Oxidation Behavior and Surface Tension of Mg-1.2Ca Alloy with Ce Addition

The effects of alloying element Ce on the oxidation behavior and the surface tension of Mg-1.2Ca alloy were investigated in order to further develop the burn resistant magnesium alloys. Results show that with the increase of Ce content from 0 wt% to 1.5 wt%, the ignition point of Mg-1.2Ca alloy increases rapidly while the surface tension declines. The ignition point of Mg-1.2Ca-1.2Ce alloy can reach 780 °C. It can be melted in atmosphere without any protection method. The oxidation film of Mg-1.2Ca melt becomes smooth and dense with the increase of Ce addition, which can prevent magnesium alloys from further oxidation and burning. According to the test and analysis, the oxide film of Mg-1.2Ca-1.2Ce alloy consists of three layers, that is, loose MgO in the outer layer, MgO-CaO composite oxide film in the middle layer and MgO-Ce2O3 composite oxide film in the inner layer.