their advantages and limitations are briefly discussed. A number of alloy compositions that are suitable for the production of shapes using sand, gravity die and precision (e.g. lost-wax) casting techniques, and offering a range of properties, are in commercial use and new alloys are being introduced. No alloy has yet been developed which is suitable for high-pressure die casting. Although a number of alloy compositions offer attractive properties in the wrought condition, little commercial use has been made of them. Rare earth elements are being studied in connection with rapid solidification techniques and a number of compositions offering high ambient-temperature strength and excellent corrosion resistance have been reported. Finally, opportunities for further research and development work are briefly discussed.

Keywords: rare earth metals; magnesium alloys; magnesium casting alloys; magnesium wrought alloys; rapidly solidified magnesium alloys; mechanical properties; elevated temperature properties; creep resistance; corrosion behaviour; rapidly solidification; corrosion resistance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1989.036742

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1989 Vol.4 No.4, pp.359 - 378

Published online: 06 Nov 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article