Development of a Magnesium Recycling Alloy Based on AM50

Abstract

Magnesium applications for structural components in the automotive industry are constantly rising. This is based on the recent development of new alloys, new fabrication processes, and the ambition of car manufacturers to reduce the vehicles weight and CO2 emissions according to the EU and US policy [1, 2]. A rising quantity of magnesium per vehicle leads to a rising quantity of scrap which needs to be recycled according to the European Directive on end-of life vehicles [3]. So far post consumer scrap has not been used for structural parts. But since the metal is still expensive compared to aluminium or steel, and remelting saves more than 90 % of the energy for primary production, magnesium recycling will significantly contribute to cost savings.