Evolution, limitations, advantages, and future challenges of magnesium alloys as materials for aerospace applications

The article reviews the development, current use, and future potential of magnesium alloys in the aerospace industry. Magnesium alloys are valued for their high specific strength, stiffness, excellent damping properties, electromagnetic shielding, and thermal conductivity. These properties make them particularly useful for manufacturing critical components in aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, as they reduce weight and enhance performance. China is a leading producer of magnesium alloys, with substantial use in aerospace, contributing to lighter aircraft and spacecraft, improved maneuverability, and lower launch costs. Despite their advantages, magnesium alloys face challenges, including poor corrosion resistance, low strength at high temperatures, and casting difficulties. The paper discusses the evolution of magnesium alloys, noting their early use in the 20th century and a resurgence in the 1990s. It highlights ongoing research to develop magnesium-rare earth (Mg-RE) alloys, which offer better strength and high-temperature resistance. The paper also outlines the limitations of magnesium alloys compared to aluminum alloys, which remain dominant due to superior overall performance. In the future, advancements in surface treatments, manufacturing processes, and alloy compositions are crucial for overcoming current limitations, enabling broader use of magnesium alloys in aerospace applications.