by Magnesium is one of the most abundantly available metals on Earth. It is lightweight yet robust and has a silvery shine.
Physical Properties
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal with a specific gravity of only 1.74. It is approximately two-thirds the density of aluminum. This light weight makes magnesium an attractive option for applications where weight savings is important.
Magnesium Metal has a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure which gives it desirable mechanical properties. It is a hard metal that is both ductile and malleable, allowing it to be easily cast and machined. Magnesium has a high strength-to-weight ratio, providing strength comparable to aluminum alloys despite its lower density.
Chemical Properties
Magnesium Metal is quite reactive and flammable in its pure form. When exposed to air, it forms a thin layer of magnesium oxide that protects the underlying metal from further corrosion. This self-healing property of magnesium makes it resistant to corrosion.
However, magnesium still corrodes in the presence of moisture. Its standard electrode potential of -2.37 volts makes it very electropositive. Magnesium readily loses its two outermost electrons to form cations and needs alloying or protective coatings for corrosive environments.
Thermal and Electrical Properties
Magnesium metal has a high thermal conductivity of around 100-150 W/m-K. This allows it to dissipate heat efficiently. It has a melting point of 650°C and a boiling point of 1090°C.
Electrically, magnesium conducts better than aluminum yet not as well as copper. With a resistivity of 0.000082 Ω-m, magnesium can be a reasonable option for electrical applications needing lightweight conductors. However, its oxidation prevents its direct use as an electrical conductor.
Common Applications
Automotive
As the world’s lightest structural metal, magnesium finds widespread use in automotive applications to reduce weight. Over 10% of a modern vehicle’s weight may contain magnesium components. Some key uses are die-cast parts for engine blocks, transmissions, steering wheels etc. Sheet magnesium is also used in various auto body parts.
Aircraft Manufacturing
In the aerospace industry, every pound saved in weight translates to greater fuel efficiency. Magnesium alloys are therefore heavily utilized in aircraft structural components like frames, panels and engine casings. Some military aircraft use magnesium alloy skins to minimize radar signature.
Electronics
In electronics, machines and devices, magnesium metal helps reduce weight through die-cast housings, laptop casings, mobile phone frames and camera bodies. Its high thermal conductivity also aids in heat management for electronic components.
Sports Gear
Sports equipment manufacturers extensively use magnesium to develop light yet robust gear. Some applications are bicycle frames, tennis racquets, golf clubs and protective sports equipment.
Other Notable Uses
As well as the above major sectors, magnesium finds many more specialized niche applications. Some of these are titanium alloying, flares and pyrotechnics, flashlight casings, desk accessories, art materials and photographic flashbulbs for its high thermal capability. Its alloys are also emerging for biomedical implant materials. Magnesium’s versatile properties continue inspiring new innovations across industries.
Alloying and Processing of Magnesium
Pure magnesium has limited applications due to its low strength, ductility and corrosion resistance. These properties are significantly improved by alloying magnesium with other metals.
Some of the commonly used magnesium alloys along with their key properties and applications are:
– AZ91D (Aluminum, Zinc) – High strength and castability. Used in die casts, housings, gears etc.
– AM60 (Aluminum, Manganese) – Ductility and weldability. Sheet metal forming for auto/appliance parts.
– Elektron 21 (Aluminum, Manganese) – Strength and corrosion resistance. Spaceship frames, aircraft panels.
– ZK60 (Zinc) – High temperature strength. Engine casings, heat shields.
– WE43 (Rare earth elements) – Creep resistance. Furnace components, rocket casings.
Magnesium can be injection molded, extruded into shapes, cast through die-casting at 700°C. It offers good formability when annealed and machinability when work-hardened. Lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloys fabricated through these processes cater to multifarious industrial applications.
Environmental and Sustainability Advantages
Being the lightest structural metal, magnesium metal contributes significantly to reducing environmental impact through lightweighting of transportation vehicles and construction materials. Energy efficient magnesium alloys help lower fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
As the eighth most abundant element in Earth’s crust, magnesium reserves are plentiful and well distributed globally. Its production is also a clean process involving electrolysis of magnesium chloride. Overall, substitution of denser metals by versatile and environment-friendly magnesium meets sustainable materials development goals.
Closing Thoughts
From mobile phones to missile frames, this reactive alkali earth metal touches nearly every technology in subtle yet enabling ways. Magnesium’s unique density-strength balance combined with its casting amenability and recyclability ensures extensive present usage as well as room for increased consumption. With continuous material innovations and expanded alloy systems, the amazing utility of magnesium is set to grow even further.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
