The Status and Potential of Rapid Solidification of Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn spite of giving exceptionally low density and excellent machinability at relatively low cost, magnesium alloys have found only restricted application as engineering materials to date because of limitations in formability, corrosion resistance, strength and creep resistance. Although the very earliest work on record to employ rapid solidification as a means to enhance engineering properties was carried out on magnesium-base alloys, subsequent work employing more modern techniques has not, until very recently, been motivated by the need for alloy development. The present study combines a critical survey of relevant published work with an assessment of the potential of magnesium-base alloys for development by the rapid solidification route.