Micro alloying OK, what is the overall quantity u are going to melt, if it is 10 kg, then 0.02 wt.% is about 2 grams., fold in an aluminum foil and put in the melt

if you have controlled atmosphere melting then u can proceed with master alloys combination of Mg-Al, Al-Zn , along with that add your micro alloys

If you mean possible phases which may be formed (after solidification) throughout such alloying, there are Magnesium-based solid solution and various binary and multi-component intermetallic phases. Most possible, Mg-Zn, Mg-Al and Zn-Al intermetallics will be dispersed inside Mg-based s.s. matrix, while rear earth (RE) containing intermetallics will be placed at the surrounding of the grain boundaries. Probably, some Yttrium will be dissolved in Mg-based matrix.

Thanks Alexander Katz-Demyanetz for your take regarding the possible phases.

I am first of all interested in the physical states of the elemental constituents of the alloy during preparation. Thank you

it should be in solid (bulk),

melt practice: add silicon and other first

add mg at the final stage of melting - because of its oxidation (combustion) characteristics

if mg used in the form of Al-Mg alloy, add excess to accommodate mg losses during melting

never use powder form of any element

Thank you S. Gunabalan for the insight.

Mg is the main element in the Mg-Zn-Al alloy; These three main alloying elements can be added in the bulk solid state. Magnesium is the starting element, because it is a magnesium alloy. Silicon, Tin and the rare earth metals would be added in micro-quantities, will it be practicable to measure such quantities in bulk solid?

Micro alloying OK, what is the overall quantity u are going to melt, if it is 10 kg, then 0.02 wt.% is about 2 grams., fold in an aluminum foil and put in the melt

if you have controlled atmosphere melting then u can proceed with master alloys combination of Mg-Al, Al-Zn , along with that add your micro alloys