Discovery and Basics
Magnesium rod is the lightest structural metal. It was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy through the electrolysis of sea water and magnesia. Magnesium occurs abundantly in nature, making up about 2% of the Earth’s crust. It is found mainly in seawater and dolomite deposits. Though lightweight, magnesium is still one of the strongest metals known to humans. Its strength to weight ratio is superior even to aluminum and titanium.
Physical Properties
Magnesium has a silvery-gray appearance and a hexagonal close-packed crystalline structure. It has a density of around 1.738 g/cm3 which is about two-thirds that of aluminum. Magnesium has good thermal conductivity and is highly flammable especially in powdered or shaved form. It burns with a brilliant white light when exposed to heat or flame. Some of the other important physical properties of magnesium include its low density, high specific stiffness, high strength to weight ratio, good machinability and resistance to corrosion.
Industrial Uses
Magnesium Rod is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, electronics and other manufacturing industries mainly due to its lightweight and stiffness properties. While comprising only 2% of the Earth’s crust, magnesium demand grows steadily every year. Here are some of its major industrial applications:
– Desulphurization Of Molten Iron And Steel: Magnesium is added in powdered form to molten iron to remove sulfur impurities. This improves castability and mechanical properties of steels.
– Aluminum Alloys: Up to 5% magnesium is added to aluminum to form the strong yet lightweight alloy – aluminum-magnesium alloys. Applications include vehicle bodies, laptop casings, bicycle frames etc.
– Magnesium Alloys: Magnesium alloys with aluminum, zinc and rare earth metals find extensive use in automotive & aerospace industry to reduce weight. Common alloys include AZ91D, AM50, Elektron 21 etc.
– Electronics: Pure magnesium and alloys like Elektron 21 are used to make housings for laptops, power tools, cameras etc. due to good castability and EMI shielding.
– Deoxidizer In Welding: Magnesium/magnesium alloys are used as deoxidizers in welding fluxes for their high affinity for oxygen, preventing weld pores.
Production
Magnesium demand has grown by over 7% annually worldwide. Top producers currently include China, Israel, Russia and the US. The two main industrial processes used for magnesium production are:
- Pidgeon Process: In this electrolytic process, magnesia oxide is first reduced to magnesium chloride which is then subjected to electrolysis to extract pure magnesium metal at the cathode.
- 2. Ferrosilicon Process: In this process, a molten mixture of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride is reacted with ferrosilicon alloy at 800-900°C in the presence of inert gases. The magnesium vapors produced are then rapidly condensed.
While global magnesium production is set to increase further, the environmental impact of current production methods needs addressing. New extraction technologies from seawater may offer cleaner alternatives in future. More recycling of magnesium scrap from end applications can also boost supplies.
Future Prospects
Given its crucial weight-saving properties, magnesium demand is predicted to steadily grow across myriad industrial sectors. Some key future applications that will drive magnesium demand higher include:
– Biodegradable Implants: Magnesium alloys are being explored for use as biodegradable implants since magnesium dissolves harmlessly in the body over time.
– 3D Printing: Developments in 3D printing of magnesium alloys can open up new applications in medical, aerospace and automotive industries.
– Energy Storage: Pure magnesium or magnesium alloys are promising anode materials for next gen batteries due to their high storage capacity and recycling potential.
– Hydrogen Storage: Magnesium’s ability to absorb hydrogen gas makes it potentially useful for automotive and portable hydrogen fuel cells.
In summary, magnesium is an important structural metal that remains widely overlooked. Though abundant, challenges in extraction and processing have limited its use historically. However, with technological and recycling advances as well as rising demand for lightweight materials, magnesium is poised to play an even greater role across wide-ranging industries. Sustainable and eco-friendly production techniques could also help magnesium fulfill its full industrial potential.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
