Oxidation Resistance of Cast Magnesium Alloys

The purpose of the present study was to examine the oxidation of Mg–Al alloys in the atmosphere of oxygen at various temperatures. The basic examination methods used were differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). The results show that the oxide layer can either protect the material against progressive oxidation or it can cause complete disintegration of material. The nature of the oxide layer formed depends on the external conditions, i.e. on the atmosphere, temperature, and type of alloy. A model of the Mg–Al alloy oxidation was calculated from the TG curves.