Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single-phase solid solution magnesium alloys suitable for the applications as cast or wrought. These alloys are prepared by multi-microalloying with rare earth elements (including gadolinium, yttrium, dysprosium, samarium, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium). Each alloy contains 0.5 to less than 5 wt. % rare earth elements with a content of 0.05-2.0% by weight. The total amount of rare earth elements is controlled below 5% by weight in order for economical considerations. The amount of grain refiner calcium or zirconium is in the range of 0.05-0.6% by weight. These alloys can be prepared by die casting, permanent casting, chill casting, semi-solid processes, continuous casting and continuous twin roll casting.

Abstract: The present invention relates magnesium-aluminum based alloys having a small grain size and to a method of their production. The alloys are particularly useful in casting applications. The alloys comprise a grain refiner, the grain refiner having the chemical formula: Mg100-x-y-zAlxCyRz wherein R is an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, calcium, strontium or a rare earth element, x is from 10 to 60 At. %, y is from 5 to 50 At. %, and z is from 0 to 20 At. %, provided that x+y+z is less than 100 At. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnesium components with improved corrosion protection. The components are coated with a vitreous binary Mg—X alloy or a vitreous ternary Mg—X—Y alloy, where X is an element selected from the group consisting of the elements of main group III, of transition group III or rare earth elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and Y is an element selected from the group consisting of the elements of main group III or IV, of transition group III or IV or rare earth elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The coating is produced by means of physical vapor deposition processes, such as cathode ray atomization.