Structure-function integrated magnesium alloys and their composites

•This review summarizes the recent progress in the mechanisms for some typical functional properties, such as damping capacity, thermal conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, flame retardancy, and dissolvability. Additionally, the latest developments of high-performance structural-functional integrated Mg-based materials are summarized, and avenues for future research on the structural and functional integrated Mg alloys and their composites are proposed. Magnesium-based materials not only exhibit desirable characteristics such as low density and high specific strength, but also possess exceptional functional properties, including high damping capacity, high thermal conductivity, high electromagnetic interference shielding capacity, flame retardancy, and dissolvability. However, achieving a balance between strength and functional properties remains a significant challenge in Mg alloys community. Typically, strength depends on the pinning effect of defects, such as solute atoms and second phases, which hinder dislocation motion. On the other hand, optimal functional properties usually necessitate relative perfect crystal structures, as the presence of solute atoms and second phases can have adverse effects on damping capacity and thermal conductivity. Balancing these conflicting requirements is difficult. The trade-off between strength and functional properties of the Mg alloys should be broken to meet the urgent need in aerospace, automotive, 3C (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) and energy industries for high performance structural-functional integrated Mg-based materials. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the mechanisms and influencing factors for the functional properties of Mg alloys. The mechanisms underlying the trade-off between strength and functional properties of Mg alloys is discussed. The latest developed structural-functional integrated Mg alloys and their composites are summarized, including high strength Mg-based materials with high damping capacity / high thermal conductivity / strong electromagnetic shielding capability / excellent flame-resistance / high dissolution rate. The future works of developing structure-function integrated Mg-based materials are proposed.