Magnesium Oxide

A principal fireproofing ingredient in construction materials, its high thermal conductivity makes it extremely useful in refractories. It is used extensively in soil and groundwater remediation, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, air emissions treatment, and waste treatment industries. One of its principal uses is as a component in dry cement production.

Synonyms
Magnesia, Periclase
Chemical Formula
MgO
CAS Number
1309-48-4

Characteristics

Molar Weight
40.304g/mol
Melting Point
2,852 °C
Boiling Point
3,600 °C
Density
3.53- 3.58
Forms
Powder, White

Uses and applications

Key applications

  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Solvents
  • Automotive
  • Batteries
  • Personal care
  • Air care products
  • Building & Construction products
  • Paint and Coatings

Magnesium oxide

Magnesium oxide is the oxide of magnesium - a compound of magnesium and oxygen. The structural formula is MgO. Magnesium oxide occurs in nature as the volcanic mineral periclase. These are white to gray crystals, which can also be dark green due to inclusions.
Craftman is putting waterproof sealer to roof tiles

Magnesium oxide in the industry

Building materials

Magnesium oxide is the main component of fire retardants in building materials. It is also used in insulation materials. The substance also provides a waterproof coating and thus increases the resistance of building components to moisture.

Food

In the EU, magnesium oxide is added to food under the name E530 without any quantity restrictions. Magnesium oxide is used in the food industry as a pH stabilizer, anti-caking agent and magnesium supplier.

Household

Magnesium oxide is used in cleaning agents as an absorbent to absorb odours and moisture. Due to its abrasive effect, it is also used as an abrasive in polishing and scouring agents.

Cosmetics

Magnesium oxide is used by the cosmetics industry in skin care products to soothe skin irritations. It has an odour-neutralizing effect in deodorants. It is also frequently used as a texture-improving filler.

Medicine

In medicine, magnesium oxide is used for substitution therapy in cases of magnesium deficiency. It is also used as a laxative for constipation and as a remedy for stomach acidity and acid poisoning, as it neutralizes acid.
brand new winter tyre for driving on snow - showing tyre profile

Automotive

Magnesium oxide is used in the automotive industry to produce magnesium alloys. These are attractive for the industry due to their low weight and strength. Magnesium oxide is also used to produce fire-retardant and heat-insulating materials in cars.

Polymer

Magnesium oxide reduces the flammability of polymers and thus improves fire protection. The effects of fire on plastics are reduced by magnesium oxide.

Further areas of application

  • Magnesium oxide is used in agriculture to improve soil quality, promote plant growth and increase yields. The substance is used as a source of magnesium in animal nutrition and industrial animal husbandry.
  • Magnesium oxide is also used extensively in soil remediation and waste treatment. The ability of magnesium oxide to neutralize acids is used in drinking water treatment. School chalk consists of pressed, fine magnesium oxide powder.
  • Magnesium oxide is also used in rubber and caoutchouc production. It is also added to lubricants, adhesives and sealants to improve their viscosity (thin or thick liquid) and lubricity.
  • Magnesium oxide is often used as a filler or reinforcing agent in paints and varnishes to regulate their texture and viscosity. In wastewater treatment, magnesium oxide is used as a flocculant.
  • Magnesium oxide is also used to produce non-ferrous metals, steel refiners and glass. Due to its high melting point of 2,800 °C, the above-mentioned sintered magnesia is used to produce refractory and heat-storing materials as well as insulating coatings.
  • Magnesium oxide is used in organic chemistry as an adsorbent and vulcanization retarder. Air purifiers and filters are another area of application.