A review on thermal conductivity of magnesium and its alloys

This review summarizes recent researching works the thermal conductivity of Mg–Zn, Mg–Al, Mg–Mn and Mg–RE alloys. Solute atoms, heat treatment, deformation and temperature, which have significant influence on the thermal conductivity of magnesium alloys, are highlighted. For an individual solute atom, its effects on thermal conductivity are highly dependent on its chemical valence, radius and extra-nuclear electrons. The thermal conductivity of Mg alloys is decreased by solution treatment, but improved by aging and/or annealing treatments. As for the deformed Mg alloys, the thermal conductivity along transverse or normal direction is superior to that of along extrusion or rolling direction. We expect this review is helpful for those who are working on developing Mg alloys with superior thermal conductivity.