Electromagnetic Shielding Performance of Magnesium Alloys

Electromagnetic Shielding Performance of Magnesium Alloys

The excellent electromagnetic shielding performance of magnesium alloys is primarily attributed to their good electrical conductivity, which enables effective reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves. More importantly, magnesium alloys integrate this functionality with lightweight characteristics, high specific strength, and superior vibration damping, achieving true structural–functional integration.

The table below summarizes the comprehensive advantages of magnesium alloys compared with other commonly used materials:

Thanks to these irreplaceable advantages, magnesium alloy electromagnetic shielding materials are mainly applied in two sectors with extremely high demands for lightweight design and high performance.

(1). New Energy Vehicles: Three-Electric Systems and Body Structures

This is currently the largest and fastest-growing application area. Magnesium alloys play a critical role in protecting high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems from internal and external electromagnetic interference, while significantly reducing vehicle weight.

• Battery Pack Frames / Housings
  For example, the ultra-light magnesium alloy battery pack developed by Voyah (Lantu) highlights “enhanced electromagnetic shielding performance” as a core advantage, achieving a weight reduction of approximately 20 kg while improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). SERES has also adopted magnesium alloys for battery pack support structures.

• Electric Drive System Housings
  Magnesium alloy electric drive assemblies jointly released by Baowu Magnesium and Inovance Automotive, as well as semi-solid formed magnesium alloy motor housings developed by SAIC Motor, utilize the lightweight and shielding properties of magnesium alloys to increase power density while controlling electromagnetic interference.

• Large Integrated Body Structures
  SERES introduced an integrated die-cast magnesium alloy rear body structure, achieving a twofold improvement in electromagnetic shielding performance. FAW has also developed integrated magnesium alloy rear floor structures with significant weight reduction.

  
  

(2). Aerospace and High-End Electronic Equipment

This sector places extremely stringent requirements on lightweight design and reliability, making magnesium alloys an ideal material choice.

• Aerospace Applications
  Used in radar compartments, antenna housings, and electronic equipment enclosures, magnesium alloys provide effective electromagnetic shielding while maintaining structural strength and reducing overall weight.

• Military and High-End Electronics
  Applied in enclosures for military computers and communication equipment, magnesium alloys help prevent electromagnetic information leakage and reduce radiation hazards.

  
  

2.Future Development Trends

The future development of magnesium alloy electromagnetic shielding materials is evolving toward enhanced performance and broader application scope.

• Performance Enhancement

By adding rare earth elements (such as yttrium, Y), developing magnesium-based composites (e.g., carbon nanotube reinforcement), and applying advanced processes such as friction stir processing (FSP), the internal microstructure can be further refined. This enables higher and more stable shielding effectiveness of 70–110.4 dB across a wide frequency range (30–4500 MHz).

• Application Expansion

With the development of new heat-resistant and flame-retardant magnesium alloy grades, as well as the maturation of large-scale integrated die-casting technologies, magnesium alloys are expanding from smaller components to critical structural parts such as battery pack frames, motor housings, and large vehicle body structures.

Industry forecasts indicate that by 2030, the magnesium alloy content per new energy vehicle is expected to exceed 50 kg.

The electromagnetic shielding capability of magnesium alloys is not an isolated material property, but a key component of their role as advanced lightweight structural materials with integrated functionality. By combining electromagnetic shielding, structural strength, vibration damping, and lightweight performance, magnesium alloys are profoundly influencing the design and manufacturing of new energy vehicles and high-end equipment.

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June Liu
JV Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
DongGuan JIECHEN Precision Hardware Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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