Formation and Evaluation of Protective Layer over Magnesium Melt Under CO2/Air Mixtures

Molten magnesium oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air causing melt loss and handling difficulties. The use of certain additive gases to form a protective MgO layer over a magnesium melt has been proposed. The oxidation behavior of molten magnesium in air that contains various concentrations of CO2 was investigated, including the kinetics of the oxide layer growth. Experiments were performed using a thermogravimetric analysis unit in the temperature range of 943 K to 1043 K (670 degrees C to 770 degrees C). Results showed that a thin, coherent, and protective MgO-C layer was formed under the test conditions. The thicknesses of this layer formed under CO2/air ranged from 500 nm to 12 mu m. Rate parameters were calculated and a model for the process was developed. The morphology and composition of the surface films were studied using SEM and EDS.