Development of an Mg–RE-Based Die-Cast Magnesium Alloy for Elevated Applications

The development of magnesium (Mg) alloys capable of operating at demanding working temperatures above 200 °C and the ability of using high-pressure die casting for high-volume manufacturing are the most critical advancements required in developing new alloys used to manufacture critical parts for internal combustion (IC) engines used in power tools. Here we introduce the development of a rare earth (RE)-based die-cast Mg alloy for elevated temperature applications in small IC engines. The developed Mg–RE-based die-cast alloy shows good ambient and high temperature strength, and it also has excellent high-temperature creep resistance. In addition, the developed RE-based die-cast Mg alloy shows good stiffness at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the alloy exhibits good thermal conductivity at ambient and high temperatures, which is a key point normally neglected during the development of high-temperature Mg alloys.