Light Magnesium-Lithium Alloys for Automotive, Space, and, Aviation Applications

Magnesium-Based Alloys that Are Tougher, Stronger, and Lighter than Conventional Materials

These magnesium alloys are designed for use where lightweight and high-strength are crucial, such as in airplanes, automobiles, and space craft. Magnesium alloys have a wide range of applications because they have a low density and have high specific strength and stiffness. The market for magnesium alloys should reach $4.2 billion by 2028. However, the relatively low toughness of these alloys has limited their use in automotive and aerospace applications in the past.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a family of magnesium-based alloys for use in automotive and aero applications that maintain the beneficial properties of conventional magnesium alloys but have greatly improved toughness and strength-to-weight ratio.

Application

Light, strong, and tough structural magnesium alloys for automotive, space, and aviation

Advantages

• Greater strength-to-weight ratio than conventional materials, decreasing weight in vehicles
• Tougher than other magnesium alloys, allowing for use in more structural applications
• Magnesium-lithium alloys can shield against radiation in spacecrafts, protecting personnel and internal equipment

Technology

This family of magnesium alloys contains small percentages of lithium, gallium, or indium. Unlike conventional precipitation-strengthened magnesium-based alloys, these alloys have a body-centered cubic matrix, contributing to their increased toughness.