Removal of nickel from magnesium melts by precipitation with zirconium

Magnesium scrap is often contaminated with nickel, copper and iron. Especially nickel is detrimental in regard to the corrosion properties of magnesium. Ways have to be found for the removal of nickel from magnesium to initiate actually the recycling of post consumer scrap. Experiments at 660, 720 and 770°C comprise the determination of the solubilities of nickel and zirconium in magnesium and the identification of the precipitates. Based on this, equlibrium constants and interaction parameters were calculated. These values enable the estimation of the necessary zirconium addition for the removal of nickel by precipitation to low contents in liquid magnesium.