High-purity magnesium refers to magnesium metal refined to exceptionally low impurity levels, far cleaner than commercial-grade magnesium. It is selected where corrosion resistance, electrochemical stability, predictable reactivity, and material consistency are critical.
Typical applications include electronics, batteries, aerospace, chemical processing, biomedical R&D, and precision alloying.
Definition & Purity Classification
| Grade | Mg Content | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| High-Purity Magnesium | ≥ 99.95% | Electrochemical, research |
| Ultra-High-Purity Magnesium | ≥ 99.98% | Electronics, batteries |
| Electronic-Grade Magnesium | ≥ 99.99% | Semiconductor, thin films |
| Biomedical-Grade Magnesium | ≥ 99.95% | Bio-resorbable devices |
Chemical Composition (Typical Limits)
| Element | Max wt% | Metallurgical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 99.95 – 99.99 | Base metal |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.002 | Major corrosion accelerator |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.002 | Galvanic corrosion risk |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.001 | Severe corrosion catalyst |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 0.01 | Minor solid solution effect |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.005 | Minor strengthening |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.005 | Corrosion control |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.01 | Brittleness control |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90 – 110 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 20 – 35 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 18% |
| Elastic Modulus | ~45 GPa |
| Hardness | 25 – 35 HB |
| Fatigue Strength | Low |
High-purity magnesium is selected for stability and reactivity control, not mechanical strength.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.74 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 650 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1090 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~160 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~38 – 40% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion | ~26 µm/m·K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Damping Capacity | Very high |
Corrosion & Electrochemical Behavior
High-purity magnesium exhibits lower and more uniform corrosion rates, reduced galvanic effects, and a stable electrochemical potential, making it ideal for sacrificial anodes, battery systems, and controlled biomedical degradation.
Available Forms
High-purity ingots
Rods & bars
Sheets & plates
Ultra-thin foils
Powders & granules
Sputtering targets
Custom precision shapes
Applications
Electronics & Semiconductors
Thin-film deposition, sputtering targets, EMI shielding layers
Energy & Batteries
Magnesium batteries, anode materials, energy storage R&D
Biomedical
Biodegradable implants, temporary medical devices
Aerospace & Research
Reference materials, precision alloying additions
Advantages
✔ Improved corrosion resistance vs CP magnesium
✔ Stable electrochemical behavior
✔ Consistent performance & purity
✔ Clean alloying base
✔ Reduced impurity-related failures
Limitations
❌ Higher cost
❌ Limited availability
❌ Low mechanical strength
❌ Requires controlled handling
❌ Reactive in humid environments
Why Choose High-Purity Magnesium?
Choose high-purity magnesium when impurity-driven corrosion must be minimized, electrochemical performance is critical, controlled degradation is required, and advanced electronic, biomedical, or research applications demand consistent, clean material behavior.