The oxidation resistance and ignition temperature of AZ31 magnesium alloy with additions of La2O3 and La

We investigate the oxidation resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy with additions of La and La oxide (La2O3). The contributor is the practical La content in alloy. Both La and La2O3 are effective in improving the oxidation resistance of Mg alloys. The samples with La content of ∼ 0.7 wt.% possess the best resistance to oxidation of all. Oxide scale, ignition temperature and oxidation kinetics are analyzed. However, higher La content is detrimental to the oxidation resistance.

► Using lanthanum and lanthanum oxide (La2O3) can improve oxidation resistance of magnesium alloy.
► La2O3 is as effective as La in affecting both alloy microstructure and oxidation resistance.
► The optimum La concentration in alloy is ∼0.7 wt.%.
► We analyzed the oxidation kinetics of AZ31 alloy with both additions.