Are Magnesium Alloys Applied in Cars Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly? A Critical Review

Abstract

In the scientific literature, the terms sustainable, green, ecofriendly and environment(ally) friendly are used regarding magnesium alloys applied in cars. When sustainability is defined as remaining within safe planetary boundaries for mankind or as conserving natural capital for transfer to future generations, current alloys based on primary magnesium applied in cars are not sustainable. Current alloys based on primary magnesium are not green, ecofriendly or environmentally friendly when these terms mean that there is no burden to the environment or a minimal burden to the environment. Available environmental data do not support claims that current alloys based on magnesium originating from the Pidgeon process, which replace primary mild conventional steel in automotive applications, can be characterized as green, ecofriendly or environmentally friendly. There are options for substantially reducing contributions to the life cycle environmental burden of magnesium alloys. Minimizing the life cycle environmental burden of magnesium alloys may enable them to be characterized as environmentally friendly, ecofriendly or green in the sense of a minimal burden to the environment.