What is a magnesium alloy?

Magnesium alloys are alloys based on magnesium with other elements added. They are characterized by low density (approximately 1.8 g/cm³), high strength, high elastic modulus, good heat dissipation, excellent shock absorption, greater impact load resistance than aluminum alloys, and excellent resistance to organic and alkali corrosion. The main alloying elements are aluminum, zinc, manganese, cerium, thorium, and small amounts of zirconium or cadmium. The most widely used alloy is magnesium-aluminum, followed by magnesium-manganese and magnesium-zinc-zirconium. They are primarily used in industries such as aviation, aerospace, transportation, chemicals, and rocketry.