How do aluminum and zinc improve magnesium alloys?

In magnesium processing, aluminum and zinc are primarily used as alloying elements to enhance the mechanical properties of magnesium-based alloys.1

• Aluminum: When added to magnesium, aluminum helps form intermetallic compounds that allow the material to undergo heat treatment, which significantly improves its mechanical strength. General-purpose magnesium alloys typically contain between 3 and 9 percent aluminum.1
• Zinc: Zinc is also added to magnesium alloys to improve their mechanical properties. It is a key component in both general-purpose alloys (typically 0.5–3 percent) and specialized high-temperature alloys, where it is used in combination with other elements like zirconium, rare-earth metals, and silver to maintain performance at temperatures up to approximately 250 °C (480 °F).1

By forming these intermetallic compounds, aluminum and zinc enable the creation of alloys that are stronger and more versatile for structural applications, such as those found in the aerospace industry and automotive manufacturing.1