What Does
Magnesium Alloy Mean?
Magnesium alloy refers to a group of metals that are composed of magnesium (Mg) and another metal that have been jointly compounded. Magnesium is highly corrosion resistant in certain applications. However, it and its alloys rely on a natural surface film to control corrosion.
Corrosionpedia Explains Magnesium Alloy
Magnesium is the 8th most abundant element on the earth. This makes it an easily obtainable metal to be fused with others and used for a wide range of applications. It is alloyed with several other metals including aluminum, zinc, manganese, silicon and zirconium. This is also due to the fact that magnesium has several positive characteristics that can be harnessed:
- High strength to weight ratio
- 35% lighter than aluminum
- 75% lighter than iron
- Good rigidity and castability
- Good electromagnetic shielding
However, it is important to protect magnesium and its alloys through the use of proper corrosion protection mechanisms like films and coatings. A good film restricts the outward flow of cations and inward flow of damaging anions.