Effect of alloying elements on the ignition resistance of magnesium alloys

The ignition resistance of pure Mg, AZ91 and WE43 alloys is investigated. For pure Mg, ignition occurs in the solid state whereas it requires the presence of liquid in the AZ91 alloy. The WE43 alloy is ignition-proof. The ignition resistance is attributed to the role of yttrium in the oxidation process. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.