Review Article

Essential Magnesium Alloys Binary Phase Diagrams and Their Thermochemical Data

Table 1

Effect of major alloying elements on Mg alloys [23].

Alloying elementEffects of Addition

AlIncreases hardness, strength, and castability while only increasing density minimally.
CaImproves thermal and mechanical properties as well as assists in grain refinement and creep resistance. Also, it reduces surface tension.
CeImproves corrosion resistance. Also, it increases plastic deformation capability, magnesium elongation, and work hardening rates. But it reduces yield strength.
CuAssists in increasing both room and high temperature strength.
MnIncreases saltwater corrosion resistance within some aluminum containing alloys.
NiIncreases both yield and ultimate strength at room temperature.
Negatively impacts ductility and corrosion resistance.
NdImproves material strength.
SrUsed in conjunction with other elements to enhance creep performance.
SnWhen used with aluminum it improves ductility and reduces tendency to crack during processing.
YEnhances high temperature strength and creep performance when combined with other rare earth metals.
ZnIncreases the alloys fluidity in casting.
When added to magnesium alloys with nickel and iron impurities, it can improve corrosion resistance.
Additions of 2 wt.% or greater tend to be prone to hot cracking.