Magnesium is a lightweight, pure white metal characterized by a dense hexagonal crystal structure. It has a melting point of 651°C and a density ranging from 1.75 to 1.85 g/cm³, making it approximately one-fourth as dense as steel and two-thirds as dense as aluminum. As the lightest engineering metal, magnesium offers excellent specific strength and superior machinability compared to iron and steel. It can be machined at high speeds and exhibits strong resistance to impact loads, along with high dimensional stability.
However, magnesium is highly chemically reactive, with a low electrode potential, which results in poor corrosion resistance. It is prone to corrosion in humid environments, fresh water, seawater, and most acids and salt solutions. The oxide layer that forms on its surface in air is loose and porous, providing minimal protective benefits.
Additionally, magnesium is highly reactive and tends to oxidize easily when exposed to air. At elevated temperatures, the heat generated during oxidation can accumulate quickly, increasing the risk of combustion or even ignition.
In its pure form, magnesium has relatively poor mechanical properties, particularly in terms of ductility. Its plasticity is significantly lower than that of aluminum, with elongation values typically around 10% at room temperature. This limitation is primarily due to the hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure of magnesium, which has fewer slip systems compared to other metals like aluminum, restricting its ability to deform under stress.
Overall, while magnesium offers remarkable advantages in weight reduction and performance, its susceptibility to corrosion and limited formability require careful handling and appropriate alloying to enhance its practical applications.
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