High temperature oxidation of Mg2(Si-Sn)

Abstract High temperature oxidation of Mg 2 Si 1- x Sn x alloys ( x  = 0.1 ⿿ 0.6) has been investigated. The oxidation rate was slow for temperatures below 430 °C. In the temperature range between 430⿿500 °C all the alloys exhibited breakaway oxidation. The onset temperature of the breakaway region in general decreased with increasing level of Sn in the alloy. The breakaway behavior is explained by a combination of the formation of a non-protective MgO layer and the formation of Sn-rich liquid at the interface between the oxide and Mg depleted Mg 2 Sn.