Currently there is a high demand in the transportation industry for light-weight structural components to reduce both energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal and Mg alloys are now used in a wide range of applications for structural and functional benefits. In addition, biodegradable Mg biomedical devices can provide impactful benefits for people’s well-being.

The Magnesium Research Center (MRC) at Kumamoto University, established in December 2011, has been engaging in various Mg-related research endeavours including alloy and process design, physical metallurgy fundamentals, mechanical metallurgy, corrosion, surface treatment, and recycling. The MRC has developed several advanced new generation Mg alloys that have an excellent balance of mechanical performance, non-flammability, and corrosion resistance under the “KUMADAI Mg” name. The MRC has three key goals, (1) provide state-of-the-art research and education, (2) help the development and use of KUMADAI Mg alloys into actual applications, and (3) establish a global research network to significantly enhance collaboration with universities, research institutes, and industries from around the world.