Achievements in magnesium alloy research

Research into magnesium die-cast alloys from the Mg-Al-(Zn), Mg-Zn-(Al), Mg-rare earth (RE) and Mg-Al-RE systems is discussed. Particular attention is paid to factors influencing mechanical properties and castability. The nature and level of alloy addition is in all cases an important determinant of castability (cracking and fluidity) and mechanical properties (strength, ductility and creep resistance). The interplay of these factors shows considerable variation between different alloy systems.