Magnesium alloys are among the lightest structural materials and have a sufficient yield strength at the same time, what determines their potential use in the aerospace and automotive industries. Currently, magnesium alloys are used on a small scale in the parts are not subjected to high dynamic loads, mainly the housing made of die cast (BMW, VW, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi), replacing the traditionally used alloys with a higher specific density. However, the magnesium alloys have several important drawbacks which severely limit their broader use: the tendency to corrosion, flammability and low ductility at room temperature.
The high reactivity of magnesium as the element of the second group of the Periodic Table contributes to increased corrosion processes, particularly in a chloride environment. In a typical urban environment corrosion of magnesium alloys is not progressing as quickly, and the corrosion resistance is achieved by using alloys of high purity, characterized by a low content of such elements. Iron, nickel, cobalt and copper. The danger posed by the use of magnesium alloys is best illustrated by example the greatest catastrophe in the history of motorsport in Le Mans, which killed more than 80 spectators and driver, and 120 people were injured. Magnesium alloy racing car Mercedes-Benz 300SLR hit the stands calling restorative to extinguish the fire, which contributed to increase the size of the tragedy.