ABSTRACT
When strength-to-weight ratio is an important consideration, magnesium
alloys compete with aluminum alloys. Magnesium has a density of
1.74 g/cm
, which is 36% less than that of aluminum. However, aluminum
is less expensive and has a greater corrosion resistance. The oxide film
formed on magnesium provides only limited protection, unlike the adherent
protective oxide film on aluminum. The primary application of magnesium
alloys are for die-cast products.
