A brief history of the development of grain refinement technology for cast magnesium alloys

Grain size control during casting is important for ensuring the best and most consistent mechanical and corrosion performance is achieved in magnesium alloy components. Also, it is important for the fabrication of wrought Mg products with desired surface quality. Industrially, this means employing grain refinement methods. The important role of grain refinement was realized in the 1930s. However, developing a good understanding of the solidification mechanisms for improved refinement technologies involved in successful refinement has been the subject of ongoing research ever since. This paper provides a brief history of developments both scientifically and industrially, and summarizes current issues related to the development of improved grain refiners.