How is magnesium used in the market?
Most pure metals, including magnesium, are too soft for structural use. However strength properties comparable to those of many aluminum alloys are obtained by alloying magnesium with other metals, and, in some cases, by heat treating or working. Magnesium is used as an alloy in other metals, most often aluminum. Magnesium melts at 650 degrees C (1202 degrees F), about the same temperature as required to melt aluminum. Aluminum represents 40 – 45 percent of total demand for magnesium. Magnesium alloys, used in foundry work, represent approximately one-third of total worldwide demand for the metal. Magnesium is also used in desulfurization with other metals, specifically steel. Sulfur has a deleterious effect on the properties of steel, and the increasing demands of the market have forced the steel industry to provide products with lower sulfur content. Magnesium has a high affinity for sulfur, and when injected into molten iron or steel, it will reduce the sulfur content dramatically.
