- 1Engineering Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- 2Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- 3Jadara Research Center, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan
- 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- 5Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India
- 6Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
- 7Department of Pharmacy, Mazaya University College, Dhiqar, Iraq
- 8College of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Iraq
Magnesium (Mg) alloys show promise for lightweight structural and biomedical applications, but they face challenges such as poor corrosion resistance and complex deformation behavior. This systematic review explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) address these limitations. These techniques enable the fast and accurate prediction and optimization of material properties, thereby reducing experimental effort and accelerating the design of high-performance Mg alloys. A multi-database validation approach using Scopus and Web of Science ensured methodological robustness when searching for AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys. A comparative analysis of author keywords, index keywords, sources, authors, and countries confirmed strong thematic consistency between databases, thereby enhancing the credibility of the cluster-based bibliometric analysis. The PRISMA framework was used to ensure the structured literature search, eligibility assessment, and documentation of the selection process. 185 peer-reviewed articles (2015–2025) were analyzed and organized into seven refined thematic clusters: ‘mechanical behavior modeling using neural networks’, ‘AI-driven alloy design and compositional optimization’, ‘atomic-scale modeling and physics-guided learning’, ‘AI applications in welding and thermomechanical processing’, ‘biomaterials and microstructural optimization’, ‘corrosion modeling and degradation prediction’, ‘data-driven design and integrated optimization frameworks’. The review highlights the extensive application of models, including Artificial Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, and hybrid frameworks that combine ML with optimization algorithms or physical simulations. These approaches enhance predictions on mechanical properties, microstructural changes, corrosion behavior, and processing results of Mg alloys. The study also discusses cross-cutting themes such as simulation speed-up metrics, model interpretability across domains, and limitations in dataset coverage. Findings indicate AI-based methods can expedite alloy design and performance optimization; however, challenges remain in data accessibility, model interpretability, and experimental validation. The study concludes that integrating physics-informed ML models, using multimodal data, and employing inverse design will be crucial for advancing the intelligent development of high-performance Mg alloys for sustainable engineering applications.
1 Introduction
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) has revolutionized the field of materials science. It provides data-driven insights, predictive modeling, and accelerated material discovery. AI refers to machines that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as decision-making and problem-solving. ML is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn patterns from data and improve performance without being explicitly programmed. DL, a specialized subfield of ML, utilizes multi-layered neural networks to model complex relationships, particularly for high-dimensional data such as images or microstructures. AI as the overarching field, ML for classical algorithmic learning models (Random Forests, SVM), and DL for neural network-based architectures (CNNs, RNNs). Magnesium (Mg) alloys are recognized for their high strength-to-weight ratio, biodegradability, and suitability for structural and biomedical applications (Kaur R. et al., 2025). These characteristics present promising opportunities for intelligent computational analysis. However, these Mg alloys face significant limitations, such as poor corrosion resistance, low ductility, and complex microstructural responses. Addressing these challenges requires transitioning from standard experimental and simulation techniques to more scalable and effective computational methods. In recent years, AI-based approaches have been increasingly utilized to overcome these limitations by enabling the design of novel alloy compositions, predicting mechanical and corrosion behaviors, and simulating microstructural evolution under various processing conditions. These technologies offer substantial benefits in optimizing high-dimensional design spaces, assessing multiple objectives for performance measures, and uncovering hidden patterns in experimental and simulation datasets. DL shows strong promise in image-based microstructure analysis, segmentation, and inverse design workflows (Hou et al., 2024; Kan et al., 2024).
Mg alloys have garnered significant attention over the past few decades due to their promising applications in lightweight structural (Nithin et al., 2022) and biomedical sectors (Hou et al., 2023). The lightest metal available, Mg boasts an attractive strength-to-weight ratio, decent machinability, and great abundance, placing it at the forefront as a strong contender in fields ranging from the automotive (Zhang D. et al., 2022), aerospace (Viswanadhapalli et al., 2022), and the electronic industries (Filanovich et al., 2023) to biomedical implants (Mondal et al., 2024). Nevertheless, despite these merits, Mg alloys encounter several inherent drawbacks, including low corrosion resistance, limited room-temperature ductility, and complex deformation behavior, which limit their extensive use in demanding applications (Xinyu et al., 2020; Moses et al., 2023). Overcoming these setbacks, extensive efforts have been made to optimize alloy composition, microstructure properties, and processing methods (Gurgenc, 2019; Azqadan et al., 2023). Conventionally, these activities depend on trial-and-error experimental and computational simulation methods, which tend to be time-consuming, computationally intensive, and limited in navigating the ample design space of multicomponent alloy systems (Hou et al., 2024; Kan et al., 2024).
Figure 1 illustrates the classification of Mg alloys into casting, wrought, rare earth-based, and biodegradable types, along with their respective applications in fields such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical engineering (Wang L. et al., 2025).
Over the past decade, the integration of materials science with AI, ML, and DL has opened up new avenues in alloy design and property prediction (Ji et al., 2024; Mishra, 2024a). AI-powered models are capable of handling large, intricate, and high-dimensional data sets to detect hidden patterns, determine nonlinear relationships, and forecast material behavior with unprecedented accuracy and speed (Viswanadhapalli et al., 2022; Troncoso et al., 2023). For Mg alloys, AI/ML methods have become revolutionary tools for modeling mechanical behavior, optimizing microstructure, designing corrosion-resistant compositions, and accelerating atomic-scale simulations (Gerdes et al., 2021; Chandana and Kamesh, 2024). These data-driven approaches not only enhance the productivity of materials research but also provide new scientific insights into underlying mechanisms that are challenging to obtain using traditional approaches (Moses et al., 2024; Zaky et al., 2025).
ML methods, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) (Murugesan et al., 2023), Support Vector Regression (SVR) (Gurgenc et al., 2020), Random Forests (RF) (Ghorbani et al., 2023b), Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) (Srinivasan et al., 2024), and more profound learning algorithms including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) (Ansari et al., 2024) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) (Li et al., 2025) have been more recently applied to various problems in the field of Mg alloy studies. These involve predicting mechanical behavior, such as yield strength (Deka et al., 2024), tensile strength (Mishra, 2024a), fatigue life (Kalayci et al., 2019), examination of microstructure characteristics such as grain size (Manroo and Malik, 2022), dislocation density (Salmenjoki et al., 2023), texture (Zhang Y. et al., 2023), process optimization of welding (Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Bansal et al., 2025) and deformation, including friction stir welding (Sefene et al., 2022; Krishnamurthy et al., 2025), extrusion (Wang Q. et al., 2023; Deka et al., 2024), modeling of corrosion (Radha, 2024) and biodegradation resistance (Dargusch et al., 2024) and designing novel alloy compositions with the desired performance properties (Oladapo et al., 2024). Figure 2 depicts the hierarchical structure between AI, ML, and DL. AI is the broadest field, encompassing all methods that enable machines to simulate human intelligence. Under AI, ML is the subfield dedicated to learning from data using statistical models and algorithms. DL, a sub-class of ML, utilizes multi-layered neural networks to learn to extract features and discover complicated patterns automatically, and therefore excels at tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and materials science predictive modelling (Papagiannidis et al., 2025).
In addition, advancements in material informatics have enabled the integration of AI with first-principles simulations (Zhang X. et al., 2024), such as Density Functional Theory (Batalović et al., 2022) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) (Cui et al., 2023), facilitating the efficient exploration of phase stability, solute behavior, and atomic-level mechanisms in Mg alloys. Methods such as active learning (Ghorbani et al., 2024), Bayesian optimization (Mi et al., 2024; Al Bukhari and Pervaiz, 2025), and transfer learning (Shabbir et al., 2021) are increasingly being used to reduce experimental and computational efforts while achieving maximum discovery and predictive accuracy. These AI-based approaches are also being utilized to aid in inverse design (Li et al., 2025), where specified material characteristics drive the generation of alloy compositions or processing routes. A schematic presentation of the role of AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloy science is shown in Figure 3. It illustrates their diverse applications in alloy design, prediction of mechanical behavior, analysis of microstructure, corrosion simulation, and process optimization, as well as how smart, data-driven methodologies are revolutionizing traditional materials science operations (Suh et al., 2023; Kuriki et al., 2024).
Despite such encouraging developments, the application of AI/ML in Mg alloy research remains disjointed and largely exploratory. Few exhaustive reviews systematically assess the existing picture, group research topics, detect methodological trends, and reveal pivotal knowledge gaps. The previous related reviews are computational modeling of additive manufacturing of porous Mg implants (Imran et al., 2022), computational advances in Mg-hydrogen interactions (Batalović et al., 2024), ML for alloys (Liu et al., 2022), Mg for advanced hydrogen storage (Xu et al., 2025), selective laser melting of Mg alloys (Li K. et al., 2023), ML for Mg-based composites (Zhu et al., 2023) and ML for corrosion resistance of Mg alloys (Guo et al., 2023). Current reviews of materials science tend to be generic in their approach to metallic systems or focus on a particular application, without providing a cluster-wise overview of the application of AI/ML/DL methods across various fields of Mg alloy research.
(Kaya, 2020) examined strategies to address the problematic features of Mg alloys, highlighting the use of stacking fault energy (SFE)–based alloying and short-range order (SRO) considerations, while also discussing the role of calcium and other alloying elements. (Höche et al., 2021). emphasized the advantages of Mg-based materials in aviation, highlighting their lightweight nature, superior die-casting properties, and the emergence of new alloys such as DieMag633 and MRI230D. (Rahim et al., 2022). focused on surface modifications of Mg alloys to control their rapid degradation in orthopedic implants, presenting critical insights into biocompatibility enhancements. (Yan et al., 2022). reviewed severe plastic deformation techniques, particularly high-pressure torsion (HPT), as effective methods for refining the microstructures of Mg alloys and enhancing their mechanical performance. (Calado et al., 2022). focused on WE series Mg alloys, examining their mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and strategies to control their microstructure and improve durability. The studies (Kaya, 2020; Höche et al., 2021; Calado et al., 2022; Rahim et al., 2022; Yan et al., 2022) highlighted ongoing innovations in Mg alloy design, processing, and applications, from aerospace to biomedical fields.
Compared to their application in more extensively studied material systems, such as steel and aluminum, AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys present unique opportunities and challenges. In steel and aluminum systems, abundant standardized datasets and well-understood physical mechanisms enable highly accurate predictions of mechanical and corrosion properties using ML techniques. Due to their complex deformation mechanisms, texture sensitivity, and limited data availability, Mg alloys require more adaptive approaches, such as DL models for microstructural image analysis or hybrid frameworks for multi-objective optimization. While AI-ML and DL-driven models in steel and aluminum have primarily focused on strength and defect prediction, their application in Mg alloys must also account for issues such as poor corrosion resistance and limited ductility, highlighting the need for multimodal data integration and physics-informed learning in Mg alloy research. To fill this void, the current research systematically reviews AI, ML, and DL applications in Mg alloys using a cluster-based approach. This review presents a cluster-wise analysis of the methods employed, key findings, challenges, and research opportunities. Special attention is given to hybrid modeling approaches, microstructural input parameters, image-based DL applications, and inverse design frameworks. It also highlights trends in data usage, model performance, and experimental integration, offering a holistic view of the field’s evolution.
In contrast to earlier reviews that provide a general overview of AI and ML applications in Mg alloys, this study employs a systematic methodology guided by PRISMA, alongside a cluster-based bibliometric analysis utilizing VOSviewer. This method facilitates a structured and data-oriented categorization of literature into clearly defined thematic clusters, including mechanical behavior modeling, microstructural simulations, alloy design, and corrosion forecasting. Moreover, the review sets itself apart by presenting detailed comparative analyses of various ML techniques, spanning from traditional models to hybrid and ensemble frameworks like GA-BPNN Li G. et al. (2023) and PSO-BP ANN Murugesan et al. (2023); (Li X. et al., 2024), emphasizing their unique contributions to understanding the nonlinear behavior of Mg alloys. This review uniquely highlights advanced methodologies such as surrogate modeling, including GPR and neural network-based surrogates and multi-fidelity strategies that merge machine learning with physics-based simulations, aiming to improve prediction accuracy and minimize computational expenses. It also fills an important gap by addressing data cleaning, imputation, and categorical feature encoding specifically for metallurgical variables like rolling processes and crystal structures. A comparative analysis is provided on the differences in AI/ML applications across various material systems such as steel, aluminum, and magnesium, thus contextualizing Mg alloys within a broader materials science framework and outlining a pathway for future interdisciplinary exploration.
The primary objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review of the application of AI, ML, and DL techniques in Mg alloy research, focusing on key methodologies, material domains, and performance outcomes. To achieve this, the study is guided by the following specific objectives:
• To map the thematic landscape of AI/ML/DL research in Mg alloys by applying keyword-based clustering using VOSviewer.
• To categorize and critically analyze the literature into well-defined clusters such as mechanical behavior modeling, alloy design, atomic-scale simulations, corrosion prediction, and biomaterials optimization.
• To identify the most frequently used AI/ML models and techniques (e.g., ANN, CNN, RF, DFT, Bayesian Optimization), assess their effectiveness, and determine the nature of the input features used (e.g., microstructure, composition, stress-strain data).
• To evaluate current research gaps, including challenges related to data availability, model interpretability, experimental validation, and scalability across different alloy systems and application domains.
• To provide a roadmap for future research, suggesting strategies such as multi-modal data integration, inverse design frameworks, physics-informed modeling, and AI-experiment integration for accelerating the design and development of high-performance Mg alloys.
This review systematically examines the use of AI, ML, and DL in tackling significant challenges in Mg alloy research. It covers issues like poor corrosion resistance, low ductility, and complex deformation mechanisms. Organizing the literature into clear thematic groups provides a straightforward framework for understanding progress in property prediction, alloy development, and microstructural refinement. The review also identifies research gaps, such as limited data and model interpretability, and suggests solutions like physics-informed models and digital twins. It connects materials science with data-driven engineering, offering timely insights for sustainable innovations in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical applications of Mg alloys.
2 Materials and methods
2.1 Literature search and data collection
To ensure thorough coverage of the literature on the application of AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys, bibliometric data were gathered from two prominent scientific databases: Scopus (Elsevier) and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics). The search utilized combinations of the keywords:
((TITLE-ABS-KEY (magnesium) AND ABS-KEY (alloy) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (artificial intelligence) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (ML) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (DL)) AND (LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE, “English”)) AND (LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE, “ar”)))
In both databases, search filters were applied to include only articles in English and peer-reviewed research, excluding conference proceedings, reviews, and other non-research outputs. A total of 387 records were obtained from Scopus and 252 from Web of Science. After eliminating duplicate entries in the WoS dataset, 237 unique articles remained. The finalized datasets obtained from both databases formed the basis for the following cluster development and validation across multiple databases. Table 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the literature search findings.
2.2 Justification for inclusion and exclusion criteria
To ensure the quality, consistency, and relevance of the analyzed dataset on AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and applied during the literature search process. Only peer-reviewed journal articles were included, while conference proceedings, book chapters, reviews, editorials, letters, and non-research communications were excluded. The focus on journal articles ensures that the analysis relies on original research studies that have undergone thorough peer review. It leads to preserving scientific validity and methodological soundness.
Only publications in English were taken into account. This restriction was implemented to ensure consistency in language interpretation, keyword extraction, and semantic analysis during bibliometric mapping. The bibliometric tool VOSviewer heavily relies on accurate keyword co-occurrence and text mining (van Eck and Waltman, 2010; Kumar and Goel, 2021). If articles are considered in various languages, this can introduce inconsistencies due to translation differences or incomplete indexing of non-English terms. The applied filters ensure both methodological rigor and global relevance of the bibliometric findings on AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys.
2.3 Multi-database validation using scopus and Web of Science
The comparative analysis between Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) datasets collected for AI, ML, and DL in Mg-alloys is depicted in Supplementary Table SM1. It demonstrates a high degree of consistency across multiple bibliometric parameters for AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloys. For author keywords, index keywords, contributing authors, journal sources, and publishing countries, the overlap ranged from 70% to 85%. This indicates a strong thematic alignment between the two databases (Scopus and WoS), despite differences in their indexing scope and coverage. This cross-database validation supports the reliability and generalizability of the cluster analysis conducted using the Scopus dataset. Figure 4 presents a side-by-side comparison of key bibliometric parameters.
2.3.1 Interpretation of overlaps and divergences
The comparison of two databases (with the understanding that, on identical datasets, more than two databases may be analyzed to assess similarities and dissimilarities; in this instance, the similarities pertain to data plotted for Scopus and WoS) revealed a high degree of thematic consistency concerning AI, ML, and DL studies focused on Mg alloys. An overlap of approximately 70%–85% in core key phrases, leading journals, and principal authors further substantiated the concordance of bibliometric characteristics. The observed discrepancies were minor and predominantly attributable to indexing policies that influence citation practices. Nevertheless, both databases consistently identified major thematic areas, such as alloy design, corrosion prediction, and microstructural modeling related to material properties and phenomena. Accordingly, the differences observed are attributable to database-specific coverage nuances rather than reflecting substantive divergences within the research landscape.
2.3.2 Implications for reliability and reproducibility
The pronounced concordance between Scopus and WoS emphasizes the robustness and reproducibility of the bibliometric findings pertaining to AI, ML, and DL analyses of Mg alloys. Scopus was selected for subsequent systematic analysis, owing to its broader coverage and heightened sensitivity within the domains of materials science and computational modeling. The identified clusters exhibit applicability to a wider scholarly population, thereby affirming both the methodological rigor and the topical relevance of the systematic review.
2.4 PRISMA framework for systematic review
The study utilized the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework to ensure a structured and transparent approach to conducting the systematic literature review (Page et al., 2022; Kaur S. et al., 2025). Although bibliometric data were initially retrieved from both Scopus and WoS for multi-database validation, the Scopus database was selected as the primary source for detailed cluster formation and thematic analysis due to its broader journal coverage, more extensive indexing of materials science, engineering, and computational AI-related publications, and its seamless integration with the VOSviewer bibliometric mapping tool.
The PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 5) shows 387 Scopus records initially retrieved. After screening for language, document type, and topic relevance, 254 studies remained. Of these, 162 highly cited articles were thematically clustered, and 92 relevant low-citation papers were added for comprehensive coverage, totaling 185 studies. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles applying AI/ML/DL to Mg alloys, while non-English texts, non-article types, and irrelevant studies were excluded to ensure thematic coherence and analytical quality.
2.5 Cluster formation and thematic analysis
VOSviewer (version 1.6) was utilized for cluster analysis, employing Scopus author keywords (N = 815, aligned with Scopus export compatibility for WoS) as input. By applying a minimum occurrence threshold of three, a total of 46 keywords were organized into nine distinct clusters. These clusters reflect thematic trends related to the structural applications of AI, ML, and DL in the context of Mg alloys. Manual labeling was subsequently conducted, wherein the presence of keywords and representative articles associated with specific topics were analyzed contextually to ensure accurate thematic representation. For example, the keywords “grain size” and “ANN” were assigned the label ‘mechanical behavior modeling using neyrak networks’. This expert-guided approach facilitates the identification of emerging research areas and existing gaps within the AI-driven literature on magnesium alloys.
• Cluster I: Mechanical behavior modeling using neural networks
Cluster I includes keywords such as aluminum alloys, ANN, constitutive model, EBSD, grain size, hardness, Mg, neural network, tensile strength, and twinning. Cluster I emphasizes predicting mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, hardness) and microstructural characteristics (e.g., grain size, twinning) through ANNs and constitutive modeling techniques.
• Cluster II: Alloy design and performance prediction using AI/ML
Cluster II includes keywords such as alloy design, artificial neural network, corrosion behavior, crystal structure prediction, DL, genetic algorithm, mechanical property, metals and alloys, and Mg alloy. It highlights AI/ML methods like DL, genetic algorithms, and ANNs in designing new Mg alloys and predicting properties like corrosion behavior and crystal structure.
• Cluster III: Atomic-scale simulations and ML potentials
Cluster III includes keywords such as density functional theory, dislocation, grain boundary segregation, ML potential, molecular dynamics, and tensile properties. This cluster emphasizes atomistic modeling techniques (DFT, MD) and ML-based interatomic potentials for understanding fundamental properties such as dislocations and grain boundaries.
• Cluster IV: AI in welding and advanced processing techniques
Cluster IV includes keywords such as artificial intelligence, friction stir processing, friction stir welding, magnesium alloys, and metal hydrides. Cluster IV focused on the application of AI in welding and processing technologies, such as friction stir welding, particularly for magnesium alloys.
• Cluster V: Biomaterials and microstructural optimization
Cluster V includes keywords such as biomaterials, magnesium alloy, mechanical properties, microstructure, and rare earth elements. It focuses on the biomedical applications of Mg alloys, examining how microstructure and rare-earth additions affect mechanical properties.
• Cluster VI: First-principles and active learning approaches
Cluster VI encompasses keywords such as active learning, density functional theory (DFT), first-principles calculations, and magnesium (Mg) alloys. It combines first-principles (DFT) methods with active learning, representing a data-efficient approach to modeling and material discovery in Mg alloys.
• Cluster VII: data-driven design and optimization techniques
Cluster VII encompasses feature selection, ML, and optimization keywords. It represents core ML techniques such as feature selection and optimization used in materials data analysis and model refinement.
• Cluster VIII: Corrosion modeling
Cluster VIII includes keywords such as corrosion and prediction. A small but focused cluster specifically on using AI/ML for corrosion prediction in Mg alloys.
• Cluster IX: Alloy composition and design strategies
Cluster IX includes keywords such as aluminum alloy and composition design. It focused on compositional optimization of Mg and Al alloys using computational design strategies.
This terminology will clearly define each cluster’s thematic scope while remaining focused on the overall aim of mapping advancements in AI, ML, and DL within Mg alloy research.
2.6 Refining and updating clusters
The initial cluster structure was refined to enhance thematic clarity and analytical rigour within this systematic review. While the original nine clusters were generated using the VOSviewer keyword co-occurrence algorithm, subsequent manual curation and semantic evaluation revealed partial overlaps and redundancies. Consequently, the clusters were reorganised to improve conceptual coherence and ensure interpretive precision.
Specifically, several clusters were identified as converging around similar research themes and methodological frameworks. For example, clusters centred on atomic-scale simulations, such as Cluster III (Atomic-Scale Simulations and ML Potentials), and first-principles learning frameworks, such as Cluster VI (First-Principles and Active Learning Approaches), both encompassed studies utilising DFT, MD, and ML potentials.
Similarly, research categorised under Cluster II (Alloy Design and Performance Prediction using AI/ML) and Cluster IX (Alloy Composition and Design Strategies) were found to share a common focus on alloy development through AI/ML models and inverse design approaches. Although initially treated as distinct due to variations in keyword density, further keyword correlation analysis and metric-based structural cohesion indicated that these clusters should be consolidated to reflect their underlying conceptual alignment.
The refinement process was conducted in three systematic stages:
1. Re-evaluation of keyword semantics and article content to identify conceptual overlaps across clusters.
2. Consolidation of thematically related clusters, reducing the total from nine to seven to reflect a more coherent thematic structure.
3. Re-classification of articles into functional clusters, ensuring each article was assigned to a clearly defined thematic domain based on its dominant methodologies and core research objectives.
This refinement fulfils two primary objectives:
• It mitigates conceptual fragmentation and redundancy within the analytic framework, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the review.
• It establishes a more systematic and intuitive classification of AI/ML/DL applications in magnesium alloy research, thereby increasing the review’s utility for both academic researchers and industrial practitioners engaged in magnesium alloy development.
So, the refined seven clusters for thematic classification are as follows:
• Cluster 1: Mechanical behavior modeling using neural networks
• Focus: Prediction of mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, fatigue life) using ANN, BPNN, hybrid ML models, etc.
• Cluster 2: AI-driven alloy design and compositional optimization (merged from previous Cluster II and Cluster IX)
• Focus: Alloy composition tuning, inverse design, and multi-objective optimization using ML, GA, and Bayesian optimization.
• Cluster 3: atomic-scale modeling and physics-guided learning (merged from previous Cluster III and Cluster VI)
• Focus: DFT, molecular dynamics, ML potentials, and active learning for atomic-level behavior and material discovery.
• Cluster 4: AI applications in welding and thermomechanical processing (based on Cluster IV)
• Focus: AI-based modeling of friction stir welding, hot extrusion, and other advanced processing techniques.
• Cluster 5: Biomaterials and microstructural optimization (based on Cluster V)
• Focus: Microstructure-property correlation, rare earth additions, and design of biodegradable Mg-based biomaterials.
• Cluster 6: Corrosion modeling and degradation prediction (based on Cluster VIII)
• Focus: AI/ML-based prediction of corrosion resistance and biodegradation behavior in harsh or biological environments.
• Cluster 7: Data-driven design and integrated optimization frameworks (refined from original Cluster VII)
• Focus: Feature selection, surrogate modeling, hybrid ML frameworks, model interpretability, and uncertainty quantification.
2.7 Validation of thematic clusters
VOSviewer was chosen for its effectiveness in identifying thematic structures through bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence mapping van Eck and Waltman, 2010. Its modularity optimization and local movement algorithm support precise clustering, making it particularly valuable for mapping multidisciplinary intersections like AI applications in Mg alloy research.
2.7.1 Validation Process of thematic clusters
To ensure methodological rigour and thematic appropriateness in classifying AI, ML, and DL applications within Mg alloy research, a systematic, multi-phase validation strategy was implemented. This process resulted in a final set of seven coherent thematic clusters that collectively capture the prevailing research directions in the domain.
• Initial Keyword Network Analysis: Keywords manually defined by the authors were extracted from the dataset using a minimum co-occurrence threshold of three from Scopus. A keyword co-occurrence network was subsequently generated using VOSviewer, with clustering based on link strength. This initial step facilitated the identification of preliminary themes, establishing a statistically driven structure upon which further semantic analysis could be conducted.
• Expert-Based Semantic Validation: Domain experts in materials science and computational modelling conducted a review and interpretation of the preliminary clusters. The established thematic labels were confirmed as semantically valid and contextually appropriate by ensuring alignment with dominant keywords in each cluster as well as with the abstracts and content of representative articles. Clusters containing terms such as tensile strength, grain size, and ANN were classified under the thematic category Mechanical Behaviour Modelling Using Neural Networks.
• Refinement and Thematic Consolidation: Redundancy among clusters was identified through expert review, focusing on semantic overlap and methodological convergence. Clusters addressing analogous techniques and research aims such as atomic-scale modelling (DFT, ML potentials) and active learning were consolidated into single thematic categories. This refinement reduced the original nine clusters to seven, enhancing thematic coherence while maintaining clear distinctions between cluster boundaries.
• De-duplication and Reallocation of Articles: During the initial clustering process, some articles were assigned to multiple clusters due to shared keywords. A manual re-evaluation was undertaken to reassign each article to the most thematically appropriate cluster. This de-duplication process ensured that all studies within each research theme contributed uniquely to a clearly defined area of investigation.
• Final Cross-Validation with Recent Literature: The refined clusters were validated against a curated collection of high-impact publications from 2023 to 2025. This cross-validation ensured that each cluster remained contemporarily relevant by verifying that representative abstracts aligned with those in recent literature and that cross-cluster similarity reflected emerging research themes and evolving terminology in AI-assisted materials design.
By employing this multi-stage validation framework, the review enhances both its analytical depth and interpretative credibility. The seven thematic clusters thus generated provide a structured and reliable foundation for mapping the landscape of AI, ML, and DL applications in Mg alloy research, offering both breadth and specificity reflective of the state-of-the-art in the field.
2.8 Procedure: cluster-wise systematic review
After generating thematic clusters, a systematic review was conducted within each group. Cluster names were assigned based on author keywords used as filters to identify relevant articles. Since some keywords overlapped, particular articles appeared in multiple clusters. To avoid redundancy, duplicates were removed, and each article was assigned to the most appropriate cluster.
3 Cluster-wise critical review of literature
This section presents a comprehensive, cluster-wise thematic analysis of the literature at the intersection of Mg alloys and AI/ML/DL techniques. Each cluster is critically analyzed to highlight its key trends, methodologies, performance metrics, and limitations. Special attention is paid to the types of ML/DL models applied, the datasets used, and the interpretability of results. Detailed tables supporting each cluster-wise discussion, including model-specific results, datasets, and AI techniques used, are provided in Supplementary Tables SM1–SM8. Supplementary Figures SM1–SM5 support the main discussion and represent key input–output relationships and model workflows across clusters, significantly improving interpretability, thematic clarity, and technical depth.
3.1 Cluster 1: mechanical behavior modeling using neural networks
Cluster 1, “mechanical behavior modeling using neural networks,” emphasizes using ML and ANNs to accurately model essential mechanical properties, such as flow stress, tensile strength, and fatigue life. These data-driven models, encompassing hybrid and optimized ANN versions, demonstrate enhanced prediction accuracy and facilitate the practical assessment and optimization of Mg alloys in various processing and loading scenarios. Mg alloys, such as AZ31 and AZ31B, are valued for their lightweight and structural potential. However, they face limitations in mechanical performance, such as low ductility and fatigue resistance. Traditional modeling approaches often fail to capture the complex, nonlinear relationships between processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties.
Recent research has shown the successful application of ML and ANN in simulating the mechanical properties of AZ31 and AZ31B Mg alloys, as shown in Supplementary Tables SM2. Yu et al. (2024) utilized a combined ML and energy-based model to forecast the low-cycle fatigue life of AZ31 alloy. This model surpassed traditional fatigue prediction techniques, exhibiting strength across various loading directions. Wang S. et al. (2024) examined the maximum thinning rate of AZ31 alloy through a hybrid BPNN-RF method, which incorporated a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Dragonfly Optimization (DBO). The findings revealed the optimal formability conditions at 250°C and noted a prediction error as low as 0.32%, highlighting the significant impact of the resistance coefficient on formability.
Murugesan et al. (2023) focused on the flow stress behavior of AZ31B alloy using multiple ANN variants, including BP-ANN, GABP-ANN, and CFBP-ANN. The CFBP-ANN model yielded the most accurate results when trained on data from strain, temperature, and strain rate. Zhang Y. et al. (2023) utilized ANN to explore the relationship between tensile properties and crystallographic texture in AZ31 alloy. The model effectively linked texture features, such as Imax, D, PLD, and PTD, with mechanical outcomes, including yield strength and elongation, highlighting the importance of microstructural attributes. Yadav and Khurana (2022) utilized a combined ANN and GA framework to predict tensile strength, elongation, hardness, and grain size in AZ31B alloy joints. The model achieved a prediction error of less than 3% while optimizing joint performance across multiple objectives. Jaafreh et al. (2022) investigated stress concentration behavior using various ML models on pure Mg and AZ31. The ERT model demonstrated the highest accuracy, with grain size being the most significant factor; finer grains resulted in reduced stress concentration.
These studies confirm that hybrid or ensemble approaches combining ML and ANN-based models can effectively predict mechanical behaviors in Mg alloys. Models incorporating microstructural parameters, such as texture and grain size, exhibit enhanced predictive capability. The optimization techniques, such as GA and DBO, significantly improve the performance and reliability of these models, making them powerful tools for design and performance evaluation in materials engineering (Jaafreh et al., 2022; Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Murugesan et al., 2023; Zhang Y. et al., 2023; Wang S. et al., 2024; Yu et al., 2024).
Supplementary Tables SM3 depicts recent studies (2021–2025) that applied various ML and ANN techniques. It includes research aimed at predicting and enhancing the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Al-Mg and Al-based alloys. The primary properties explored were tensile strength, flow stress, corrosion resistance, hardness, wear behavior, hydrogen storage capacity, and grain size.
Jain et al. (2024) utilized the ensemble ML model CatBoost to predict the hardness of Al-Mg-X alloys. The alloy’s composition and heat treatment data revealed exceptional performance. Kim et al. (2024) used ANN, CNN, and RF to identify new high-hardness Al-/Mg-based alloys. It also applied explainable AI to comprehend critical influencing factors. Bai et al. (2024) used backpropagation ANN and clustering to model flow stress and dislocation density in an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy. The ML model achieved an R2 of 98.67%.
Several studies have concentrated on Mg-based or hybrid Al-Mg alloys. Chandana and Kamesh (2024) utilized Bayesian-regularized ANN to forecast hydrogen storage and release in Mg-based alloys. It highlighted the significance of particle size and pressure. El-Garaihy et al. (2024) investigated the properties of ZX30 Mg alloy using ANN and Gaussian Process Regression, realizing that processing methods and the number of passes significantly impacted corrosion and yield strength. Zhu G. et al. (2025) confirmed high tensile strength (668 MPa) in Cu-Cr-Zr-Mg-Ti alloys by employing ANN and GA to capture micro-alloying effects. Efa (2024) applied BP-ANN with gradient descent to examine Ti-interlayer effects in AA7075 and AZ61A. It accurately predicted residual stress and peak temperature during friction stir welding (FSW).
Many studies highlighted hybrid or interpretable ML frameworks. Jiang L. et al. (2024) presented a data-driven design of advanced Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Ti-Cr-Zr alloys. It correlated elemental additions with improved strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance using interpretable ML. Pei et al. (2024) combined ANN with internal state variable (ISV) and Arrhenius models for stress-strain prediction in Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloys under hot forming. It showed excellent agreement with experimental data. Li G. et al. (2023) used GA-BPNN to predict the slurry temperature in ECP-processed 7075 Al and achieved R2 = 0.9988. Mokhtari et al. (2024) compared DL architectures, ANN, GRU, LSTM, and RNN. The results revealed that memory-enabled models, RNN and LSTM, predicted better tensile strength in Al-Mg alloys.
Gurugubelli et al. (2023); Wang S. et al. (2024) revealed that AI integrated with simulations or hybrid optimization GA-DBO was able to predict formability and tensile strength with reduced experimental dependency. Xue et al. (2023) predicted corrosion resistance in Al-Mg alloys using minimal input data. The study highlighted Mg content and annealing parameters as key features. Mishra (2024a) applied 6 ML models to FSW Mg alloys, with XGBoost achieved the highest R2 (0.81), while Troncoso et al. (2023) used ML to detect twinning interfaces in Mg-10%Al alloys via stress field analysis. Byun et al. (2024) and Medghalchi et al. (2023) used advanced DL models (GAN-GRU, YOLOv5) for anisotropic deformation and micro-damage detection in ZK60 and Ca-alloyed Mg, respectively.
Jagadeesh and Setti (2023) used ANN to predict wear and tribological behavior for Mg Ze41A alloys, while Nithin et al. (2022) used CNNs to predict grain evolution in Al-Si-Mg alloys with over 90% accuracy. Masood Chaudry et al. (2021) and Shu et al. (2022) employed Gradient-Boost Trees and graph-based neural networks (HGGAT) to model unexplored Al alloys and microstructure-property relationships, respectively.
ANN and hybrid ML approaches (e.g., GA-BPNN, PSO-BP ANN, ensemble ML) have remarkably succeeded in modeling and predicting complex mechanical behaviors in Al-Mg and Al-based systems. Hybrid or optimized ANN models integrate additional techniques like genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, or swarm intelligence to enhance prediction accuracy and convergence speed. Compared to traditional ANNs, these models offer improved generalization and robustness in capturing the complex nonlinear behavior of Mg alloy properties. Models integrating microstructural features (e.g., grain size, DRX, texture) consistently demonstrate higher accuracy and better generalization. Optimization algorithms, such as GA, DBO, and PSO, enhance prediction performance and aid in solving multi-objective problems. DL techniques (CNNs, GRUs, GANs) are proving to be essential when handling complex microstructural data or small datasets, as demonstrated in the work by (Nithin et al., 2022; Byun et al., 2024). ML models replace traditional empirical models (Arrhenius) and accelerate materials discovery, process optimization, and property prediction. ML-driven modeling is transforming alloy design and characterization in the Al-Mg system. Integrating domain knowledge, microstructural data, and advanced ML frameworks is paving the way for high-performance alloy development, rapid prototyping, and reduced experimental burden.
Supplementary Tables SM4 illustrates the application of cutting-edge ML and DL models, CNNs, GBT, and Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to predict and analyze Al and Mg-based alloys’ properties and microstructural characteristics. Kim et al. (2024) presented a comprehensive ensemble ML framework that integrates ANN, CNN, and RF models to forecast hardness in Al-/Mg-based alloys. The research identified new high-hardness alloy compositions and utilized explainable AI methods to clarify the influence of individual elements and processing parameters. Lopes Marinho et al. (2024) explored various CNN architectures (U-Net, HR-Net, nnU-Net) to assess biodegradation and osseointegration in Mg-based biomedical implants. Nithin et al. (2022) concentrated on grain prediction in Al-Si-Mg alloys using a conventional CNN model and achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying α-Al grains. It confirmed the CNN’s efficiency in image-based microstructural evaluation. Masood Chaudry et al. (2021) focused on structured data and employed GBT to predict hardness in Al-Cu-Mg-x alloys with less-explored compositions. The GBT model leveraged curated literature data and demonstrated exceptional predictive capability.
The studies in Supplementary Tables SM4 highlight the growing incorporation of DL and graph-based models in the design and analysis of alloys’ microstructure. CNNs (Nithin et al., 2022; Lopes Marinho et al., 2024) have confirmed strong performance in image-related tasks, such as segmentation and grain identification, making them essential for the automated analysis of microstructural images. GBT models (Masood Chaudry et al., 2021) excelled in predicting capabilities for structured tabular data when experimental data is scarce but well-organized. The rise of graph-based models, such as HGGAT (Shu et al., 2022), marks a significant advancement in materials informatics. The microstructural intricacies were represented through images or scalar values, as well as relational structures (e.g., grain networks). These models provide a more physics-informed perspective on ML, thereby enhancing generalization and interpretability. Advanced ML models, such as CNNs, GBTs, and graph networks, are adept at handling complex tasks involving image segmentation, pattern recognition, and structure-property relationships. These ML models pave the way for research for automated, explainable, and high-throughput materials.
Figure 6a depicts the most commonly used input parameters of ML models for predicting the mechanical behavior and microstructural features of Al- and Mg-based alloys. Hardness is the most frequently referenced parameter, highlighted in works such as (Jagadeesh and Setti, 2023; Shaban et al., 2023; El-Garaihy et al., 2024; Jain et al., 2024). Since hardness is a critical measure of material strength and durability, it is a logical focus for ML-driven prediction and optimization. The composition was also mentioned (Masood Chaudry et al., 2021; Jain et al., 2024; Zhu Y. et al., 2025) in alloy design and performance enhancement research. Stress and strain for assessing material deformation and flow behavior were prevalent in studies (Murugesan et al., 2023; Bai et al., 2024) Li 2024. Furthermore, grain size, a vital microstructural aspect affecting properties like strength, fatigue, and corrosion resistance, was emphasized in research such as (Jaafreh et al., 2022; El-Garaihy et al., 2024).
Figure 6b presents an overview of the ML models that consistently demonstrate high predictive performance in the literature reviewed. ANN is the most commonly used and top-performing model, cited in over ten studies, including (Bai et al., 2024; Yu et al., 2024; Zhu Y. et al., 2025). ANNs are particularly praised for their adaptability and capacity to model non-linear relationships between input parameters and mechanical outputs. The ML model, Backpropagation ANN (BP-ANN), has also received attention for its effectiveness in modeling flow stress and microstructural evolution, as noted in studies such as (Murugesan et al., 2023; Bai et al., 2024; Li X. et al., 2024). Gradient Boosted Trees (GBT) and SVR, mentioned in (Masood Chaudry et al., 2021; Shaban et al., 2023; Wang Q. et al., 2023; Mishra, 2024a) were recognized for their robustness and interpretability in predicting alloy properties. More complex models, CNNs and GANs, have been effectively utilized in image-based microstructural analysis and data augmentation (Byun et al., 2024; Lopes Marinho et al., 2024), showing impressive generalization capabilities. Furthermore, recurrent models such as LSTM and GRU outperformed traditional ANNs in sequence-based or simulation-derived datasets, as established in (Mokhtari et al., 2024). These trends reflect an increasing preference for DL models with memory or spatial learning functions in complex materials design challenges. A schematic representation of a CNN framework trained to predict tensile strength from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) or microstructure images is presented in Supplementary Figure SM1.
3.1.1 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 1
Cluster one highlights the significant impact of ML and ANNs in understanding the mechanical behavior of Mg alloys, such as AZ31, AZ31B, and Al-Mg systems. The hybrid versions of the ANN-based model incorporate optimization methods such as GA, DBO, and PSO. The hybrid ML models outperformed conventional empirical models. The predicted mechanical properties include flow stress, tensile strength, elongation, and fatigue life. Furthermore, integrating microstructural characteristics, such as grain size, texture, and dislocation density, has enhanced model precision and reliability. CFBP-ANN (Murugesan et al., 2023), PSO-BP ANN (Li X. et al., 2024), and hybrid BPNN-RF (Wang S. et al., 2024) illustrated how data-driven techniques can efficiently capture intricate, nonlinear relationships among processing conditions, microstructure, and mechanical responses. Comparative studies demonstrate that hybrid models such as PSO-BP ANN consistently outperform traditional ML models and even other hybrid approaches like GA-BPNN in terms of prediction accuracy and optimization efficiency. PSO-BP ANN achieved a higher R2 value and better convergence in modeling flow stress and dynamic recrystallization behavior, highlighting its suitability for complex, multi-variable material systems.
Future research should focus on expanding the dataset diversity by incorporating multi-scale and multimodal data. They must cover stress-strain behavior under dynamic and multi-axial loading, microstructural changes throughout processing, and the onset of damage. Advanced frameworks such as DNNs, GANs, and graph-based models can achieve enhanced generalization and interpretability in predictions of mechanical behavior. Integrating ML models with FEA and digital twin frameworks will enable real-time, physics-informed decision-making for alloy design and process improvements.
3.2 Cluster 2 AI-Driven alloy design and compositional optimization
3.2.1 Alloy design and performance prediction using AI/ML
AI/ML approaches for alloy design and performance prediction, targeting Mg, Al, and their composites are shown in Supplementary Tables SM5. The scrutinized studies demonstrated a wide variety of AI/ML models, encompassing interpretable ML, RFs, neural networks, and DL potentials and active learning frameworks. Wang Q. et al. (2025) introduced a highly interpretable ML model that integrates data augmentation, reconstruction, and a CCAS screening method for predicting the mechanical attributes of low-alloyed Mg alloys. The resultant alloy (MZAX 2000) attained an impressive strength-ductility balance, with an R2 value exceeding 95%, underscoring the effectiveness of advanced feature engineering on model precision. Li C. et al. (2024) applied DL potentials in conjunction with DFT to predict the properties of Al2CuMg phases. The study considered a leading sample that exhibited exceptional rigidity and thermal conductivity. It demonstrated the potential for scaling atomistic-level predictions to assess performance.
Yang et al. (2024) utilized RF regression to enhance SiCp/Al composites. The study yielded a model-predicted composite with a tensile strength of 561 MPa. It highlighted the benefits of merging ML with extensive property databases. Mo et al. (2025) adopted an active learning framework with Pareto optimization to design Al-Mg-Zn alloys. The study validated an alloy with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 602 MPa and an elongation of 15.1%. The study emphasized the significance of iterative learning in multi-objective material optimization.
Anne et al. (2024) investigated Mg/Al-Ce hybrid composites through decision trees and MLPs to analyze the impact of processing (ARB) and the addition of rare earth elements on microstructure and strength, achieving over a twofold enhancement in hardness and strength. Mi et al. (2024) further refined the alloy design technique using Bayesian optimization and active learning, leading to the discovery of high-strength Mg-Mn-based wrought alloys, highlighting expedited composition screening. Juan et al. (2024) and Yadav and Khurana (2022) presented additional insights into refining existing alloy systems. Juan et al. (2024) utilized ML descriptors to analyze the influence of trace Hf addition in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, while Yadav and Khurana (2022) employed a combination of ANN and GA algorithms to optimize FSW settings for AZ31B Mg alloys, effectively correlating welding conditions with microstructure and mechanical properties with high accuracy.
Supplementary Tables SM6 outlines recent progress in using AI/ML techniques to predict corrosion behavior, microstructural changes, and phase-related characteristics in metallic materials, as well as Mg and Zn/Fe-based alloys. Liu Z. et al. (2025) applied multiscale DL to model corrosion and mechanical degradation in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) on turbine blades. The DL model, trained on stress-damage data, accurately predicted TBC failure with error margins of 20%, indicating its potential for lifespan estimation in high-temperature environments. Chen Y. et al. (2024) demonstrated the interaction of a GA and cellular automata (CA) to model dynamic recrystallization (DRX) in AZ61 Mg alloys. The GA-optimized Arrhenius equation captured rheological behavior, while CA simulated grain morphology evolution, giving an accurate framework for microstructure control during hot deformation. Dai et al. (2024) employed ML to investigate the corrosion of WE43 Mg alloy in biologically relevant environments. The model revealed that bovine serum albumin (BSA) and wall shear stress (WSS) synergistically accelerate corrosion, providing a predictive tool for biodegradable implant environments.
Another study by Chen W. et al. (2024) focused on biodegradable Zn alloys, where ML models predicted ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and corrosion rate (CR) with low errors (0.95% and 5.5%, respectively). The integration of a visualization interface enables the rapid evaluation of Zn-Mn alloy performance, making it a valuable design platform. Qi et al. (2025) applied spatiotemporal DL using PredRNN and ConvLSTM architectures to simulate corrosion progression in MAO-coated Mg alloys. These models, trained on FEM-generated datasets, accurately predicted long-term degradation, with PredRNN outperforming others in capturing fine details and time-evolving behavior. Davydzenka et al. (2022) tackled data scarcity by combining ML with stochastic augmentation for accurate segmentation of µCT images of Mg alloys. The augmentation significantly boosted segmentation accuracy from 81.1% to 90%, demonstrating the crucial role of data enhancement techniques in image-based property analysis. Li et al. (2025) introduced a Wasserstein autoencoder (WAE) combined with a property predictor to discover new Fe-based metallic glasses with high saturation magnetic flux density (Bs). The model successfully identified compositions with Bs values exceeding 1.5 T, as verified by experiments, demonstrating its strength in inverse design and high-dimensional optimization.
The interrelation matrix heatmap in Figure 7a provides a visual representation of how various ML methods have been applied to predict material properties across different studies. The rows of the heatmap correspond to commonly used ML algorithms, including SVR, ANN, RF, XGBoost, Bayesian Optimization, DL, and GAs. The columns represent key predicted properties, including UTS, YS, EL, Corrosion Rate, Phase Prediction, and Microstructure Evolution. ANN has been widely applied in predicting UTS, as demonstrated in studies such as (Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Chen W. et al., 2024; Mi et al., 2024). Meanwhile, DL models have found strong applications in microstructure-related predictions, as seen in works (Davydzenka et al., 2022; Kuriki et al., 2024; Qi et al., 2025). Figure 7a highlights that SVR has been predominantly used for predicting mechanical properties, such as UTS, YS, and EL, in studies (Lu et al., 2022; Shen et al., 2024). RF and XGBoost have also been applied to predict mechanical properties, as seen in (Yang et al., 2024; Guo et al., 2024), respectively. DL has been prominent in corrosion and microstructure evolution studies, owing to its ability to handle image data and complex non-linear relationships. GA is a powerful tool for optimization, and it appears to be underutilized for microstructure and phase prediction; however, it has been effectively integrated for multi-objective optimization in process modeling (Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Chen W. et al., 2024). Bayesian Optimization (Ghorbani et al., 2023a; Mi et al., 2024) has been applied for optimizing alloy compositions across multiple mechanical properties.

Figure 7. (a) Interrelation matrix: ML methods vs. predicted properties, (b) Process types optimized in alloy studies, (c) Multi-objective optimization approaches used.
Figure 7b illustrating the distribution of optimized process types across the reviewed studies. The most frequently explored process was casting and die casting (Behera et al., 2021; Gupta et al., 2021; Zhang Y. et al., 2023) and focused on minimizing casting defects and optimizing solidification parameters using ML and GA algorithms. Welding processes, FSW, formed another significant cluster, with studies (Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Bansal et al., 2025) applied ANN and DL models for defect detection and joint property enhancement. Additive manufacturing and heat treatment were also studied in the context of ML-based prediction and optimization (Dong et al., 2024; Juan et al., 2024). Other works have investigated formability (Yang et al., 2023) and general process parameter optimization, including hybrid composites and structure-property relationships (Ghorbani et al., 2023a; Anne et al., 2024). Figure 7b illustrates the growing integration of ML in metallurgical processes to achieve better control, reduce defects, and enhance performance.
Figure 7c summarizes the multi-objective optimization techniques employed across the selected studies. The GA emerges as the most widely used method, often combined with other techniques ANN, to enhance optimization capabilities in complex design spaces. Chen W. et al. (2024) and Yadav and Khurana (2022) applied GA to optimize tensile strength, grain size, and corrosion resistance in Mg and zinc alloys. The combination of fuzzy logic with GA was implemented (Gupta et al., 2021) for defect minimization in pressure die casting. Bayesian Optimization, as used in (Ghorbani et al., 2024; Mi et al., 2024; Shen et al., 2024) offered a data-efficient route for exploring high-dimensional alloy composition spaces and improving mechanical properties. Active learning frameworks (Peng et al., 2023; Mo et al., 2025) demonstrated success in iteratively refining models to accelerate alloy finding. Emerging approaches to multi-objective evaluation indices (MOEI), introduced in (Shen et al., 2024) enable concurrent optimization of multiple properties such as UTS, yield strength, and elongation.
3.2.2 Alloy composition and design strategies
The research on alloy composition and design strategies of Cluster two highlights how ML, optimization algorithms, and computational modeling are changing alloy composition and design strategies (Supplementary Tables SM7). Zhang Y. et al. (2025) utilized a Kriging-assisted Two Archive (KTA2) algorithm to optimize the filler composition for laser welding of 7075 aluminum alloy. This method significantly enhanced the microstructure and mechanical properties in just four iterations, demonstrating the speed and accuracy of AI-based composition design.
Zhang H. et al. (2024) introduced a sustainable alloy design framework that utilizes Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis and physicochemical factor screening to reduce the cobalt content in Cu-Ni-Co alloys. The model enabled a 64% reduction in cobalt without compromising tensile strength or electrical conductivity, highlighting the potential of interpretable ML to support green material design. Mo et al. (2025) employed active learning with Pareto optimization to balance strength and ductility in Al-Mg-Zn alloys. By building a model from limited experimental data, the research produced a composition with superior strength-ductility synergy, validated through microstructural characterization. In another interpretability-focused study, Jiang L. et al. (2024) developed an ML framework to investigate the impact of elemental properties on aluminum alloy performance. The inclusion of Ti, Cr, and Zr enabled simultaneous enhancement of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance key requirements in aerospace and marine applications.
Feng et al. (2023) addressed the well-known trade-off between strength and corrosion resistance in Al-Mg-Si alloys by employing a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The research successfully developed low-Cu, low-Mg alloys that exhibit enhanced corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, as corroborated by extensive phase analysis. Zhang S. et al. (2023) adopted a comprehensive strategy by integrating Bayesian optimization, ML, and thermodynamic simulations for designing Ti-modified casting alloys. The study enabled efficient predictions of composition-microstructure-property correlations by establishing a quinary thermodynamic database.
Cheng et al. (2024) introduced an innovative method utilizing generative models and automatic differentiation to forecast stable Mg-Al alloy structures, significantly expediting the screening process and revealing new intermetallics with promising applications. Jiang et al. (2022) employed a property-oriented ML design system (MLDS) to identify aluminum alloys characterized by ultra-high strength and toughness. The identified compositions optimized Mg and Zn levels, along with dispersoids of Cr, Mn, Ti, and Zr to enhance grain structure and hinder the formation of undesirable phases.
Yanase et al. (2022) utilized ML to investigate the effects of selective laser melting (SLM) parameters on Al-Si-Mg alloys, identifying key factors that influence densification and microstructure. The incorporation of double scanning improved density while preserving fine structures. Liu et al. (2020) employed Gaussian Process Regression to delineate a wider and optimized process window for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in AlSi10 Mg alloys, resulting in increased strength and ductility due to minor microstructural adjustments.
3.2.3 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 2
Recent advancements in the application of AI/ML methodologies to establish connections between microstructure and macroscopic corrosion behavior as well as mechanical performance emphasize the considerable potential of such approaches in alloy design and performance prediction. When specifically adapted for integration with physical simulations, DL models can substantially improve predictive capabilities related to structural evolution and degradation phenomena. Hybrid methodologies, such as Genetic Algorithm–Cellular Automata (GA-CA) and Wasserstein Autoencoders (WAE), facilitate inverse design processes and enable microstructural optimization. These strategies not only accelerate alloy discovery but also reduce experimental costs and promote environmentally sustainable practices, while supporting the targeted development of materials with desired properties. Future research initiatives should prioritize the development of interpretable and more generalizable AI/ML frameworks, incorporate techniques from reinforcement learning and generative AI, and adopt closed-loop systems to enable autonomous alloy design across diverse processing conditions.
3.3 Cluster 3: atomic-scale modeling and physics-guided learning
3.3.1 Atomic-scale simulations and ML potentials
Cluster three highlights the convergence of atomistic simulations and ML techniques to explore the fundamental behavior of materials in Mg-based systems (Supplementary Tables SM8). Jiang Q. et al. (2024) and Geng et al. (2025) employed density functional theory (DFT) and MD simulations to investigate hydrogen desorption and mechanical behavior in Mg-based systems, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining physical simulations with ML models in predicting complex thermodynamic behavior. Similarly, Deng (2024) developed a DL interatomic potential for the Mg-Fe-O system to study MgO exsolution at the Earth’s core-mantle boundary.
ML methods are pivotal in accelerating property prediction, material discovery, and scaling up simulations. A range of ML techniques have been used across studies: ANNs (Bai 2024, (Motamedi et al., 2023; Zhang Y. et al., 2023), light gradient boosting machines (LGBM) (Fang 2025), DL potentials (Feng and Lu, 2024; Kan et al., 2024), and generative models (Chen et al., 2025). Bai et al. (2024) employed BP-ANN to predict dislocation density and flow stress from thermal simulation data of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloys, whereas Fang et al. (2025) used LGBM to screen high-performance binary alloy catalysts for glucose hydrogenation.
A significant portion of the studies focus on mechanical and thermophysical properties at the microstructural level, such as dislocation motion (Cui et al., 2023; Kan et al., 2024), twin strengthening (Troncoso et al., 2023; Zhang C. et al., 2025), phase transitions (Tian and Yu, 2021), and grain boundary segregation (Messina et al., 2021; Menon et al., 2024). These phenomena were analyzed using advanced ML-enhanced simulation workflows. Menon et al. (2024) used a surrogate ML model trained on thermodynamic integration data to predict yttrium segregation energies at grain boundaries in Mg alloys, achieving results that aligned well with experimental data.
Corrosion resistance and hydrogen storage were also key areas of research. Würger2019 and Wang Y. et al. (2024) combined ML models with DFT and electrochemical kinetics to evaluate Mg alloys and intermetallics for enhanced corrosion resistance, while Jiang Q. et al. (2024) developed a heterojunction material focused on improving hydrogen storage and controlling desorption. Methodologically, studies such as (Álvarez-Zapatero et al., 2021; Deng, 2024; Feng and Lu, 2024) introduced large-scale or iterative training frameworks (like DP-GEN and neural network-based basin hopping) to train interatomic potentials, which significantly improved scalability and model generalizability. These workflows increase the accessibility of high-accuracy simulations for complex systems, including molten salts and nanoparticles.
3.3.2 First-Principles and Active Learning Approaches
It is exploring an increasing number of studies that utilize ML and first-principles calculations, along with active learning (AL) methods, to accelerate the discovery and improvement of Mg alloys (Supplementary Tables SM9). Research by (Ghorbani et al., 2024; Jain et al., 2025; Zhu G. et al., 2025) emphasized the prediction of important mechanical properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. This is achieved using algorithms like Gradient Boosting, KNN, and GPR. These models not only provide high prediction accuracy but also help identify significant features such as elemental composition, thermomechanical parameters, and microstructural descriptors that are essential for alloy design.
Parallel efforts by (Chen et al., 2020; Wu Y. et al., 2025; Zhang G. et al., 2025) illustrated the application of active learning and Pareto front optimization to enhance attributes such as the strength-ductility balance and energy efficiency in Mg-air batteries. These studies highlight the importance of data-efficient modeling, wherein a limited number of experimental iterations yield optimal results. In particular, Wu Y. et al. (2025) demonstrated the discovery of a high-performance electrolyte additive through a ML-guided adaptive method, establishing a new standard in Mg-air battery performance.
On the microstructural and thermodynamic aspects, researchers like (Choudhuri, 2021; Jaafreh et al., 2023; Menon et al., 2024) combined ML with DFT to explore stress concentration, solute segregation, and precipitate formation at the atomic scale. These studies offer profound physical insights, revealing that fine grain structures diminish stress concentration and that β1 precipitates in Mg-Nd alloys arise from stabilized substructures. Chen et al. (2022) and Peng et al. (2023) utilized ML on DFT-derived features to model solution behavior and atomic configurations, providing important guidance for multicomponent phase design. Advancements in hydrogen storage and corrosion resistance have emerged from hybrid methodologies. Batalović et al. (2022) employed GNNs and transfer learning to effectively predict hydride formation enthalpies, thus expediting the screening process in Mg-containing systems. Wang Y. et al. (2023) and Behera et al. (2021) showed how ML and GA can enhance corrosion resistance and optimize Mg recovery in industrial alloying processes, respectively. Meanwhile, Pei and Yin (2019) and Wang et al. (2021) investigated ductility mechanisms and stacking fault energies in Mg alloys, contributing valuable insights for developing rare-earth-free alloys.
MD is frequently employed; however, MD is predominantly a classical technique that relies on empirical or semi-empirical interatomic potentials, with relatively few exceptions. In contrast, ab initio or first-principles methodologies, such as DFT, are fundamentally grounded in quantum mechanics and do not require any pre-defined force fields. This distinction is critical, particularly in discussions concerning the reliability and applicability of AI models trained on data derived from these two fundamentally different simulation paradigms.
3.3.3 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 3
The research in Cluster three demonstrates how ML is revolutionizing atomistic simulations by enabling the analysis of material properties that are faster, more accurate, and easier to interpret. The work exemplifies ML’s ability to enhance traditional methods for identifying new alloys (Cheng et al., 2024), adjusting plasticity (Zhang Y. et al., 2025), improving deformation resistance (Geng et al., 2025), and forecasting segregation behavior (Menon et al., 2024).
DP-GEN, a hybrid framework that integrates machine learning potentials with DFT and MD within a co-evolutionary loop, enabling scalable, accurate, and efficient exploration of diverse material systems. This approach facilitates accelerated phase identification, defect characterization, and property prediction. Departing from traditional reliance on intuition, trial-and-error methods, or classical optimization techniques, numerous cluster studies now adopt data-driven design strategies grounded in active learning and Bayesian optimization. However, several challenges persist, including the scarcity of experimental data, risks of overfitting due to limited datasets, and insufficient utilization of benchmark standards. Future research milestones should prioritize uncertainty quantification, experimental validation of AI-driven models, and multiscale integration bridging atomic-level insights with macroscopic material behavior.
3.4 Cluster 4: AI in welding and advanced processing techniques
“AI in welding and advanced processing techniques,” cluster four studies presented in Supplementary Tables SM10. It emphasizes the role of AI and ML in areas such as materials processing, performance prediction, hydrogen storage, and imaging. Mg-based alloys, including AZ31B, ZK30, WE43, and Mg-Gd alloys, have received considerable attention due to their advantageous properties for both structural and biomedical applications.
Jiang Q. et al. (2024) and Athul et al. (2025) examined Mg hydride systems for hydrogen storage, utilizing density functional theory (DFT) alongside ML to foresee desorption characteristics and storage capacities. Regarding AI/ML methodologies, the studies explore diverse approaches. Conventional algorithms, such as RF and ANN, are employed in (Wiese et al., 2023; Bahari-Sambran et al., 2024), Maqbool et al. (2024), and to predict high-temperature flow stress, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties, respectively. DL techniques like U-Net and DenseNet are used in (Díaz-Romero et al., 2023; Menze et al., 2024) for image segmentation in micro-CT imaging of bioresorbable scaffolds and sorting aluminum scrap using fused RGB, depth, and LIBS data. Evidence of hybrid models and optimizations is also present: Maqbool et al. (2024) applied virtual sample generation through particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve ML accuracy, while Yadav and Khurana integrated an artificial neural network (ANN) with a genetic algorithm for optimizing friction stir welding.
Applications are equally diverse and (Yadav and Khurana, 2022; Mishra, 2024a; B et al., 2025) focused on welding and friction stir processing of Mg alloys and predicted tensile strength, wear, and corrosion outcomes based on tool parameters. Österreicher et al. (2024) and Wiese et al. (2023) employed ML models to predict grain structure and anisotropic behavior during extrusion processes. In biomedical domains, (Menze et al., 2024), combined synchrotron-based micro-CT and DL to analyze degradation morphology in coronary implants. Even natural language processing (NLP) found its place (Mishra, 2024b) applied five summarization algorithms to extract key knowledge from FSW literature, evaluating them with the ROUGE metric. The ML framework for predicting post-treatment mechanical properties from thermal parameters, namely, solutionizing temperature, aging time, and cooling rate is depicted in Supplementary Figure SM2.
3.4.1 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 4
Cluster four studies collectively demonstrate the extensive role of AI in contemporary materials science. ML facilitates the accurate prediction of physical properties, corrosion patterns, and mechanical strength in various Mg alloys, as shown in (Wiese et al., 2023; Maqbool et al., 2024) and others. DL highlighted in (Díaz-Romero et al., 2023; Menze et al., 2024), revolutionizes the processing of high-resolution images and multi-sensor data, automating intricate processes such as bio-implant evaluation and scrap sorting. Research in (Rahnama and Sridhar, 2019) emphasized the significance of unsupervised learning for clustering hydride materials, which supports material finding. Furthermore, the NLP-focused approach in (Mishra, 2024b) showed the potential of AI to enhance the scientific review process.
These studies suggest a future where AI-powered tools can expedite innovation, reduce experimental costs, and enhance the understanding of material properties. The synergy of experimental data, simulations, and intelligent algorithms fosters better decision-making in materials design, production, and sustainability.
3.5 Cluster 5: Biomaterials and microstructural optimization
Cluster five focuses on biomaterials, microstructural optimization, and the incorporation of rare earth (RE) elements in Mg alloys, with an emphasis on both biomedical and structural applications. The reviewed studies span a range of alloy systems (e.g., AZ31B, AZ61, WE43, ZE62, ZK60) and applied a diverse suite of ML and DL techniques, including ANN, CNN, SVM, GP, GPR, KNN, Extra Trees, and AIMD simulations, Supplementary Tables SM11.
Key studies (Li et al., 2021; Raguraman et al., 2024; Ma et al., 2025) highlighted biodegradable implant alloys, with ML models accurately predicting corrosion, fracture, and degradation behavior critical for orthopedic applications. Other works such as (Chen et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020; Suh et al., 2022) emphasized process optimization (e.g., ECAP, SPD, aging), improved mechanical properties such as yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation.
Additive manufacturing studies (Liu et al., 2020; Yanase et al., 2022) used ML to optimize parameters for densification and microstructure refinement. Farooq et al. (2025) investigated combustion behavior and fire resistance, essential for aerospace alloys.
ML-assisted optimization outperformed traditional experimentation by reducing trials and enhanced predictive accuracy. Chen et al. (2020) achieved a 27% increase in strength using just four experiments guided by ML, while Jain et al. (2025) demonstrated high predictive capability (R2 = 97.2%) using ensemble methods. Furthermore, rare earth additions (e.g., Y, Gd, La, Ce) are consistently linked to microstructure refinement and property enhancement, as seen in (Otieno et al., 2024; Wu H. et al., 2025). The SHAP summary plot illustrates the relative contributions of individual features toward predicting the biodegradation rates of magnesium-based implants, as depicted in Supplementary Figure SM3.
3.5.1 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 5
The integration of ML with alloy design and microstructural engineering methodologies is already reshaping the future of structural and biomedical magnesium alloy development. ML accelerates process–property optimization and facilitates deeper insights into the relationships between microstructure and material behavior. Looking ahead, it is recommended that research efforts emphasize the fusion of multi-modal data, the advancement of inverse design strategies, the development and utilization of open-source datasets, and the incorporation of physics-informed learning. Such approaches will enable the design of high-performance, application-specific magnesium alloys.
3.6 Cluster 6: corrosion modeling
A wide array of research centered on AI/ML-based corrosion modelling was conducted (Supplementary Tables SM12). The primary focus is on Mg alloys and related materials, including aluminum, zinc, and high-entropy alloys (HEAs). These studies employed various ML algorithms, including ANN, RF, SVR, XGBoost, DT, GA, and hybrid models, to predict corrosion rates, mechanical performance, hydrogen evolution, grain size, stress, fatigue life, and phase development.
Many studies focused on biodegradable Mg alloys (WE43, AZ80, ZK30, AZ31, ZX10) to enhance their in vitro and in vivo corrosion behavior, mechanical strength, and biomedical applicability. Some research investigated their coating properties, hydrogen storage potential, and the impact of alloy composition and processing parameters on degradation and overall performance. Dargusch et al. (2024) and Maqbool et al. (2024) employed CT image-based ML and virtual sample generation to model hydrogen production and corrosion induced by friction stir processing, respectively.
Alongside experimental data, various studies utilized physics-based simulations such as FEM, DFT, and phase field modeling, enhanced by ML for greater predictive accuracy. Techniques such as active learning, SHAP analysis, and multi-objective optimization were employed to enhance feature selection and facilitate the interpretation of model outcomes, thereby bridging the gap between data science and materials engineering. In addition to Mg alloys, research on Al-Mg-Si, Zn-based biodegradable alloys, LHEAs, and Al–Li aerospace alloys illustrates the broad applicability of ML in studying corrosion and property trade-offs across materials. Some works, such as (Zhu et al., 2024; Liang et al., 2024), also feature Bayesian learning and explainable AI, showcasing sophisticated hybrid frameworks for designing and forecasting the performance of smart materials. An LSTM-based time-series model for predicting the evolution of grain size in magnesium alloys under dynamic thermal conditions is illustrated in Supplementary Figure SM4.
3.6.1 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 6
Cluster 6 studies signify a significant shift towards data-driven corrosion science, where ML enhances both traditional experimental and computational techniques. Mg alloys are a key focus due to their lightweight nature, degradability, and biocompatibility, rendering them excellent choices for implants and energy applications. The studies demonstrate the capability of ML to model intricate, nonlinear interactions in corrosion behavior, particularly when supplemented with physics-based data and expertise.
In contrast, investigations into different alloy systems reveal transferable frameworks and cutting-edge methodologies, such as active learning and deep potential models, applicable across various material domains.
3.7 Cluster 7: data-driven design and optimization techniques
Cluster seven studies in Supplementary Tables SM13 highlight the increasing influence of ML and data-driven optimization in materials design, considering Mg alloys. Many of these works utilized ML algorithms, including XGBoost, SVR, neural networks, RFs, and ensemble models, to predict and enhance mechanical, electrochemical, and thermal properties.
In Mg alloys, multiple studies (El-Sanabary et al., 2024; Ling et al., 2024; Mi et al., 2024; Liu X. et al., 2025) investigated aspects such as anode performance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical behavior through ML-guided design. Ling et al. (2024) and Liu X. et al. (2025) integrated ML with multi-objective optimization strategies, resulting in high-performance alloy compositions, such as Mg-Ca and Mg-Al-Zn-Cu. Mi et al. (2024) employed Bayesian active learning to develop wrought alloys with outstanding tensile properties, whereas El-Sanabary et al. (2024) improved ECAP processing parameters for wear resistance by combining ML and DOE- GA approaches. Çolak (2025) and Cheng et al. (2025) expanded ML’s application to high-entropy alloys and bulk metallic glass (BMG), respectively, using ANNs and stacking ensemble learning alongside SHAP analysis for enhanced model interpretability. These studies prioritized model accuracy and interpretability in forecasting complex properties such as discharge capacity and glass-forming ability.
In addition to Mg alloys, (Li H. et al., 2024; Dong et al., 2023), applied feature selection and descriptor-based regression to design Al–Li and hydrogen storage alloys, respectively, illustrating how ML supports compositional screening. Dong et al. (2023) utilized SHAP values to inform element selection and forecasted high-capacity Mg-Sm and Mg-Ni-Sm alloys.
Several investigations emphasized hybrid methodologies. For example, Gupta et al. (2021) and Jafari et al. (2015) merged fuzzy logic, Taguchi methods, and genetic algorithms to optimize manufacturing processes like pressure die casting and L-bending, while (Song et al., 2019) combined backpropagation neural networks with the gray wolf optimization algorithm (GWOA) to enhance weld strength in dissimilar metal joints.
Finally, Shimanek et al. (2022) and Jafari et al. (2015) bridged atomic-scale descriptors and macro-scale properties. (Shimanek et al., 2022). proposed atomic features for ML modeling of shear strength, while Jafari et al. (2015) combined multi-objective evolutionary algorithms with ML to predict age-hardening behavior in Al alloys, showing that preprocessing significantly improves model accuracy. Supplementary Figure SM5 illustrates a data-driven optimization framework combining experimental data, simulation outputs, and literature sources with ML and optimization algorithms.
3.7.1 Conclusion and future directions for cluster 7
Cluster seven highlights a shift from trial-and-error to data-driven alloy design using ML and optimization algorithms (e.g., GA, BOA, GWOA), enhanced by interpretability tools like SHAP. Future efforts should integrate ML with multi-scale simulations (DFT, MD, FEM) and phase-field modeling to improve physical insights, while closed-loop experimentation and open datasets will accelerate alloy discovery.
4 Cross-cutting technical perspectives and strategic outlook: AI, ML and DL in Mg alloy research
This section delineates AI/ML/DL applications in Mg alloy research, emphasizing computational acceleration, model interpretability, algorithmic diversity, and the translational gap between academic modelling and real-world applications.
4.1 Revealing non-obvious correlations and enabling predictive power
The transformative potential of AI, ML, and DL in Mg alloy research is most evident in their capacity to uncover previously inaccessible structure property relationships. For example, CNNs have been effectively trained on EBSD maps to predict tensile strength and fracture toughness, capturing textural and grain boundary features beyond the reach of conventional statistical methodologies. This obviates the necessity for manual feature engineering, facilitating the extraction of insights from high-dimensional microstructural datasets.
Similarly, unsupervised learning methods and representation learning frameworks, such as autoencoders, demonstrate potential for distilling complex microstructural images into latent vectors that correlate with mechanical and corrosion performance. RF and SVM regression models have also been applied in biomedical contexts to relate alloy composition and processing parameters to biodegradation rates, thereby offering actionable clinical guidance for the design of magnesium-based implants.
Unlike linear modelling, AI techniques can capture non-linear, multi-parametric interactions, including the synergistic effects of alloying elements (Zn, Ca, Mn) on ductility and corrosion resistance. Modelling such intricate interactions through first-principles or empirical equations presents considerable challenges.
4.2 Acceleration of high-fidelity simulations
AI and ML models play an increasingly pivotal role in accelerating computationally intensive simulations. ML potentials trained on high-level ab initio data, such as DFT, can reproduce PES features with significantly reduced computational costs. For example,:
• Deep neural network potentials (e.g., DeepMD, SchNet) can achieve speedups over DFT by factors ranging from 103 to 105 while maintaining chemical accuracy (He et al., 2023).
• Gaussian Approximation Potentials (GAPs) and Moment Tensor Potentials (MTPs) demonstrate comparable efficiency, enabling large-scale atomistic simulations of magnesium alloys (Imbalzano et al., 2018).
Key benchmarking metrics for evaluating the efficiency of AI-driven simulation methods relative to classical algorithms include:
• Wall-time per configuration,
• Speed-up ratio (AI vs. DFT/MD),
• Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) in energy or force prediction,
• Scaling behaviour with system size,
• Data efficiency (performance relative to the size of the training dataset).
4.3 Contextual relevance of model interpretability
The importance of model interpretability is contingent upon the application domain. In PES prediction and atomic-scale simulations, predictive accuracy and scalability typically take precedence over interpretability. Conversely, in biomedical applications particularly where Mg alloys are deployed as transient implants high interpretability is essential to ensure safety, trust, and regulatory compliance. Illustrative approaches include:
• SHAP for understanding feature contributions in property predictions Zhang H. et al. (2024).
• Saliency maps and gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to identify image regions influencing mechanical property predictions.
• Physics Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), which incorporate known physical laws (e.g., conservation principles or phase equilibria) into loss functions to enhance interpretability and physical validity.
Future research should guide model selection through a contextual trade-off framework balancing interpretability, predictive accuracy, and application-specific risk considerations.
4.4 Rationale behind diversity of AI models
The reviewed literature encompasses a wide range of AI models, including ANNs, CNNs, SVMs, RFs, Gradient Boosting, LSTM, GNNs, and Transformer-based models. While this diversity may reflect exploratory research and the pursuit of novelty, there are substantive methodological reasons underlying model selection:
• Regression tasks with limited datasets are better addressed using ANNs and SVMs.
• CNNs are particularly effective for predicting material properties from image-based data (e.g., microstructure to hardness correlations).
• RF and XGBoost models offer robustness and interpretability when dealing with tabular alloy datasets.
• LSTM and time-series models are well-suited for tracking corrosion progression and fatigue behaviour.
• GNNs and message-passing networks represent emerging tools for crystal structure and atomistic modelling tasks.
This methodological diversity is justified along the axes of data modality, scale, and task complexity. Nevertheless, future research should strive for systematic benchmarking and avoid indiscriminate “algorithm hopping” in the absence of performance comparisons.
4.5 Addressing generalization gaps and practical bottlenecks
Despite the promising capabilities of AI in Mg alloy research, several technical and practical challenges hinder its broader adoption:
• Data Scarcity: Many studies rely on small or synthetic datasets, lacking real-world variability.
• Limited Generalization: Models are often trained on narrow composition and process ranges, reducing their applicability to industrial contexts.
• Rare Multimodal Fusion: Integration of diverse data types such as EBSD, SEM, tensile properties, and corrosion profiles remains uncommon.
• Minimal Digital Twin Applications: Few studies link AI predictions with real-time monitoring in alloy processing, degradation, or machining.
Addressing these limitations necessitates:
• Development and dissemination of open-source datasets and standardized benchmarks,
• Establishment of standardized evaluation protocols,
• Integration of physics-based constraints into AI models (hybrid modelling approaches),
• Enhanced collaboration with industry and experimental laboratories to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice.
Collectively, these strategies can ensure that AI, ML, and DL tools in magnesium alloy research evolve from promising experimental techniques into robust, industry-relevant solutions.
4.6 Actionable industry-oriented guidance
To transition from academic modeling to industrial application, this review identifies several actionable research directions. Supplementary Tables SM14 summarizes recommended AI approaches, real-world deployment challenges, and proposed technical solutions for various Mg alloy applications, including automotive, biomedical, high-temperature, and corrosion-resistant systems.
4.7 Strategic outlook
In addition to established methodologies in domains such as property prediction and PES modeling, AI and ML techniques demonstrate significant potential in addressing various facets of Mg alloys within emerging research areas. Surrogate models derived from ab initio thermodynamic data offer the capability to enhance free energy calculations, which are critical for accurately determining phase stability and transformations. DL frameworks such as GNNs and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) have gained prominence for their capacity to learn Gibbs free energy surfaces at a substantially reduced computational cost, thereby facilitating more rapid construction of phase diagrams and enabling efficient thermodynamic modeling. Furthermore, diffusion processes, vacancy dynamics, and solid–liquid interfacial energies traditionally computationally demanding to simulate using conventional techniques are increasingly becoming accessible through AI-driven methods. These advancements hold the potential to fundamentally transform the data-driven exploration and optimization of multicomponent alloy systems.
5 Challenges, trends, gaps, and future directions
5.1 Challenges and potential solutions
The incorporation of AI, ML, and DL into Mg alloy research has yielded significant progress. Nevertheless, various ongoing challenges still impede broad adoption, scalability, and practical application. Table 2 presents a structured synthesis of challenges and proposed solutions in recent AI/ML/DL-driven studies on magnesium alloy design. It categorizes key issues such as model accuracy, data limitations, property trade-offs, and process complexity. It aligns them with mitigation strategies, including generative models, active learning, hybrid optimization, and explainable AI. This comprehensive overview highlights current gaps and methodological advancements across structural, biomedical, and energy-related Mg alloy applications. Figure 8 illustrates the significant challenges associated with applying AI, ML, and DL techniques in Mg alloy research and identifies corresponding potential solutions.

Table 2. Challenges and solutions in AI/ML/DL-driven Mg alloy design: A structured review of recent studies.
5.2 Surrogate and multi-fidelity modeling for materials optimization
Surrogate modeling is a key enabler to minimize the computational expense of high-fidelity simulations and experimental campaigns in materials science. Of the several surrogate models available, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) stands out because it can offer uncertainty quantification in addition to predictions, and hence can be used in applications such as alloy composition design, fatigue life prediction, and microstructure-property mapping. Likewise, neural network surrogates, intense feedforward networks and convolutional surrogates, are being more and more employed to emulate costly simulations (DFT, FEM) for fast predictions in high-dimensional design spaces (Misener and Biegler, 2023).
Aside from single-fidelity surrogates, multi-fidelity modelling integrating low-fidelity physics-based models with high-fidelity experimental or computational data using ML methods has become a powerful paradigm. These models take advantage of the speed of low-fidelity physics-based simulations and correct errors using machine learning trained on high-fidelity data. Blending a phase-field model with a neural surrogate learned from experimentally observed grain evolution data will optimize heat-treatment schedules or alloying strategy without sacrificing physical coherence. This layered modeling strategy improves prediction accuracy and optimization efficiency, and it is consequently very well-adapted for real-time process control and alloy design (Zhang L. et al., 2022). Incorporating such frameworks into optimization approaches (e.g., in mechanical modeling or corrosion prediction) can greatly promote inverse design, uncertainty-based decision-making, and adaptive experimentation in Mg alloy research.
5.3 Emerging trends
Recent advancements in Mg alloy research reveal several key trends shaped by the integration of AI, ML, and DL techniques:
• Transition from Empirical to Data-Driven Modeling: ML models, most notably artificial neural networks (ANNs), backpropagation neural networks (BPNNs), and ensemble methods, are increasingly preferred for predicting intricate mechanical behaviors, such as flow stress, fatigue life, and elongation. Microstructural attributes, such as grain size, crystallographic orientation, and phase distribution, are being increasingly utilized in these models.
• Implementation of Multiscale and Multiphysics Simulations: ML-supervised DFT and MD simulations, coupled with DL-based interatomic potentials (e.g., DP-GEN, surrogate models), are providing accurate and efficient atomic-scale simulations for alloy development and hydrogen storage.
• More Active Learning and Inverse Design: Research has begun to utilize active learning, Bayesian optimization, and generative models to accelerate alloy discovery, reduce experimental burden, and explore high-dimensional composition-property spaces.
• Image-Based DL is on the Rise: CNN, U-Net, and various DL models are being applied in microstructure segmentation, defect recognition, and the prediction of welding and processing performance.
• Biomedical Applications on the Rise: A significant increase in ML-driven studies of biodegradable Mg alloys, particularly those containing rare-earth elements, is observed in terms of corrosion prediction, mechanical behavior, and biofunctionality.
5.4 Identified gaps
Despite promising progress, several critical research and methodological gaps persist:
• Data Availability and Standardization: The lack of large-scale, standardized datasets limits training, benchmarking, and cross-validation. Most data is either siloed or proprietary and limits reproducibility and generalization.
• Limited Multimodal Integration: Existing models overwhelmingly rely on scalar inputs (composition, processing conditions), overlooking micrographs, thermographic images, and spectroscopic data, which could potentially enhance the model’s depth and accuracy.
• Black-Box Nature and Interpretability Challenges: DL and ensemble models tend to be opaque, making it challenging for materials scientists to draw physical insights or verify model predictions.
• Lack of Experimental Validation: Most ML models are primarily experimentally validated through simulations or small-scale datasets, with minimal in-lab validation and limited cross-domain transferability across different alloy systems.
• Scalability of First-Principles Methods: Although DFT and MD simulations provide precise atomic-level information, their computational expense remains a hindrance for large-scale screening and real-time integration with ML pipelines.
5.5 Future directions
To accelerate innovation and practical implementation of AI/ML/DL in Mg alloy research, the following directions are recommended:
5.5.1 Development of open and FAIR materials databases
• Develop and share well-curated datasets of mechanical, microstructural, and corrosion properties across alloy systems.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration on data and open-source release of experimental and simulated data.
5.5.2 Integration of multimodal and multiscale data
• Combine multimodal data from various sources, e.g., EBSD, SEM/TEM images, stress-strain curves, spectroscopy with composition and processing inputs using multimodal ML architectures (e.g., CNN-GNN hybrids).
5.5.3 Application of physics-informed and interpretable ML models
• Incorporate physical laws, thermodynamic limits, and crystal symmetries into model structures to enhance trust, interpretability, and domain alignment.
5.5.4 Closed-loop design-experiment pipelines
• Deploy active learning and digital twin platforms that iteratively update models based on new experimental feedback, enabling autonomous discovery and optimization.
5.5.5 Inverse design capabilities
• Use generative models (GANs, VAEs), reinforcement learning, and Bayesian inference to design alloys and processing conditions from target property profiles.
5.5.6 Bridging simulation and experiment
• Combine ML-augmented DFT/MD with experimental verification to bridge the simulation reality gap, particularly in phase prediction, corrosion mechanisms, and plasticity modeling.
5.5.7 Implementation of transfer and Meta-learning
• Utilize pretrained models to facilitate knowledge transfer between alloy systems, scales, or processing domains, enhancing data efficiency and generalization.
This triad of trends, gaps, and future directions outlines a roadmap for evolving AI and data-driven techniques in Mg alloy research from exploratory studies toward high-impact, real-world applications in biomedical, structural, and energy domains.
6 Conclusion
This systematic review presents a comprehensive and structured synthesis of recent advancements in AI, ML, and DL methods and Mg alloy design, processing, characterization, and optimization. Utilizing bibliometric clustering, keyword co-occurrence, and an organized PRISMA approach, seven thematic clusters were revealed, each signifying an essential subdomain of this highly dynamic research space.
Mechanical Behavior, Alloy Design, and Thermodynamic Modeling: Cluster one shows that AI models such as ANNs, SVMs, and CNNs greatly improve the prediction of mechanical properties, including yield strength and hardness, by learning from microstructural data like EBSD maps, removing the need for manual feature engineering. In Cluster 2, machine learning combined with optimization techniques (e.g., GAs, Bayesian optimization) enables efficient alloy composition design and process control. This lowers experimental workload and supports inverse design for targeted properties. Cluster three highlights the speeding up of atomic-scale modeling, where ML potentials like GAP and DeepMD achieve 103–105 times faster performance than DFT, while DL models improve free energy predictions for phase stability.
Corrosion, Processing, and Spatiotemporal Behavior: In Cluster 4, ensemble and RF models have proven effective in forecasting corrosion rates, incorporating various inputs such as composition, pH, and environmental exposure. The use of SHAP methods offers model transparency, which is vital for the clinical translation of biodegradable Mg alloys. Cluster five focuses on heat treatment and processing behavior, where DL models track recrystallization and microstructure evolution with high temporal accuracy. Cluster 6 employs spatiotemporal DL techniques like LSTMs and CNNs to model fatigue, grain growth, and dislocation propagation, providing predictive insights into long-term alloy performance.
Data-Driven Design and Industry Implications: Cluster seven highlights hybrid frameworks that combine physics-based and data-driven approaches, such as PINNs and VAEs. These facilitate rapid alloy screening, exploration of design space, and digital twin integration. Overall, the synthesis across clusters demonstrates that AI/ML/DL methods are not only speeding up discovery but also enabling interpretable, sustainable, and industry-relevant solutions across the Mg alloy research landscape.
There are many challenges revealed during the review, and to address these challenges, this review proposes several future directions:
• Multimodal data fusion (e.g., integrating SEM images, stress-strain curves, and composition data) to improve model resilience.
• Physics-informed and explainable ML models consistent with material science principles.
• Open-source datasets and collaborative platforms to enhance reproducibility and speed up innovation.
• Inverse design platforms based on generative and reinforcement learning models to suggest alloy compositions and process conditions automatically.
• Digital twin environments and closed-loop experimental pipelines that integrate simulation, prediction, and validation for continuous learning and optimization.
AI, ML, and DL intersect with Mg alloy studies, representing a paradigm shift towards data-driven, smart material systems. The enhanced utilization of predictive and generative models facilitates the faster, lower-cost, and more trustworthy design and optimization of Mg alloys for structural, medical, and energy applications, driven by the convergence of domain knowledge, high-quality data, and sophisticated ML platforms. This area is well-positioned to be a game-changer in the next-generation of high-performance, lightweight, and sustainable materials.
Utilizing multi-database validation with Scopus and WoS greatly enhances the methodological rigor of this review. The strong consistency observed in both databases verifies that the identified thematic clusters and research trends are reliable, applicable across various contexts, and accurately reflect the current research landscape concerning AI, ML, and DL applications in Mg alloys.
6.1 Strengths and limitations
This review employs a robust multi-database validation approach by utilizing both Scopus and Web of Science, thereby enhancing the reliability, reproducibility, and generalizability of the findings. While Scopus was selected as the primary source for in-depth cluster analysis due to its broad coverage in materials science and computational modeling, cross-validation with WoS confirmed a high degree of thematic consistency. Minor differences in author and journal indexing were observed, primarily due to database-specific inclusion policies, which may result in slight variations in coverage.
Although the review focused on English-language journal articles, potentially excluding some regional studies, the inclusion criteria ensured data quality and compatibility with bibliometric tools. Future studies could further expand the scope by incorporating additional databases such as Dimensions or PubMed and by integrating alternative metrics, including patent data and conference proceedings, to capture a more comprehensive view of the research landscape.
6.2 Strategic recommendations for future work
This review employed a co-occurrence-based clustering methodology for thematic mapping using VOSviewer; however, alternative clustering paradigms may offer supplementary insights. For example, application-oriented clustering, such as corrosion prediction, mechanical property modeling, or microstructural evolution, could enhance synthesis by aligning findings with specific problem domains. Similarly, method-centric groupings based on approaches such as ANN, CNN, GNN, or ensemble models may facilitate the identification of algorithmic trends and existing gaps within the field. Future review analyses could be refined through the adoption of hybrid clustering frameworks that integrate topic, technique, and data modality dimensions, thereby yielding more granular and actionable insights to inform and direct research development within targeted domains.
Author contributions
HW: Funding acquisition, Investigation, Formal Analysis, Writing – original draft. RmK: Conceptualization, Validation, Writing – review and editing, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Visualization. AP: Resources, Writing – review and editing, Formal Analysis, Conceptualization, Methodology. RjK: Writing – review and editing, Project administration, Investigation, Methodology, Resources. AK: Investigation, Resources, Writing – review and editing, Formal Analysis, Data curation. MA: Data curation, Resources, Formal Analysis, Writing – review and editing, Software.
Funding
The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Generative AI statement
The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2025.1645227/full#supplementary-material
References
Al Bukhari, S., and Pervaiz, S. (2025). Advanced machine learning approaches for predicting machining performance in orthogonal cutting process. Lubricants 13 (2), 83. doi:10.3390/lubricants13020083
Álvarez-Zapatero, P., Vega, A., and Aguado, A. (2021). A neural network potential for searching the atomic structures of pure and mixed nanoparticles. Application to ZnMg nanoalloys with an eye on their anticorrosive properties. Acta Mater. 220, 117341. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2021.117341
Anne, G., Bhat, N., Vishwanatha, H. M., Ramesh, S., Maruthi Prashanth, B. H., Sharma, P., et al. (2024). Effect of addition of Ce and accumulative roll bonding on structure-property of the mg-ce-al hybrid composite and its prediction and comparison using artificial neural network (ANN) approach. Mater. Res. Express 11 (9), 096504. doi:10.1088/2053-1591/ad7449
Ansari, M., Mahdavikia, S., Eslami, H., Saghalaini, M., Taghipour, H., Zare, F., et al. (2024). Fabrication and characterization of magnesium-based nanocomposites reinforced with baghdadite and carbon nanotubes for orthopaedical applications. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (12), 5144–5163. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.12.004
Athul, A. S., Muthachikavil, A. V., Buddhiraju, V. S., Premraj, K., and Runkana, V. (2025). Identification of stable intermetallic compounds for hydrogen storage via machine learning. Energy Storage 7 (1). doi:10.1002/est2.70115
Azqadan, E., Jahed, H., and Arami, A. (2023). Predictive microstructure image generation using denoising diffusion probabilistic models. Acta Mater. 261, 119406. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2023.119406
Bahari-Sambran, F., Carreño, F., Cepeda-Jiménez, C. M., and Orozco-Caballero, A. (2024). Predicting grain size-dependent superplastic properties in friction stir processed ZK30 magnesium alloy with machine learning methods. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (5), 1931–1943. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.05.019
Bai, M., Wu, X., Tang, S., Lin, X., Yang, Y., Cao, L., et al. (2024). Study on hot deformation behavior and recrystallization mechanism of an Al-6.3Zn-2.5Mg-2.6Cu-0.11Zr alloy based on machine learning. J. Alloys Compd. 1000, 175086. doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.175086
Bansal, A., Vettivel, S. C., Kumar, M., Agarwal, M., and Verma, N. (2025). Automated defects detection of AA 6063-MgAZ31B TIG welding using radiographic images and deep learning. Multiscale Multidiscip. Model. Exp. Des. 8 (1), 40. doi:10.1007/s41939-024-00657-3
Batalović, K., Paskaš Mamula, B., Medić Ilić, M., Kuzmanović, B., Radaković, J., Stanković, B., et al. (2024). Review of computational advances in tailoring magnesium-hydrogen interactions: atomistic simulations meet machine learning. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 90, 114–133. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.09.454
Batalović, K., Radaković, J., Paskaš Mamula, B., Kuzmanović, B., and Medić Ilić, M. (2022). Predicting the heat of hydride formation by graph neural network - exploring the structure–property relation for metal hydrides. Adv. Theory Simulations 5 (9). doi:10.1002/adts.202200293
Behera, R. K., Samal, B. P., Panigrahi, S. C., Muduli, K., Mohamed, A., and Samal, A. (2021). Evaluation of magnesium recovery in Al-Mg alloys produced by modified stir casting method using genetic algorithm optimisation technique. Int. J. Mater. Eng. Innovation 12 (2), 134–148. doi:10.1504/IJMATEI.2021.115605
B, S., Ramasamy, P., Vignesh R, V., and V, B. (2025). Yttrium oxide reinforced AZ31B processed by FSP: predictive modeling of mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties. Mater. Sci. Technol. (United Kingdom). doi:10.1177/02670836251316550
Byun, S., Yu, J., Cheon, S., Lee, S. H., Park, S. H., and Lee, T. (2024). Enhanced prediction of anisotropic deformation behavior using machine learning with data augmentation. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (1), 186–196. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2023.12.007
Calado, L. M., Carmezim, M. J., and Montemor, M. F. (2022). Rare Earth based magnesium alloys—A review on WE series. Front. Mater. 8. doi:10.3389/fmats.2021.804906
Chandana, K. S., and Kamesh, R. (2024). Machine learning insights into prediction of H2 gravimetric capacity in Mg-based pure metal alloys. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 77, 695–711. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.06.186
Chen, K. X., Wang, Y., Dong, Y. Q., Zhao, Z. H., Zang, Y., Zhang, G. L., et al. (2025). Theoretical design of dual-site metallo-covalent organic frameworks for efficient CO2 photoreduction into C2H4. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 365, 124933. doi:10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124933
Chen, T., Gao, Q., Yuan, Y., Li, T., Xi, Q., Liu, T., et al. (2022). Coupling physics in machine learning to investigate the solution behavior of binary Mg alloys. J. Magnesium Alloys 10 (10), 2817–2832. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2021.06.014
Chen, W., Gou, W., Li, Y., Li, X., Li, M., Hou, J., et al. (2024a). Machine learning design of 400 MPa grade biodegradable Zn-Mn based alloys with appropriate corrosion rates. Int. J. Minerals, Metallurgy Mater. 31 (12), 2727–2736. doi:10.1007/s12613-024-2995-4
Chen, Y., Li, Q., Chen, X., Tan, J., and He, H. (2024b). Simulation of recrystallization grain growth in AZ61 magnesium alloy based on GA and 3D CA. Mater. Lett. 377, 137452. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2024.137452
Chen, Y., Tian, Y., Zhou, Y., Fang, D., Ding, X., Sun, J., et al. (2020). Machine learning assisted multi-objective optimization for materials processing parameters: a case study in Mg alloy. J. Alloys Compd. 844, 156159. doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.156159
Cheng, D. J., Liang, Y. C., Pu, Y. W., and Chen, Q. (2025). Ensemble learning predicts glass-forming ability under imbalanced datasets. Comput. Mater. Sci. 248, 113601. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113601
Cheng, S., Li, Z., Zhang, H., Yan, X., and Chu, S. (2024). Discovery of magnesium-aluminum alloys by generative model and automatic differentiation approach. Model. Simul. Mater. Sci. Eng. 32 (4), 045008. doi:10.1088/1361-651X/ad38d0
Choudhuri, D. (2021). Local structure and bonding environment of intermetallic β1 precipitate phase nucleus in binary Mg-Nd. Comput. Mater. Sci. 187, 110111. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2020.110111
Çolak, A. B. (2025). An innovative study on high entropy energy storage mg-Y-Ni-cu systems: machine learning-driven optimization of electrical cycling in Ni-MH battery alloys. J. Energy Storage 107, 114958. doi:10.1016/j.est.2024.114958
Cui, Y., Song, K., Bao, Y., Zhu, Y., Liu, Q., and Qian, P. (2023). Effect of Cu and Mg co-segregation on the strength of the Al grain boundaries: a molecular dynamics simulation. Comput. Mater. Sci. 229, 112391. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2023.112391
Dai, J., Yang, J., Zhang, X., Zhang, L., Sun, B., Li, X., et al. (2024). Synergistic effects of BSA adsorption and shear stress on corrosion behaviors of WE43 alloy under simulated physiological flow field. Corros. Sci. 237, 112317. doi:10.1016/j.corsci.2024.112317
Dargusch, M., Wang, Y., Sha, C., Yang, N., Chen, X., Venezuela, J., et al. (2024). Insights into heat treatments of biodegradable Mg-Y-Nd-Zr alloys in clinical settings: unveiling roles of β' and β1 nanophases and latent in vivo hydrogen evolution. Acta Biomater. 190, 605–622. doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2024.10.047
Davydzenka, T., Sinclair, D., Chawla, N., and Tahmasebi, P. (2022). Deep-layers-assisted machine learning for accurate image segmentation of complex materials. Mater. Charact. 192, 112175. doi:10.1016/j.matchar.2022.112175
Deka, S., Mozafari, F., and Mallick, A. (2024). A comprehensive experimental and modeling study of the strain rate- and temperature-dependent deformation behavior of bio-degradable Mg-CeO2 nanocomposites. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 177, 107936. doi:10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107936
Deng, J. (2024). Large-scale atomistic simulations of magnesium oxide exsolution driven by machine learning potentials: implications for the early geodynamo. Geophys. Res. Lett. 51 (16). doi:10.1029/2024GL109793
Díaz-Romero, D., Van den Eynde, S., Zaplana, I., Zhou, C., Sterkens, W., Goedemé, T., et al. (2023). Classification of aluminum scrap by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and RGB + D image fusion using deep learning approaches. Resour. Conservation Recycl. 190, 106865. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.106865
Dong, S., Wang, Y., Li, J., Li, Y., Wang, L., and Zhang, J. (2023). Exploration and design of Mg alloys for hydrogen storage with supervised machine learning. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 48 (97), 38412–38424. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.06.108
Dong, W., Lian, J., Yan, C., Zhong, Y., Karnati, S., Guo, Q., et al. (2024). Deep-learning-based segmentation of keyhole in in-situ X-ray imaging of laser powder bed fusion. Materials 17 (2), 510. doi:10.3390/ma17020510
Efa, D. A. (2024). Computational modeling and virtual analysis using a moving heat source to join AZ61A and AA7075 alloys with the application of a titanium alloy interlayer. Infrared Phys. Technol. 141, 105501. doi:10.1016/j.infrared.2024.105501
El-Garaihy, W. H., Alateyah, A. I., Alawad, M. O., Alsunaydih, F. N., El-Sanabary, S., El-Asfoury, M. S., et al. (2024). Optimization of ECAP parameters of ZX30 alloy using feature engineering assisted machine learning and response surface approaches. Mater. Today Commun. 40, 109560. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.109560
El-Sanabary, S., Kouta, H., Shaban, M., Alrumayh, A., Alateyah, A. I., Alsunaydih, F. N., et al. (2024). A comparative study of machine learning and response surface methodologies for optimizing wear parameters of ECAP-Processed ZX30 alloy. Heliyon 10 (13), e33967. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33967
Fang, Z., Wang, S., Fan, H., Zhao, X., Ji, H., Li, B., et al. (2025). Machine-learning-assisted catalytic performance predictions of binary alloy catalysts for glucose hydrogenation. Appl. Catal. A General 691, 120086. doi:10.1016/j.apcata.2024.120086
Farooq, M. Z., Wu, Y., Zheng, M., and Lu, L. (2025). Ignition-proof magnesium alloys with rare Earth elements: a novel framework to predict combustion phases, surface morphologies, and hidden features using heating rates. J. Magnesium Alloys. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2025.01.014
Feng, T., and Lu, G. (2024). Hydration MgCl2-NaCl-KCl molten salt using a novel approach for training machine learning potential. J. Mol. Liq. 394, 123533. doi:10.1016/j.molliq.2023.123533
Feng, X., Wang, Z., Jiang, L., Zhao, F., and Zhang, Z. (2023). Simultaneous enhancement in mechanical and corrosion properties of al-mg-si alloys using machine learning. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 167, 1–13. doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2023.04.072
Filanovich, A. N., Lukoyanov, A. V., and Povzner, A. A. (2023). Electronic structure and elastic properties of double Half-Heusler thermoelectric materials MgXY2Z2 (X=Zr/Hf, Y=Pd/Pt, Z=Bi/Sb). Phys. B Condens. Matter 669, 415280. doi:10.1016/j.physb.2023.415280
Geng, X., Wang, L. W., and Meng, X. (2025). Exploring the strength-concentration relationship of MgCu bioalloys at low copper content using machine learning force fields. Comput. Mater. Sci. 246, 113486. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113486
Gerdes, N., Hoff, C., Hermsdorf, J., Kaierle, S., and Overmeyer, L. (2021). Hyperspectral imaging for prediction of surface roughness in laser powder bed fusion. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 115 (4), 1249–1258. doi:10.1007/s00170-021-07274-1
Ghorbani, M., Boley, M., Nakashima, P. N. H., and Birbilis, N. (2023a). A machine learning approach for accelerated design of magnesium alloys. Part A: alloy data and property space. J. Magnesium Alloys 11 (10), 3620–3633. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2023.09.035
Ghorbani, M., Boley, M., Nakashima, P. N. H., and Birbilis, N. (2023b). A machine learning approach for accelerated design of magnesium alloys. Part B: regression and property prediction. J. Magnesium Alloys 11 (11), 4197–4205. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2023.09.010
Ghorbani, M., Boley, M., Nakashima, P. N. H., and Birbilis, N. (2024). An active machine learning approach for optimal design of magnesium alloys using Bayesian optimisation. Sci. Rep. 14 (1), 8299. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59100-9
Guo, X., Li, L., Liu, G., Kang, H., Chen, Z., Guo, E., et al. (2024). Microstructure and properties of Cu-3Ti-0.3Cr-0.15Mg alloy designed via machine learning. Mater. Sci. Eng. A 916, 147344. doi:10.1016/j.msea.2024.147344
Guo, Y., Sun, M., Zhang, W., and Wang, L. (2023). Machine learning in enhancing corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys: a comprehensive review. Metals 13 (10), 1790. doi:10.3390/met13101790
Gupta, A. K., Kumar, S., Chandna, P., and Bhushan, G. (2021). Optimization of Process Parameters during Pressure Die Casting of A380: a Silicon-Based Aluminium Alloy Using GA and Fuzzy Methodology. Silicon 13 (8), 2429–2443. doi:10.1007/s12633-020-00594-z
Gurgenc, T. (2019). Microstructure, mechanical properties and ELM based wear loss prediction of plasma sprayed ZrO2-MgO coatings on a magnesium alloy. Materialpruefung/Materials Test. 61 (8), 787–796. doi:10.3139/120.111387
Gurgenc, T., Altay, O., Ulas, M., and Ozel, C. (2020). Extreme learning machine and support vector regression wear loss predictions for magnesium alloys coated using various spray coating methods. J. Appl. Phys. 127 (18). doi:10.1063/5.0004562
Gurugubelli, S., Chintada, V. B., and Chekuri, R. B. R. (2023). Investigation on mechanical properties of fabricated aluminium 5000 series using finite element and artificial intelligence methods. Int. J. Veh. Struct. Syst. 15 (2), 183–186. doi:10.4273/ijvss.15.2.07
He, X., Liu, J., Yang, C., and Jiang, G. (2023). Predicting thermodynamic stability of magnesium alloys in machine learning. Comput. Mater. Sci. 223, 112111. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2023.112111
Höche, D., Weber, W. E., Gazenbiller, E., Gavras, S., Hort, N., and Dieringa, H. (2021). Novel magnesium based materials: are they reliable drone construction materials? A mini review. Front. Mater. 8. doi:10.3389/fmats.2021.575530
Hou, H., Wang, J., Ye, L., Zhu, S., Wang, L., and Guan, S. (2023). Prediction of mechanical properties of biomedical magnesium alloys based on ensemble machine learning. Mater. Lett. 348, 134605. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2023.134605
Hou, M. J., Dong, H., Ji, X. Y., Zou, W. B., Xia, X. S., Li, M., et al. (2024). I-DCGAN and TOPSIS-IFP: a simulation generation model for radiographic flaw detection images in light alloy castings and an algorithm for quality evaluation of generated images. China Foundry 21 (3), 239–247. doi:10.1007/s41230-024-3094-x
Huang, A. C., Meng, S. H., and Huang, T. J. (2023). A survey on machine and deep learning in semiconductor industry: methods, opportunities, and challenges. Clust. Comput. 26 (3), 3437–3472. doi:10.1007/s10586-023-04115-6
Imbalzano, G., Anelli, A., Giofré, D., Klees, S., Behler, J., and Ceriotti, M. (2018). Automatic selection of atomic fingerprints and reference configurations for machine-learning potentials. J. Chem. Phys. 148 (24), 241730. doi:10.1063/1.5024611
Imran, R., Al Rashid, A., and Koç, M. (2022). Review on computational modeling for the property, process, product and performance (PPPP) characteristics of additively manufactured porous magnesium implants. Bioprinting 28, e00236. doi:10.1016/j.bprint.2022.e00236
Jaafreh, R., Kang, Y. S., and Hamad, K. (2023). Brittle and ductile characteristics of intermetallic compounds in magnesium alloys: a large-scale screening guided by machine learning. J. Magnesium Alloys 11 (1), 392–404. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2022.05.006
Jaafreh, R., Kim, J. G., and Hamad, K. (2022). Interpretable machine learning analysis of stress concentration in magnesium: an insight beyond the black box of predictive modeling. Crystals 12 (9), 1247. doi:10.3390/cryst12091247
Jafari, M., Lotfi, M., Ghaseminejad, P., Roodi, M., and Teimouria, R. (2015). Numerical control and optimization of springback in L-bending of magnesium alloy through FE analysis and artificial intelligence. Trans. Indian Inst. Metals 68 (5), 969–979. doi:10.1007/s12666-015-0535-7
Jagadeesh, G. V., and Setti, S. G. (2023). Tribological characterization of ball burnished magnesium alloy by wear-burnishing maps, wear maps and artificial intelligence technique. Arabian J. Sci. Eng. 48 (3), 3111–3131. doi:10.1007/s13369-022-07025-8
Jain, S., Bhowmik, A., and Lee, J. (2025). Machine learning approaches for predicting and validating mechanical properties of Mg rare Earth alloys for light weight applications. Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater. 26 (1), 2449811. doi:10.1080/14686996.2025.2449811
Jain, S., Jain, R., Dewangan, S., and Bhowmik, A. (2024). A machine learning perspective on hardness prediction in multicomponent Al-Mg based lightweight alloys. Mater. Lett. 365, 136473. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136473
Ji, Y., Fu, X., Ding, F., Xu, Y., He, Y., Ao, M., et al. (2024). Artificial intelligence combined with high-throughput calculations to improve the corrosion resistance of AlMgZn alloy. Corros. Sci. 233, 112062. doi:10.1016/j.corsci.2024.112062
Jiang, L., Fu, H., Zhang, Z., Zhang, H., Zhang, X., Feng, X., et al. (2024a). Synchronously enhancing the strength, toughness, and stress corrosion resistance of high-end aluminum alloys via interpretable machine learning. Acta Mater. 270, 119873. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2024.119873
Jiang, L., Wang, C., Fu, H., Shen, J., Zhang, Z., and Xie, J. (2022). Discovery of aluminum alloys with ultra-strength and high-toughness via a property-oriented design strategy. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 98, 33–43. doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2021.05.011
Jiang, Q., Jia, Z., Lu, S., Song, P., Gao, Z., Wang, Z., et al. (2024b). Novel NLi4-BGra/MgH2-based heterojunctions for efficient hydrogen storage and modulation of hydrogen-desorption temperature ranges. Ceram. Int. 50 (13), 23058–23069. doi:10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.04.028
Juan, Y., Niu, G., Yang, Y., Dai, Y., Yang, J., and Zhang, J. (2024). Machine learning-based identification method of new strengthening element and the study on al-zn-mg-cu-zr-hf alloy. Mater. Today Commun. 38, 108359. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.108359
Kalayci, C. B., Karagöz, S., and Karakaş, Ö. (2019). Bee colony intelligence in fatigue life estimation of simulated magnesium alloy welds. Int. J. Fatigue 127, 36–44. doi:10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2019.05.032
Kan, J., Ding, Z., Chen, X., Hou, H., Zhao, Y., and Liu, W. (2024). A machine learning potential for simulation the dislocation behavior of magnesium. J. Magnesium Alloys. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.11.009
Kaur, R., Kumar, R., and Aggarwal, H. (2025a). Systematic review of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning in machining operations: advancements, challenges, and future directions. Archives Comput. Methods Eng. doi:10.1007/s11831-025-10290-z
Kaur, S., Kumar, R., Singh, K., and Singh, S. (2025b). Systematic review of hydrogen, biomass, biogas, and solar photovoltaics in hybrid renewable energy systems: advancements, challenges, and future directions. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 137, 160–189. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.04.525
Kaya, A. A. (2020). A review on developments in magnesium alloys. Front. Mater. 7. doi:10.3389/fmats.2020.00198
Kim, T., Ryu, W. H., Yoo, G. H., Park, D., Kim, J. Y., Park, E. S., et al. (2024). Data-driven discovery of ultrahigh specific hardness alloys. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 33, 7753–7760. doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.11.153
Krishnamurthy, B., Rakkiyannan, J., Gnanasekaran, S., and Thangamuthu, M. (2025). Condition monitoring of friction stir welding tool with vibration signals using support vector machine classifiers. Eng. Res. Express 7 (1), 015564. doi:10.1088/2631-8695/adb93b
Kumar, R., and Goel, P. (2021). Exploring the domain of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) for sustainable future panorama: a bibliometric and content analysis. Archives Comput. Methods Eng. 29, 2781–2810. doi:10.1007/s11831-021-09675-7
Kuriki, D., Briffod, F., Shiraiwa, T., and Enoki, M. (2024). Multimodal deep learning framework to predict strain localization of Mg/LPSO two-phase alloys. Acta Mater. 281, 120398. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2024.120398
Li, C., Zhang, H., Guo, D., and Zeng, W. (2024a). Crystal structure prediction and property calculation of Al2CuMg by deep learning potential. J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 33 (24), 13721–13730. doi:10.1007/s11665-023-08944-9
Li, G., Cheng, L., Yue, Q., Hu, X., Lu, H., and Zhu, Q. (2023a). Predicting temperature of semi-solid 7075 aluminum alloy slurry prepared by a novel rheocasting route via neural network. Mater. Lett. 349, 134753. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2023.134753
Li, H., Li, X., Li, Y., Gao, G., Wen, K., Li, Z., et al. (2024b). Exploration of alloying elements of high specific modulus Al–Li alloy based on machine learning. Materials 17 (1), 92. doi:10.3390/ma17010092
Li, K., Ji, C., Bai, S., Jiang, B., and Pan, F. (2023b). Selective laser melting of magnesium alloys: necessity, formability, performance, optimization and applications. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 154, 65–93. doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2022.12.053
Li, K. Y., Liu, L. C., Shao, L. L., Zhou, J., Ke, H. B., Li, M. Z., et al. (2025). Generative model-based inverse design of Fe-based metallic glasses with high saturation magnetic flux density. J. Alloys Compd. 1010, 178325. doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.178325
Li, M., Mesbah, M., Fallahpour, A., Nasiri-Tabrizi, B., and Liu, B. (2021). Mechanical strength estimation of ultrafine-grained magnesium implant by neural-based predictive machine learning. Mater. Lett. 305, 130627. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2021.130627
Li, X., Liu, Y., Luan, S., Ma, D., Liu, X., Liu, Q., et al. (2024c). Investigation of deformation behavior of Mg-2Ho alloy based on hyperbolic sine constitutive equation and PSO-BP neural network. Mater. Today Commun. 38, 107613. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107613
Liang, H., Yang, K., Zhao, C., Zhai, C., Wu, L., and Du, W. (2024). Mitigating the efficiency-voltage trade-off in magnesium air battery via a novel active learning framework. Appl. Surf. Sci. 657, 159806. doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.159806
Ling, N., Wang, Y., Song, S., Liu, C., Yang, F., Qi, X., et al. (2024). Experimentally validated screening strategy for alloys as anode in Mg-air battery with multi-target machine learning predictions. Chem. Eng. J. 496, 153824. doi:10.1016/j.cej.2024.153824
Liu, Q., Wu, H., Paul, M. J., He, P., Peng, Z., Gludovatz, B., et al. (2020). Machine-learning assisted laser powder bed fusion process optimization for AlSi10Mg: new microstructure description indices and fracture mechanisms. Acta Mater. 201, 316–328. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2020.10.010
Liu, X., Xu, P., Zhao, J., Lu, W., Li, M., and Wang, G. (2022). Material machine learning for alloys: applications, challenges and perspectives. J. Alloys Compd. 921, 165984. doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.165984
Liu, X., Yang, J., Yi, L., Li, D., Wang, Q., Du, H., et al. (2025a). Multi-objective optimization of fracturing ball strength and corrosion rate with genetic algorithms and interpretable machine learning. Adv. Compos. Hybrid Mater. 8 (1), 100. doi:10.1007/s42114-024-01199-5
Liu, Z., Xiao, Y., Yang, L., Liu, W., Yan, G., Sun, Y., et al. (2025b). Failure prediction of thermal barrier coatings on turbine blades under calcium-magnesium-alumina-silicate corrosion and thermal shock. Acta Mech. Sinica/Lixue Xuebao 41 (5), 424285. doi:10.1007/s10409-024-24285-x
Lopes Marinho, A., Kazimi, B., Ćwieka, H., Marek, R., Beckmann, F., Willumeit-Römer, R., et al. (2024). A comparison of deep learning segmentation models for synchrotron radiation based tomograms of biodegradable bone implants. Front. Phys. 12. doi:10.3389/fphy.2024.1257512
Lu, J., Chen, Y., Xu, M., and Yingzhang, (2022). Prediction of mechanical properties of Mg-rare Earth alloys by machine learning. Mater. Res. Express 9 (10), 106519. doi:10.1088/2053-1591/ac99be
Ma, S., Zhang, D., Zhang, P., and Markert, B. (2025). Rapid prediction of the corrosion behaviour of coated biodegradable magnesium alloys using phase field simulation and machine learning. Comput. Mater. Sci. 247, 113546. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113546
Manroo, S. A., and Malik, V. (2022). Modeling and prediction of grain size and hardness of ZE41/ZrO$$_2$$ nano-Surface composite using multiple regression, power law and artificial intelligence techniques. Trans. Indian Inst. Metals 75 (8), 2051–2059. doi:10.1007/s12666-022-02581-x
Maqbool, A., Khalad, A., and Khan, N. Z. (2024). Prediction of corrosion rate for friction stir processed WE43 alloy by combining PSO-Based virtual sample generation and machine learning. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (4), 1518–1528. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.04.012
Masood Chaudry, U., Hamad, K., and Abuhmed, T. (2021). Machine learning-aided design of aluminum alloys with high performance. Mater. Today Commun. 26, 101897. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101897
Medghalchi, S., Zubair, M., Karimi, E., Sandlöbes-Haut, S., Kerzel, U., and Korte-Kerzel, S. (2023). Determination of the rate dependence of damage formation in metallic-intermetallic mg–al–ca composites at elevated temperature using panoramic image analysis. Adv. Eng. Mater. 25 (21). doi:10.1002/adem.202300956
Menon, V., Das, S., Gavini, V., and Qi, L. (2024). Atomistic simulations and machine learning of solute grain boundary segregation in Mg alloys at finite temperatures. Acta Mater. 264, 119515. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2023.119515
Menze, R., Hesse, B., Kusmierczuk, M., Chen, D., Weitkamp, T., Bettink, S., et al. (2024). Synchrotron microtomography reveals insights into the degradation kinetics of bio-degradable coronary magnesium scaffolds. Bioact. Mater. 32, 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.008
Messina, J., Luo, R., Xu, K., Lu, G., Deng, H., Tschopp, M. A., et al. (2021). Machine learning to predict aluminum segregation to magnesium grain boundaries. Scr. Mater. 204, 114150. doi:10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.114150
Mi, X., Dai, L., Jing, X., She, J., Holmedal, B., Tang, A., et al. (2024). Accelerated design of high-performance mg-mn-based magnesium alloys based on novel bayesian optimization. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (2), 750–766. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.01.005
Misener, R., and Biegler, L. (2023). Formulating data-driven surrogate models for process optimization. Comput. and Chem. Eng. 179, 108411. doi:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2023.108411
Mishra, A. (2024a). Artificial intelligence algorithms for prediction of the ultimate tensile strength of the friction stir welded magnesium alloys. Int. J. Interact. Des. Manuf. 18 (3), 1779–1787. doi:10.1007/s12008-022-01180-w
Mishra, A. (2024b). Data driven knowledge summarization of friction stir welded magnesium alloys literature by using natural language processing algorithms. Int. J. Interact. Des. Manuf. 18 (3), 1113–1119. doi:10.1007/s12008-022-01118-2
Mo, W., Xiao, Y., Huang, Y., Sun, P., Li, Y., Zheng, X., et al. (2025). Active learning-based alloy design strategy for improving the strength-ductility balance of al-mg-zn alloys. Mater. Des. 252, 113772. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2025.113772
Mokhtari, M. A., Nikzad, M. H., and Jalalvand, M. (2024). Competition of systematically optimized deep neural networks for the estimation of tensile behavior of aluminum-magnesium alloy. Phys. Scr. 99 (6), 066006. doi:10.1088/1402-4896/ad4218
Mondal, S., Samanta, R., Shit, S., Biswas, A., Bandyopadhyay, A., Dhar, R. S., et al. (2024). Corrosion Prediction Of Magnesium Implant Using Multiscale Modeling Based On Machine Learning Algorithms. Int. J. Multiscale Comput. Eng. 22 (4), 125–141. doi:10.1615/IntJMultCompEng.2023050288
Moses, A., Chen, D., Wan, P., and Wang, S. (2023). Prediction of electrochemical corrosion behavior of magnesium alloy using machine learning methods. Mater. Today Commun. 37, 107285. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107285
Moses, A., Peng, X., Wang, S., and Chen, D. (2024). Unraveling magnesium alloy corrosion patterns through unsupervised machine learning: exploring clustering techniques for enhanced insight. JOM 76 (8), 4388–4403. doi:10.1007/s11837-024-06674-4
Motamedi, M., Nikzad, M. H., and Nasri, M. R. (2023). Mixture design optimization and machine learning-based prediction of Al-Mg alloy composite reinforced by Zn nanoparticles: a molecular dynamics study. Mater. Today Commun. 37, 107473. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107473
Murugesan, M., Yu, J. H., Chung, W., and Lee, C. W. (2023). Hybrid artificial neural network-based models to investigate deformation behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy at warm tensile deformation. Materials 16 (15), 5308. doi:10.3390/ma16155308
Nithin, A. M., Davidson, M. J., and Rao, C. S. P. (2022). Effect of various Mg/Si ratios on microstructure and structural properties of thixoextruded al-si-mg alloys. Silicon 14 (17), 11675–11686. doi:10.1007/s12633-022-01689-5
Oladapo, B. I., Olawumi, M. A., and Omigbodun, F. T. (2024). Revolutionizing battery longevity by optimising magnesium alloy anodes performance. Batteries 10 (11), 383. doi:10.3390/batteries10110383
Ouyang, S., Hu, X., Wu, Q., Lee, J. A., Lee, J. H., Zhang, C., et al. (2024). Understanding the creep behaviors and mechanisms of Mg-Gd-Zn alloys via machine learning. J. Magnes. Alloy. 12 (8), 3281–3291. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.08.016
Österreicher, J. A., Živanović, D., Walenta, W., Maimone, S., Hofbauer, M., Hovden, S., et al. (2024). In situ conductometry for studying the homogenization of al-mg-si alloys and predicting extrudate grain structure through machine learning. Mater. Des. 243, 113070. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2024.113070
Otieno, R., Odhong, E. V., and Ondieki, C. (2024). Prediction of phases and mechanical properties of magnesium-based high-entropy alloys using machine learning. J. King Saud Univ. - Sci. 36 (10), 103456. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2024.103456
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2022). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Revista Panam. de Salud Publica/Pan Am. J. Public Health 46, 1. doi:10.26633/RPSP.2022.112
Papagiannidis, E., Mikalef, P., and Conboy, K. (2025). Responsible artificial intelligence governance: a review and research framework. J. Strategic Inf. Syst. 34 (2), 101885. doi:10.1016/j.jsis.2024.101885
Pei, Y., Li, L., Yu, M., Wei, E., Zhao, M., and Teng, B. (2024). Comparison and evaluation of different constitutive models for predicting the hot deformation behavior of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy. J. Magnesium Alloys 13, 2084–2102. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.08.004
Pei, Z., and Yin, J. (2019). Machine learning as a contributor to physics: understanding Mg alloys. Mater. Des. 172, 107759. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2019.107759
Peng, Q., Yuan, X., Zhao, S., Zhou, Y., Wen, X., and Chen, X. J. (2023). Active-learning search for unitcell structures: a case study on Mg3Bi2-xSbx. Comput. Mater. Sci. 226, 112260. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2023.112260
Qi, X., Liu, A., Li, Y., Dang, L., Zhang, J., and Wang, L. (2025). Deep learning and finite element simulation of spatiotemporal multiscale fusion: real time prediction of magnesium alloys corrosion covered with MAO coatings. Mater. Today Commun. 44, 111915. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.111915
Radha, R. (2024). Predicting corrosion current density in magnesium alloy battery anodes: machine learning approach using rapid miner. Can. Metall. Q., 1–12. doi:10.1080/00084433.2024.2425497
Raguraman, S., Priyadarshini, M. S., Nguyen, T., McGovern, R., Kim, A., Griebel, A. J., et al. (2024). Machine learning-guided accelerated discovery of structure-property correlations in lean magnesium alloys for biomedical applications. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (6), 2267–2283. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.06.008
Rahim, S. A., Joseph, M. A., Sampath Kumar, T. S., and Hanas, T. (2022). Recent progress in surface modification of Mg alloys for biodegradable orthopedic applications. Front. Mater. 9. doi:10.3389/fmats.2022.848980
Rahnama, A., and Sridhar, S. (2019). Application of data science tools to determine feature correlation and cluster metal hydrides for hydrogen storage. Materialia 7, 100366. doi:10.1016/j.mtla.2019.100366
Salmenjoki, H., Papanikolaou, S., Shi, D., Tourret, D., Cepeda-Jiménez, C. M., Pérez-Prado, M. T., et al. (2023). Machine learning dislocation density correlations and solute effects in Mg-based alloys. Sci. Rep. 13 (1), 11114. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-37633-9
Sefene, E. M., Tsegaw, A. A., and Mishra, A. (2022). Process parameter optimization of 6061AA friction stir welded joints using supervised machine learning regression-based algorithms. J. Soft Comput. Civ. Eng. 6 (1), 127–137. doi:10.22115/SCCE.2022.299913.1350
Shaban, M., Alateyah, A. I., Alsharekh, M. F., Alawad, M. O., BaQais, A., Kamel, M., et al. (2023). Influence of ECAP parameters on the structural, electrochemical and mechanical behavior of ZK30: a combination of experimental and machine learning approaches. J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 7 (2), 52. doi:10.3390/jmmp7020052
Shabbir, S., Zhang, Y., Sun, C., Yue, Z., Xu, W., Zou, L., et al. (2021). Transfer learning improves the prediction performance of a LIBS model for metals with an irregular surface by effectively correcting the physical matrix effect. J. Anal. Atomic Spectrom. 36 (7), 1441–1454. doi:10.1039/d1ja00076d
Shen, Q., Yin, Q., Zhao, H., Zhang, S., Fan, Y., Dong, X., et al. (2024). Inversely optimized design of al-mg-si alloys using machine learning methods. Comput. Mater. Sci. 242, 113107. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113107
Shimanek, J. D., Shang, S. L., Beese, A. M., and Liu, Z. K. (2022). Insight into ideal shear strength of Ni-based dilute alloys using first-principles calculations and correlational analysis. Comput. Mater. Sci. 212, 111564. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2022.111564
Shin, K. S., Drobyshev, A., Redko, N., Kunizhev, K., Komissarov, A., Bazhenov, V., et al. (2024). A New Method for Assessing the Rate of Biodegradation of Magnesium Alloy-Based Products in an In Vivo Experiment. J. Met. 14 (12), 1411. doi:10.3390/met14121411
Shu, C., He, J., Xue, G., and Xie, C. (2022). Grain knowledge graph representation learning: a new paradigm for microstructure-property prediction. Crystals 12 (2), 280. doi:10.3390/cryst12020280
Song, Q., Ren, Z., Ji, S., Niu, S., Qi, W., and Chen, M. (2019). Improving the mechanical property of dissimilar Al/Mg Zn-Added ultrasound-assisted friction stir lap welding joint by back propagation neural network–gray wolf optimization algorithm. Adv. Eng. Mater. 21 (12). doi:10.1002/adem.201900973
Srinivasan, D. V., Moradi, M., Komninos, P., Zarouchas, D., and Vassilopoulos, A. P. (2024). A generalized machine learning framework to estimate fatigue life across materials with minimal data. Mater. Des. 246, 113355. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2024.113355
Suh, J. S., Suh, B. C., Bae, J. H., and Kim, Y. M. (2023). Machine learning-based design of biodegradable Mg alloys for load-bearing implants. Mater. Des. 225, 111442. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2022.111442
Suh, J. S., Suh, B. C., Lee, S. E., Bae, J. H., and Moon, B. G. (2022). Quantitative analysis of mechanical properties associated with aging treatment and microstructure in mg-al-zn alloys through machine learning. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 107, 52–63. doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2021.07.045
Tian, L., and Yu, W. (2021). Effects of cluster expansion on the locations of phase transition boundary as a first step to quantify uncertainty in first principles statistical mechanics framework. Comput. Mater. Sci. 186, 110050. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2020.110050
Troncoso, J. F., Hu, Y., della Ventura, N. M., Sharma, A., Maeder, X., and Turlo, V. (2023). Machine learning of twin/matrix interfaces from local stress field. Comput. Mater. Sci. 228, 112322. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2023.112322
van Eck, N. J., and Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: vosviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics 84, 523–538. doi:10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
Viswanadhapalli, B., V K, B. R., and Nagaraju, K. C. (2022). Experimental study and machine learning model to predict formability of magnesium alloy sheet. F1000Research 11, 1118. doi:10.12688/f1000research.124085.1
Wang, L., Zhang, F., Jiao, Z.-J., Cui, L.-Y., Huang, Y.-D., Li, S.-Q., et al. (2025a). Advances in LDHs for corrosion-resistant protection of Mg and Al alloys: a review. J. Magnesium Alloys 13, 923–947. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2025.01.021
Wang, M., Yu, H. L., Chen, Y., and Huang, M. X. (2021). Machine learning assisted screening of non-rare-earth elements for Mg alloys with low stacking fault energy. Comput. Mater. Sci. 196, 110544. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2021.110544
Wang, Q., Qin, X., Xia, S., Wang, L., Wang, W., Huang, W., et al. (2025b). Interpretable machine learning excavates a low-alloyed magnesium alloy with strength-ductility synergy based on data augmentation and reconstruction. J. Magnesium Alloys 13, 2866–2883. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2025.01.003
Wang, Q., Zhai, H., Jin, Z., He, J., Yang, Q., Liu, W., et al. (2023a). Hot-deformation kinetics analysis and extrusion parameter optimization of a dilute rare-earth free magnesium alloy. J. Magnesium Alloys 11 (9), 3302–3322. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2022.07.013
Wang, S., Wu, Y., Xu, Q., Ma, Y., and Wang, T. (2024a). Research on stamping formability and process simulation of AZ31 magnesium alloy based on deep learning. Mater. Today Commun. 40, 109807. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.109807
Wang, Y., Tang, Q., Xu, X., Weng, P., Ying, T., Yang, Y., et al. (2023b). Accelerated discovery of magnesium intermetallic compounds with sluggish corrosion cathodic reactions through active learning and DFT calculations. Acta Mater. 255, 119063. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2023.119063
Wang, Y., Xie, T., Tang, Q., Wang, M., Ying, T., Zhu, H., et al. (2024b). High-throughput calculations combining machine learning to investigate the corrosion properties of binary Mg alloys. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (4), 1406–1418. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2021.12.007
Wiese, B., Berger, S., Bohlen, J., Nienaber, M., and Höche, D. (2023). Property design of extruded magnesium-gadolinium alloys through machine learning. Mater. Today Commun. 36, 106566. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.106566
Wu, H., Chen, X., Yang, L., Zheng, D., Zhou, J., Zhang, E., et al. (2025a). Mechanism study of rare Earth Y enhancing A356 tensile performance: deep learning potential and ab initio molecular dynamics. Mater. Today Commun. 44, 111868. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.111868
Wu, Y., Snihirova, D., Würger, T., Wang, L., Feiler, C., Höche, D., et al. (2025b). Machine learning-guided discovery of high-efficiency electrolyte additives for aqueous magnesium-air batteries. Energy Storage Mater. 76, 104120. doi:10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104120
Xinyu, C., Yingbo, Z., Jiaheng, L., and Hui, C. (2020). Composition design of 7XXX aluminum alloys optimizing stress corrosion cracking resistance using machine learning. Mater. Res. Express 7 (4), 046506. doi:10.1088/2053-1591/ab8492
Xu, Y., Zhou, Y., Li, Y., Jia, J., Liu, Y., and Ding, Z. (2025). Transition metal-engineered magnesium-based materials for advanced hydrogen storage: from multifaceted mechanisms to state-of-the-art systems. J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 13 (1), 115109. doi:10.1016/j.jece.2024.115109
Xue, D., Wei, W., Shi, W., Zhou, X. R., Qi, J. T., Wen, S. P., et al. (2023). Optimization of stabilized annealing of Al-Mg alloys utilizing machine learning algorithms. Mater. Today Commun. 35, 106177. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.106177
Yadav, P. K., and Khurana, M. K. (2022). Experimental investigation and optimization of quality characteristics during friction stir welding of Al- and Zn-based magnesium alloy using artificial intelligence. Proc. Institution Mech. Eng. Part L J. Mater. Des. Appl. 236 (2), 345–360. doi:10.1177/14644207211044805
Yan, Z., Zhu, J., Zhang, Z., Wang, Q., and Xue, Y. (2022). The microstructural, textural, and mechanical effects of high-pressure torsion processing on Mg alloys: a review. Front. Mater. 9. doi:10.3389/fmats.2022.964992
Yanase, Y., Miyauchi, H., Matsumoto, H., and Yokota, K. (2022). Densification behavior and microstructures of the Al-10%Si-0.35Mg alloy fabricated by selective laser melting: from experimental observation to machine learning. Mater. Trans. 63 (2), 176–184. doi:10.2320/matertrans.MT-M2021215
Yang, J., Shi, R., and Luo, A. A. (2023). Unveiling the alloying-processing-microstructure correlations in high-formability sheet magnesium alloys. Metals 13 (4), 704. doi:10.3390/met13040704
Yang, W., Wang, Y., Huang, X., Liu, S., Wang, P., and Du, Y. (2024). Effects of Cu content and sintering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of siCp/al-cu-mg composites through experimental study, CALPHAD-Type simulation and machine learning. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 33, 2216–2225. doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.09.202
Yu, J., Lee, S. H., Cheon, S., Park, S. H., and Lee, T. (2024). Alternative predictive approach for low-cycle fatigue life based on machine learning and energy-based modeling. J. Magnesium Alloys 12 (10), 4075–4084. doi:10.1016/j.jma.2024.10.014
Zaky, A., Leskovar, B., Naglič, I., and Markoli, B. (2025). Microstructural characterization of QC-Forming al-mn-based alloy using machine learning software. JOM 77 (3), 1123–1132. doi:10.1007/s11837-024-06899-3
Zhang, C., Zhang, Y., Ren, B., Wu, Y., Hu, Y., Chai, Y., et al. (2025a). Accelerated design of age-hardened mg-ca-zn alloys with enhanced mechanical properties via machine learning. Comput. Mater. Sci. 249, 113665. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2025.113665
Zhang, D., Srinivasan, J., and Locke, J. S. (2022a). Quantitative evaluation of the ability of accelerated tests to simulate On-Road corrosion morphology of automotive aluminum alloys. Corrosion 78 (12), 1229–1249. doi:10.5006/4174
Zhang, G., Mei, W., Zhang, W., and Yu, K. (2025b). Exploring the mechanism of plastic deformation in BCC mg-li-al alloys via machine learning molecular dynamics simulations. Comput. Mater. Sci. 246, 113396. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113396
Zhang, H., Fu, H., Li, W., Jiang, L., Yong, W., Sun, J., et al. (2024a). Empowering the sustainable development of high-end alloys via interpretive machine learning. Adv. Mater. 36 (48), e2404478. doi:10.1002/adma.202404478
Zhang, L., Wu, Y., Jiang, P., Choi, S.-K., and Zhou, Q. (2022b). A multi-fidelity surrogate modeling approach for incorporating multiple non-hierarchical low-fidelity data. Adv. Eng. Inf. 51, 101430. doi:10.1016/j.aei.2021.101430
Zhang, S., Yi, W., Zhong, J., Gao, J., Lu, Z., and Zhang, L. (2023a). Computer alloy design of Ti modified al-si-mg-sr casting alloys for achieving simultaneous enhancement in strength and ductility. Materials 16 (1), 306. doi:10.3390/ma16010306
Zhang, X., Wang, A., Shao, C., and Bao, H. (2024b). Understanding thermal transport in magnesium solid solutions through first-principles approaches and machine learning feature screening. Acta Mater. 276, 120160. doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2024.120160
Zhang, Y., Bai, S., Jiang, B., Li, K., Dong, Z., and Pan, F. (2023b). Modeling the correlation between texture characteristics and tensile properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy based on the artificial neural networks. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 24, 5286–5297. doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.04.079
Zhang, Y., Tu, X., Deng, A., Wu, D., Hu, Y., Yan, B., et al. (2025c). Machine learning-assisted design of filler for laser welding of al-zn-mg-cu alloy. Mater. Lett. 383, 137974. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2025.137974
Zhang, Y., Wang, N., Li, J., Mesbah, M., Wong, K. Y., Fallahpour, A., et al. (2020). Mechanical properties modeling of severely plastically deformed biodegradable zk60 magnesium alloy for bone implants. Lat. Am. J. Solids Struct. 17 (5), 1–23. doi:10.1590/1679-78256151
Zhu, G., Du, X., and Sun, D. (2025a). Machine learning accelerated design of magnesium alloys with high strength and high ductility. Mater. Today Commun. 44, 111894. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.111894
Zhu, Y., Cao, Y., Peng, L., Yu, Q., Yang, Z., Li, Z., et al. (2025b). Design of a novel Cu-Cr-X alloy with high strength and high electrical conductivity based on mechanical learning. Mater. Des. 250, 113599. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2025.113599
Zhu, Y., Wu, X., Gotawala, N., Higdon, D. M., and Yu, H. Z. (2024). Thermal prediction of additive friction stir deposition through Bayesian learning-enabled explainable artificial intelligence. J. Manuf. Syst. 72, 1–15. doi:10.1016/j.jmsy.2023.10.015
Zhu, Z., Ning, W., Niu, X., Wang, Q., Shi, R., and Zhao, Y. (2023). Designing high elastic modulus magnesium-based composite materials via machine learning approach. Mater. Today Commun. 37, 107249. doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107249
Nomenclature
AI Artificial Intelligence
ML Machine Learning
DL Deep Learning
ANN Artificial Neural Network
CNN Convolutional Neural Network
GAN Generative Adversarial Network
RF Random Forest
DFT Density Functional Theory
MD Molecular Dynamics
PSO-BP ANN Particle Swarm Optimization-Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network
GA Genetic Algorithm
FSW Friction Stir Welding
BP-ANN Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network
SVM Support Vector Machine
RFReg Random Forest Regression
GPR Gaussian Process Regression
DBO Dragonfly Optimization
DRX Dynamic Recrystallization
HCP Hexagonal Close-Packed
LSTM Long Short-Term Memory
GRU Gated Recurrent Unit
ISV Internal State Variable
ERT Extremely Randomized Trees
RNN Recurrent Neural Network
SGD Stochastic Gradient Descent
EBSD Electron Backscatter Diffraction
XRD X-ray Diffraction
TBC Thermal Barrier Coatings
FEM Finite Element Method
MAO Micro-Arc Oxidation
MLFF Machine Learning Force Field
AIMD Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
DP-GEN Deep Potential Generator
SVR Support Vector Regression
GBT Gradient Boosted Trees
HGGAT Hierarchical Graph Attention Network
XGBoost Extreme Gradient Boosting
DL Potentials Deep Learning Potentials
MDL Multimodal Deep Learning
Keywords: magnesium alloys, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, multidatabase validation, microstructure, corrosion, materials informatics
Citation: Wang H, Kumar R, Pattanaik A, Kumar R, Khawaf Aljaberi ASO and Abass MA (2025) Computational methods and artificial intelligence-based modeling of magnesium alloys: a systematic review of machine learning, deep learning, and data-driven design and optimization approaches. Front. Mater. 12:1645227. doi: 10.3389/fmats.2025.1645227
Received: 11 June 2025; Accepted: 22 July 2025;
Published: 08 August 2025.
Edited by:
Simone Taioli, European Centre for Theoretical Studies in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas (ECT*), ItalyReviewed by:
Andrea Pedrielli, Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), ItalyZhigang Yu, Shanghai University, China
Copyright © 2025 Wang, Kumar, Pattanaik, Kumar, Khawaf Aljaberi and Abass. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Hanxuan Wang, c3lsdmFuYXNhbWFAZ21haWwuY29t
†ORCID: Raman Kumar, orcid.org/0000-0003-2934-760; Rajender Kumar, orcid.org/0000-0002-3531-630X; Mayada Ahmed Abass, orcid.org/0000-0001-6428-1284