Applications

Magnesium has multiple applications and is widely used in various industries. It is used in the aluminum, automobile, consumer electronics, steel and chemical industries.

Worldwide production of magnesium exceeded 800,000 metric tons in 2010 and production is expected to increase annually. Its primary usage is divided in the following 4 categories:

Aluminum Alloying - 40%
Die Casting or Magnesium Alloying - 35%
Desulfurization or Iron and Steel Processing - 15%
Other - 10%

Magnesium can be used as an alloying element in aluminum alloys. This category currently represents approximately 40% of total magnesium usage. Aluminum-magnesium alloys have improved ductility, enhanced resistance to saltwater corrosion, and improved cryogenic properties. The 5,000 series of aluminum alloys, or marine alloys, are mostly used for boat building, shipbuilding, and other marine applications because of their excellent corrosion resistance. This series of aluminum alloys may contain up to 5.5% magnesium. The 7,000 series of aluminum alloys often referred to as the aerospace alloys is used in aircraft and other aerospace applications and may contain up to 3.5% magnesium.  Aluminum beverage cans usually use alloy 3004, which contains up to 1.1% magnesium for the can’s body and alloy 5182, which contains up to 4.5% magnesium for its lid. The market growth of this application depends on the growth of the aluminum industry in general.

Die Casting or Magnesium Alloying

Magnesium alloys have the following characteristics:

-        The lightest of all structural metals

-        Excellent stiffness and strength – to- weight ratio

-        High conductivity, electrical and thermal

-        Withstands high operating temperatures

-        Good environmental corrosion resistance

-        Good finishing characteristics

-        Fully recyclable

This category is growing and currently represents approximately 35% of magnesium consumption.  Magnesium alloys are used for pressure die casting, structural applications and numerous lightweight applications (automotive, hand tools, computers, etc.)  Due to the lightweight and high strength properties’ of magnesium, die casting will remain in high demand especially driven by the auto industry as a way to reduce vehicle weight and greenhouse emissions.

Desulfurization and Nodularization

In the iron and steel industry, magnesium is used for desulfurization and nodularization. Currently this category represents approximately 15% of magnesium consumption. Desulfurization is a process that safeguards steel from corrosion and nodularization is a process that strengthens iron. The typical magnesium consumption for desulfurization of low-iron steel is 0.5 kg per metric ton of steel. The market growth of this application depends on the growth of the steel industry.

Other Applications

These applications include the use of magnesium as a reagent in the production of titanium and zirconium by the Kroll process.  The Kroll process is the reduction of uranium fluoride to uranium metal, and the production of beryllium and hafnium. Furthermore, magnesium ion is essential for all living organisms, therefore magnesium salts are used as food additives and fertilizers. Magnesium hydroxide is used in milk of magnesia; its compounds are used as oral magnesium supplements and can also be used for various medical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Almost all magnesium powder is produced from pure magnesium. Magnesium in power form is used for photoflash bombs and fireworks. Magnesium carbonate power is used by athletes such as weight lifters and gymnasts to improve their grip on objects. These other applications currently represent approximately 10% of magnesium consumption.