What are the industrial uses of magnesium oxide?
1. Refractory Materials (High-Temperature Applications)
Steel Industry:Industrial magnesium oxide powder Lining furnaces, ladles, and kilns (can withstand temperatures >2000°C).
Cement & Glass Production:Industrial magnesium oxide powder Used in rotary kilns and glass melting furnaces.
Ceramics:Industrial magnesium oxide powder Acts as a stabilizer in high-temperature ceramic products.
2. Environmental Protection
Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): Neutralizes sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in coal-fired power plants.
Wastewater Treatment:
Industrial High Purity Magnesium Oxide Adjusts pH in acidic industrial wastewater.
Industrial High Purity Magnesium Oxide Removes heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cd) by forming insoluble hydroxides.
Soil Remediation: Industrial High Purity Magnesium Oxide Stabilizes contaminated soils by immobilizing heavy metals.
3. Agriculture
Soil Amendment:Magnesium Oxide food Grade Corrects soil acidity (raises pH) and supplies magnesium, a vital nutrient for crops.
Animal Feed Additive:Magnesium Oxide food Grade Prevents magnesium deficiency in livestock.
4. Construction & Building Materials
Fireproofing: Added to wallboards, cables, and coatings for flame resistance.
Magnesium Cement (Sorel Cement): Light Magnesium Oxide Combines with MgCl₂ to form durable, fast-setting cement for flooring and panels.
Insulation: Light Magnesium Oxide boards used in energy-efficient buildings.
5. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industries
Magnesium Oxide food Grade Precursor for Magnesium Compounds:
Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) for antacids.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) for fertilizers and medicine.
Catalyst Support:Magnesium Oxide food Grade Used in chemical synthesis (e.g., petrochemicals).
6. Electronics & Energy
Electrical Insulation: High dielectric strength makes it ideal for cables and heating elements.
Thermal Conductivity:Light Magnesium Oxide Used as a filler in thermally conductive plastics or coatings.
Batteries: Research into MgO for lithium-ion and magnesium-ion battery components.
7. Other Applications
Rubber & Plastics:Light Magnesium Oxide Acts as a vulcanizing agent and flame retardant.
Pulp & Paper:Light Magnesium Oxide Bleaching agent and pH regulator.
Cosmetics:Light Magnesium Oxide Mild abrasive in skincare products.
Magnesium oxide’s versatility makes it indispensable across heavy industries, environmental solutions, and advanced technologies. For specialized applications (e.g., battery materials), ongoing research aims to enhance its performance and sustainability.