Challenges for Implementation of Magnesium into More Applications
A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Metallic Functional Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6
Special Issue Editors
Interests: magnesium; processing; automotive; characterization; biomaterial
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: magnesium; solidification; in situ synchrotron radiation investigations; biomaterial; alloy development; properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As part of an ongoing review of material advances, we aim to compile insights into the challenges associated with the introduction of magnesium alloys into wider applications. Despite the promising properties of magnesium alloys—such as their low density and associated high strength-to-weight ratio—several obstacles limit their broader adoption. These include the issues that come with corrosion resistance or achieving a targeted, homogeneous corrosion rate, cost-efficient processing, limited alloy design flexibility, and restricted formability. While recyclability has significant potential, several research questions remain unanswered, particularly concerning material degradation pathways and contamination control during recycling.
In the biomaterials sector, magnesium alloys have attracted substantial attention for use in bioresorbable implants, such as in orthopedic screws and cardiovascular stents. Their mechanical properties closely resemble those of natural bone, and their biodegradability eliminates the need for secondary removal surgeries. However, a key challenge is controlling the degradation rate in physiological environments to ensure structural integrity during healing. Localized corrosion, gas formation and the biocompatibility of corrosion products remain active areas of research. In the automotive industry, magnesium alloys offer opportunities for vehicle light-weighting to improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions and increase electric car range. However, challenges include galvanic corrosion, difficulties in joining techniques and high costs associated with casting and extrusion. Moreover, supply chain vulnerabilities and the lack of established repair standards complicate broader deployment. Economic feasibility is often application-specific and must be evaluated against performance and lifecycle cost metrics. For aircraft and aerospace applications, magnesium alloys provide exceptional weight-saving potential, especially in non-structural components and interior systems.
To ensure our knowledge remains current and relevant across these sectors, we would very much appreciate the inclusion of recent findings, case studies, or data concerning the technical, economic, or legal challenges of magnesium alloy adoption in any of the mentioned fields.
We look forward to your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Petra Maier
Prof. Dr. Norbert Hort
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- magnesium alloys
- manufacturing challenges
- formability
- recyclability
- applications
- corrosion resistance
- biodegradability
- light-weighting
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