What metals are suitable for use as the cage around the magnesium metal?

With regard to what?

To determine what metals are suitable for use as a cage around magnesium metal, we need to consider the properties of both the magnesium metal and the potential metals for the cage.

When choosing a metal for the cage, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Electronegativity: Magnesium is a highly reactive metal, meaning it readily forms compounds by reacting with other substances. Therefore, it is important to select a metal for the cage that is less reactive than magnesium. Metals with higher electronegativity, such as aluminum, would be less suitable since they can react with magnesium.
- To determine the electronegativity of a metal, you can refer to the periodic table or search for a table that lists electronegativity values.

2. Corrosion resistance: Magnesium is prone to corrosion, especially in the presence of moisture or acids. It is crucial to choose a metal that has good corrosion resistance to protect the magnesium from corrosion over time.
- Commonly used metals with good corrosion resistance include stainless steel (such as 304 or 316 grades) and titanium.

3. Mechanical strength: The metal used for the cage should have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand any external forces or impacts. This is especially important if the purpose of the cage is to protect or contain the magnesium metal.
- Metals with high mechanical strength like steel or titanium alloys can be considered for this purpose.

Considering these factors, some suitable metals for use as a cage around magnesium metal could be stainless steel (304 or 316 grades) or titanium. However, the specific application and environment conditions should also be taken into account when making a final choice.