On selection of advanced compositions of flame resistant magnesium alloys

Magnesium alloys are among the most advanced structural materials in aviation and mechanical engineering industry due to their low density and high strength-weight ratio, but their ability to ignite at temperatures from 500°C, while actively sustaining combustion, can cause disastrous consequences even in the event of minor emergencies. This paper is intended to investigate the compositions that can enhance flame resistance of magnesium alloys. Comparison was made between ignition temperatures of commercial cast alloy ML10, LPSO-structure alloy, advanced cast alloy with rare earth metals, and variations of these alloys with different additives — agents that improve flame resistance. It has been established that the maximum flame resistance is provided by those alloys that contain both the LPSO phase and the Yb or Ca additive as agents capable of raising the ignition temperature to 1000°C or even higher.