Weight changes in Al-2 and 3.5 mass% Mg alloy samples were measured by thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffractometer tests were used to investigate the progressive development of thermally formed oxide films on the samples. Both samples were first heated in a dry air atmosphere. The oxide film formed on the Al-2 mass% sample comprised gamma-alumina, MgO, MgAl2O4, and gibbsite. The film formed on the Al-3.5 mass% sample contained large quantities of MgO, but no MgAl2O4. The samples were then heated in a nitrogen gas atmosphere for < 1.9 h. The A1-3.5 mass% sample contained greater amounts of gibbsite and gamma-alumina than did the Al-2 mass% sample. The latter yielded a greater amount of AIN (and/or MgO). After an extended holding time (similar to 6h), the Al-3.5 sample contained a greater amount of AIN (and/or MgO), and its weight increased remarkably. The as-cast samples containing the Al-3.5 mass%Mg cube had a higher percentage of foggy film compared to those containing an Al-2 mass%Mg cube. Oxide films that are readily formed during melting tend to be trapped in aluminum alloy castings. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2009155]
