Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a magnesium alloy sheet capable of producing a magnesium alloy sheet having excellent plastic workability such as press workability. The method of the present invention includes rolling a magnesium alloy blank with a reduction roll. The rolling includes controlled rolling performed under the following conditions (1) and (2) wherein M (% by mass) is the Al content in a magnesium alloy constituting the blank: (1) the surface temperature Tb (° C.) of the magnesium alloy blank immediately before insertion into the reduction roll satisfies the following expression: 8.33×M+135?Tb?8.33×M+165 wherein 1.0?M?10.0; and (2) the surface temperature Tr of the reduction roll is 150° C. to 180° C.

Abstract: There are provided an intermetallic-compound superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature, and an alloy superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature and excels in malleability and ductility, as well as a method of making such a superconductor with good reproducibility and at a low cost of manufacture. This entirely new intermetallic compound superconductor is made of magnesium (Mg) and beryllium (Be) and has a chemical composition expressed by formula: Mg1Be2, has a hexagonal AlB2 type crystallographic structure and has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 35 K. An alloy containing this intermetallic compound excels in malleability and ductility and constitutes the alloy superconductor having a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 35 K and being low in specific resistance for normal conduction at a temperature ranging from the superconducting transition temperature to a room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrogen storage material comprising an intermetallic compound capable of forming a hydride with hydrogen. The invention also relates to an electrochemically active material, comprising such a hydrogen storage material. The invention further relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode, said negative electrode comprising such a hydrogen storage material. Furthermore, the invention relates to electronic equipment powered by at least one electrochemical cell according to the invention. Besides, the invention relates to a method for the preparation of a hydrogen storage material according to the invention.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions have backbones with first and second divalent saturated aliphatic moieties, a divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and a trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety. Hydrolytically labile ester bonds joined together these moieties. These polyesters may be polycondensation reaction products of a diol, a triol and a diacid. A molar ratio of the first divalent saturated aliphatic moiety, the divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and the trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety to the second divalent saturated aliphatic moiety is in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.5. Preferably, these polyesters are non-cytotoxic, biocompatible, bioabsorbable, or exhibit shape memory behavior with at least one transition temperature of greater than about 30° C. and less than about 100° C. and most preferably exhibit each of these qualities. The compositions may be adapted for a wide variety of uses, including medical applications.

Abstract: A marker alloy foreign implant made of a biodegradable metallic material and having the composition MgxYbyMz wherein x is equal to 10-60 atomic percent; y is equal to 40-90 atomic percent; z is equal to 0-10 atomic percent; M is one or more element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Zn, Au, Ga, Pd, Pt, Al, Sn, Ca, Nd, Ba, Si, and Ge; and wherein x, y, and z, together, and including contaminants caused by production, result in 100 atomic percent.

Abstract: A method of making a forged piston includes the steps of providing a workpiece made of an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy or a titanium alloy; and forging the workpiece with stress applied thereto in a predetermined direction (forging direction). The method further includes, before the step of forging, the step of working the workpiece such that fiber flows of the workpiece are nonparallel to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are cover gas compositions comprising fluoroolefins for impeding the oxidation of molten nonferrous metals and alloys, such as magnesium.

Abstract: Disclosed are cover gas compositions comprising at least one pentafluoropropane for impeding the oxidation of molten nonferrous metals and alloys, such as magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrogen storage medium including a composite of an alloy and a catalyst/expandable graphite. The expandable graphite can be replaced by activated carbon. The catalyst content is 1-50% based on the weight of the medium, which can be Pd, Pt, Cu, Co or Ni. The alloy can be a Mg-based alloy, Ti-based alloy, La-based alloy, Mn-based alloy or Fe-based alloy. The present invention also discloses a process for preparing a hydrogen storage composite.

Abstract: There are provided an intermetallic compound superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature, and an alloy superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature and excels in malleability and ductility, as well as a method of making such a superconductor with good reproducibility and at a low cost of manufacture. This entirely new intermetallic compound superconductor is made of magnesium (Mg) and boron (B) and has a chemical composition expressed by formula: Mg1B2, has a hexagonal AlB2 type crystallographic structure and has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 39 K. An alloy containing this intermetallic compound excels in malleability and ductility and constitutes the alloy superconductor having a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 39 K. In the method of manufacture, a Mg containing feedstock powder and a B containing feedstock powder are mixed together to form a mixture thereof which is, e.g., hot pressed to produce a semiconductor product.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite was fabricated by adding particles of calcium hexaboride to a metal of aluminum, magnesium or titanium and their alloys. The resulting metal matrix composite is light weight has improved strength, increased elastic modulus and reduced thermal coefficient of expansion, thus making the metal matrix composite more useful in industry. A metal matrix composite is also formed by mixing particles of aluminum, magnesium, titanium or combinations thereof with particles of silicon lexaboride, calcium hexaboride, silicon tetraboride, calcium tetraboride or combinations thereof. The blended particles are processed according to powder metallurgical techniques to produce a metal matrix composite material.

Abstract: There are provided an intermetallic compound superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature, and an alloy superconductor that is high in superconducting transition temperature and excels in malleability and ductility, as well as a method of making such a superconductor with good reproducibility and at a low cost of manufacture. This entirely new intermetallic compound superconductor is made of magnesium (Mg) and boron (B) and has a chemical composition expressed by formula: Mg1B2, has a hexagonal AlB2 type crystallographic structure and has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 39 K. An alloy containing this intermetallic compound excels in malleability and ductility and constitutes the alloy superconductor having a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 39 K. In the method of manufacture, a Mg containing feedstock powder and a B containing feedstock powder are mixed together to form a mixture thereof which is, e.g., hot pressed to produce a semiconductor product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an MgB2-based superconductor that is easy to manufacture and well suited to mass production, and that exhibits excellent superconducting characteristics (such as a high critical current density) while still retaining the high critical temperature characteristics of MgB2. A powder mixture of magnesium, boron, and titanium is pressed into a pellet, and this product is sintered under an atmospheric pressure and other conditions (preferably at 600° C. or higher) to manufacture an MgB2-based superconductor in which titanium and/or a titanium compound are dispersed in polycrystalline MgB2. The composition of the MgB2-based superconductor is preferably adjusted to have an atomic ratio of Mg:B:Ti=x:2:y, 0.7<x<1.2 and 0.05<y<0.3, and more preferably 0.07<y<0.2, by adjusting the amounts in which the raw materials are added.

Abstract: A new class of light or reactive elements and monophase ??-matrix magnesium- and aluminum-based alloys with superior engineering properties, for the latter being based on a homogeneous solute distribution or a corrosion-resistant and metallic shiny surface withstanding aqueous and saline environments and resulting from the control during synthesis of atomic structure over microstructure to net shape of the final product, said ??-matrix being retained upon conversion into a cast or wrought form. The manufacture of the materials relies on the control of deposition temperature and in-vacuum consolidation during vapor deposition, on maximized heat transfer or casting pressure during all-liquid processing and on controlled friction and shock power during solid state alloying using a mechanical milling technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-combustible magnesium alloy, comprising one of elements of Al at 0.1˜3 wt %, La at 0.1˜3 wt %, Nd at 0.1˜3 wt %, or Y at 0.005˜3 wt %; 0.5˜10 wt % of Ca; and the remainder of conventional magnesium alloy. Alternatively, the present invention entails a non-combustible magnesium alloy comprising 0.005˜4 wt % of multiple additives of two or more types of elements selected from the group consisting of Al, La, Nd and Y; 0.5˜10 wt % of Ca; and the remainder of conventional magnesium alloy. The magnesium alloy of the present invention has high oxidation-resistance, which translates into high manufacturability in air or in the generally non-oxidative atmosphere (SO2, Ar, CO2, N2).

Abstract: A high-purity metal (such as magnesium or zinc) containing Cl, F and S in a respective amount of no more than 0.1 ppm, with the total impurity content being no more than 1 ppm.

Abstract: Superconducting phases comprising magnesium diboride related composites and methods of preparation.

Abstract: Hydrogen propelled vehicles and fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 10 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 500 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.

Abstract: A fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy material which makes it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight percent. The alloys also have extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy absorbs 80 percent of its total capacity within five minutes. The alloys are in particle form where the particles have a size ranging from 30 to 70 microns. The alloys also have a dual phase structure (formed by cooling from the melt at a cooling rate of 103-104° C.). The dual phase structure is such that an intergranular region surrounds a major hydrogen storage phase thus providing the alloys with resistance to sintering during high temperature hydriding/dehydriding cycling thereof. As a result of the dual phase structure, the alloys have an extended cycle life.

Abstract: A loudspeaker having a cone made of magnesium-lithium alloy, comprising of a frame structure, having an expanded opening disposed at the front end and a magnetic element disposed at the rear end; a voice coil, disposed in the middle of the magnetic element; an damper, adhering to the voice coil; a cone, disposed on the inner diameter of the expanded opening of the frame structure and adhering to the voice coil; characterized in that the cone of the loudspeaker is formed by stamping the magnesium-lithium alloy under normal temperature, and the characteristics of the magnesium-lithium alloy material and the stamping process to produce the cone of the loudspeaker, which gives a better and planer sound pressure curve, a wider effective bandwidth, and a more beautiful metal color than the cone of the prior art loudspeaker within the audible frequency range.

Abstract: A combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor, a hydrogen storage alloy therefore and a hydrogen transportation/distribution infrastructure which incorporates the combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor.

Abstract: A magnesium hydrogen storage alloy that has been hydrided and compacted into highly dense pellets for shipment and use, a method for making said magnesium alloy and a method for the safe, economical shipment of said hydrided magnesium hydrogen storage material.

Abstract: Hydrogen propelled fuel cell vehicle system designs that reduce the relative cost of releasing hydrogen from hydrogen storage alloys by providing and/or utilizing secondary sources of heat to supply the heat of desorption of stored hydrogen. The secondary source can include combusting conventional secondary (non-hydrogen) fuels. The fuel supply system uses fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of over 7 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 1.5 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 2000 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.

Abstract: Atomically engineered hydrogen storage alloys which include a spectrum of hydrogen bonding energies and multiple hydride phases which extends and enhances their storage capacity at high pressures and high pressure hydrogen storage units which contain a variable amount of these hydrogen storage alloys therein to enhance the storage capacity of the unit beyond that obtainable by conventional alloys or pressurized hydrogen gas alone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preventing the ignition of molten magnesium by contacting the molten magnesium with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process of preparing superconducting magnesium diboride powder by heating an admixture of solid magnesium and amorphous boron powder or pellet under an inert atmosphere in a Mg:B ratio of greater than about 0.6:1 at temperatures and for time sufficient to form said superconducting magnesium diboride. The process can further include exposure to residual oxygen at high synthesis temperatures followed by slow cooling. In the cooling process oxygen atoms dissolved into MgB2 segregated to form nanometer-sized coherent Mg(B,O) precipitates in the MgB2 matrix, which can act as flux pinning centers.

Abstract: Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys comprise a metallic magnesium (Mg) and a magnesium-containing intermetallic compound (MgxMy wherein y is 1-x) and contain not less than 60 mass % of magnesium in total, and have a phase of a primarily crystallized magnesium-containing intermetallic compound in its solidification structure.

Abstract: An anodized magnesium piston including a head and skirt for an internal combustion engine. The piston includes a non-fiber-reinforced, magnesium-based alloy including up to 2.5 percent by weight rare earth metals. The piston further includes an external surface, at least a portion of which has a base layer of magnesium fluoride, magnesium oxofluoride, magnesium oxide or a mixture thereof electrochemically anodized thereto.

Abstract: Hydrogen propelled vehicles and fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 10 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 500 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.

Abstract: A combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor, a hydrogen storage alloy therefore and a hydrogen transportation/distribution infrastructure which incorporates the combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor.

Abstract: A magnesium based hydrogen storage alloy powder which is useful as a hydrogen supply material for powering internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. The alloy contains greater than about 85 atomic percent magnesium, about 2-8 atomic percent nickel, about 0.5-5 atomic percent aluminum and about 2-7 atomic percent rare earth metals or mixtures of rare earth metals. The rare earth elements may be Misch metal and may predominantly contain Ce and/or La. The alloy may also contain about 0.5-5 atomic percent silicon. The alloys can be modified to store more than 4 wt. % hydrogen, with a reduced hydride bond strength (i.e. about 64 kJ/mole) which allows for economic recovery of the stored hydrogen. Also, they have a plateau pressure about two times greater than pure Mg and comparable bond energies and plateau pressures to Mg2Ni alloys, while reducing the amount of incorporated nickel by 25-30 atomic %. Also, the storage capacity of the alloy is significantly greater than the 3.6 wt. % of Mg2Ni material.

Abstract: Hydrogen propelled vehicles and fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 2 minutes at 300° C.

Abstract: A mechanically alloyed hydrogen storage material having 75-95 atomic percent Mg, 5-15 atomic percent Ni, 0.5-6 atomic percent Mo, and at least one additional element selected from the group consisting of Al, C, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Dy, Fe, La, Mn, Nd, Si, Ti, V, and Zr, preferably between 1-15 atomic %. The mechanically alloyed hydrogen storage preferably contains from 3-15 atomic % C and at least one other element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ca, Ce, Cu, Dy, Fe, La, Mn, and Nd. The hydrogen storage materials are created by mechanical alloying in a milling apparatus under an inert atmosphere, such as argon, or a mixed atmosphere, such as argon and hydrogen. The speed and length of the milling are varied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and a process for the reactive brazing of ceramic materials containing alumina.This composition comprises at least one precious metal chosen from among Pd, Pt and Au, as well as magnesium, preferably at the most 5 wt. % magnesium. Brazing takes place at a temperature of 1300 to 1600.degree. C., in the absence of hydrogen.

Abstract: Mechanically alloyed hydrogen storage materials having a major atomic percentage of magnesium and a minor atomic percentage of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, iron and titanium. Preferably the mechanical alloy comprises a multi-phase material, including at least one amorphous phase. Also, the at least two elements are preferably either nickel (from about 5 to 15 at. %) and molybdenum (from about 0.5 to 5 at. %) or iron (from about 5 to 15 at. %) and titanium (from about 5 to 15 at. %). The hydrogen storage materials are created by mechanical alloying in a milling apparatus under an inert atmosphere, such as argon, or a mixed atmosphere, such as argon and hydrogen. The speed and length of the milling are varied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a very light-weight, Mg and Be-based material which has the ability to reversibly store hydrogen with very good kinetics. This material is of the formula (M.sub.1-x A.sub.x) D.sub.y wherein M is Mg, Be or a combination of them; A is an element selected from the group consisting of Li, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, In, Sn, O, Si, B, C and F; D is a metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt (preferably Pd); x is a number ranging from 0 to 0.3; and y is a number ranging from 0 to 0.15. This material is in the form of a powder of particles of the formula M.sub.1-x A.sub.x as defined hereinabove, having an average size ranging from 0.1 to 100 .mu.m, each particle consisting of nanocrystalline grains having an average size of 3 to 100 nm or having a nano-layered structure with a layer spacing of 3 to 100 nm. Some of these particles have clusters of metal D attached thereto, with an average size ranging from 2 to 200 nm.

Abstract: A substrate (2) is rotatably installed in a vacuum chamber (1) at an upper part thereof MgF.sub.2 granules (3) as a film source material are placed in a quartz boat (4) and mounted on a magnetron cathode (5). The magnetron cathode (5) is connected through a matching box (6) to a 13.56 MHz radio frequency power source (7). Cooling water (8) for holding the temperature of the magnetron cathode (5) constant flows against a lower face of the magnetron cathode (5). A side wall of the vacuum chamber (1) is provided with gas introduction ports (9), (10) for introducing gas in the vacuum chamber (1). A shutter (11) is placed between the magnetron cathode (5) and the substrate (2). This structure provides a process enabling forming a thin film at a high speed by sputtering, especially a high speed sputtering process enabling forming a thin fluoride film free of light absorption.

Abstract: Mechanically alloyed hydrogen storage materials having a major atomic percentage of magnesium and a minor atomic percentage of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, iron and titanium. Preferably the mechanical alloy comprises a multi-phase material, including at least one amorphous phase. Also, the at least two elements are preferably either nickel (from about 5 to 15 at. %) and molybdenum (from about 0.5 to 5 at. %) or iron (from about 5 to 15 at. %) and titanium (from about 5 to 15 at. %). The hydrogen storage materials are created by mechanical alloying in a milling apparatus under an inert atmosphere, such as argon, or a mixed atmosphere, such as argon and hydrogen. The speed and length of the milling are varied.

Abstract: A method for preparing controlled phase alloys useful for engineering and hydrogen storage applications. This novel method avoids melting the constituents by employing vapor transport, in a hydrogen atmosphere, of an active metal constituent, having a high vapor pressure at temperatures .apprxeq.300 C. and its subsequent condensation on and reaction with the other constituent (substrate) of an alloy thereby forming a controlled phase alloy and preferably a single phase alloy. It is preferred that the substrate material be a metal powder such that diffusion of the active metal constituent, preferably magnesium, and reaction therewith can be completed within a reasonable time and at temperatures .apprxeq.300 C. thereby avoiding undesirable effects such as sintering, local compositional inhomogeneities, segregation, and formation of unwanted second phases such as intermetallic compounds.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for use as a protective flux in the production of magnesium metal and magnesium-containing alloys is disclosed. The composition comprises 70 to 80 percent by weight KCl, and 20 to 30 percent by weight MgCl.sub.2 and up to 0.5 percent by weight CaF.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalytic fuel composition capable of reducing pollutants in the combustion gasses generated upon combustion of the same. A catalytic material is combined with a liquid, petroleum-based fuel, mixed and solid particles are separated out to give the catalytic fuel product. The catalytic material predominantly comprises a plagioclase feldspar belonging mainly to the albite-anorthite series, and contains small amount of mica, kaolinite and serpentine, and optionally contains magnetite. An alloy material is also disclosed, comprising a mixture of the above-described catalytic material and a metal. The alloy material exhibits unique properties relative to the metal component alone, such as increased tensile strength, improved heat resistance, improved acid resistance, improved corrosion resistance, as well as exhibiting unusual conductive properties.

Abstract: A disordered multicomponent MgNi based electrochemical hydrogen storage material having a microstructure including a substantial volume fraction characterized by intermediate range order and exhibiting extraordinarily high storage capacity and methods of fabricating same.

Abstract: Electrochemical heat sources, materials used to make electrochemical heat sources and methods of forming electrochemical heat sources are disclosed. The electrochemical heat sources includes at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemical with one another, such as magnesium and iron or nickel. The metallic agents may be provided in a variety of forms, including a frozen melt, a bimetallic foil, wire of a first metal wrapped around strands of a different metal, and a mechanical alloy. The metallic agents may be in the form of a powder filling a straw, or small particles extruded with a binder or pressed to form a rod. The powder filled straw or rod may be placed in a heat chamber surrounded by tobacco in a smoking article. An electrolyte solution contacts the metallic agents in the heat chamber to initiate the electrochemical interaction, generating heat which in turn may be used to volatilize nicotine and flavor materials in the tobacco.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen storage alloy electrode prepared from an active material comprising a magnesium based alloy and a Ni, P based metallic compound. The magnesium based alloy is coated while in powder form with a Ni, P based metallic compound and activated by heat. The hydrogen storage alloy electrode produced from this active material is able to absorb and desorb hydrogen even under normal temperature and pressure. The alkali battery assembled with the electrode prepared from the activated alloy material has high energy density and charge-discharge capacity and can be used in large scale electrical equipment, especially electrically operated vehicles.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite of aluminum, magnesium or titanium, and their alloys, containing particles of a silicon boride composition. A preferred form of the boride is silicon hexaboride. A small amount of carbon can be present in the silicon boride composition as Si--B--C. The particles can be pre-blended with particles of the metal prior to melting, or can be added after the melting of the metal. Because of the similar specific gravity of silicon boron compounds and aluminum, very little stirring is required to achieve a homogeneous mixture in the melt. This substantially reduces formation of oxide and hydrogen inclusions. Improved machinability is achieved through utilization of rounded particles. The composite has improved strength, stiffness and reduced thermal coefficient of expansion, thus making the composite composition more useful in industry.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high strength magnesium alloy comprising heating a melt comprised of a base metal of magnesium, greater than 0.5% of lithium, and at least one alkali metal impurity selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium, the total alkali metal present in an amount greater than 5 ppm, to a temperature of about 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. above the melting point of alloy being refined in a vacuum for a sufficient time to reduce the aggregate concentration of alkali metal impurities in the melt to less than about 5 ppm as measured by GDMS.

Abstract: An electrochemical hydrogen storage material comprising:(Base Alloy).sub.a M.sub.bwhere, Base Alloy is an alloy of Mg and Ni in a ratio of from about 1:2 to about 2:1, preferably 1:1; M represents at least one modifier element chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, Cu, Mo, W, Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Sn, Th, Si, Zn, Li, Cd, Na, Pb, La, Mm, and Ca; b is greater than 0.5, preferably 2.5, atomic percent and less than 30 atomic percent; and a+b=100 atomic percent. Preferably, the at least one modifier is chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, and Cu and the total mass of the at least one modifier element is less than 25 atomic percent of the final composition. Most preferably, the total mass of said at least one modifier element is less than 20 atomic percent of the final composition.

Abstract: Procedure for the production of a thixotropic magnesium alloy by adding a grain refiner combined with controlled, rapid solidification with subsequent heating to the two-phase area. It is preferable to use a solidification rate of >1.degree. C./s, more preferably >10.degree. C./s. It is essential that the solidification takes place at such a speed that growth of dendrites is avoided. Heating to the two-phase area is carried out rapidly in 1-30 minutes, preferably 2-5 minutes. By heating an alloy comprising 2-8 weight % Zn, 1.5-5 weight % RE, 0.2-0.8 weight Zr balanced with magnesium to a temperature in the two-phase area after casting, the structure will assume a form in which the .alpha.-phase is globular (RE=rare earth metal). The size of the spheres will be dependent on the temperature and the holding time at that temperature and they will be surrounded by a low-smelting matrix. It is preferable that the alloy has a grain size of not greater than <100 .mu.m, more preferably 50-100 .mu.m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a practical magnesium based alloy containing 1 to 99 weight % beryllium and an improved method of semi-solid processing of magnesium alloys containing beryllium. The present method avoids agitation of molten alloys and the need for introducing shear forces by utilizing atomized or ground particles of beryllium mixed with solid, particulate or liquidus magnesium.

Abstract: Magnesium lithium based alloys prepared by mechanical alloying are disclosed.