The alloy development, microstructure, properties and uses of cast mag
nesium alloys for elevated temperature applications are reviewed. The
alloying principles and strengthening mechanisms of magnesium are disc
ussed to identify the potential alloy systems for elevated temperature
applications in automotive and aerospace industries. It is concluded
that the Mg-Zr family of sand cast alloys exhibit adequate mechanical
properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures for aerospace app
lications, and Ca-modified sand cast AS41 alloy might provide a cost-e
ffective alternative for the Zr-containing alloys. For diecasting appl
ications, no current alloy systems meets the requirements of good high
temperature properties, acceptable castability and low cost for criti
cal automotive components, future development is especially needed in
this area. Development of dispersion strengthened magnesium alloys and
improvement of current Mg-AI-RE and Mg-Al-Si systems are the potentia
l routes to expand diecast magnesium alloys to elevated temperature ap
plications.