Magnesium research and applications: Past, present and future

As the lightest structural metal and one of the most abundant metallic elements on earth, magnesium (Mg) has been used as an “industrial metal” for lightweighting in the transportation and electronics industries, in addition to other traditional applications in aluminum alloying, steel desulfurization and protective anodes. In recent years, research has shown significant potential for Mg to become a “technology metal” in a variety of new applications from energy storage/battery to biomedical products. However, global Mg production has shown steady but moderate growth in the last three decades. Mg applications as an industry metal are still limited due to some sustainability concerns of primary Mg production, as well as a number of technical issues related to the structural and corrosion performance of commercial Mg alloys. New Mg applications as an industrial or technology metal face tremendous technical challenges, which have been reflected in the intensified global research efforts in the last twenty years. This paper will review some past and present applications, and discuss future opportunities and challenges for Mg research and applications for the global Mg community.