The use of magnesium alloys in engineering and their protection

The authors indicate that certain unfavourable properties of magnesium are often exaggerated, and that magnesium and its alloys do not occupy among engineering materials such a place as they should do by right. Magnesium alloy components, just like steel, must be suitably protected in an aggressive medium. Various protective surface treatment methods are analysed in detail. No single universal method can be recommended, but in each instance the protective treatment must be chosen with suitable consideration of the conditions of the concrete case.