Fireproofing Mg3O2 MGO Magnesium Oxide Material PH Regulators
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and serves as a raw material for magnesium metallurgy. Its empirical formula consists of Mg²⁺ ions and O²⁻ ions bonded in a lattice structure. When exposed to water, it forms magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), which can be reversed to magnesium oxide through heating.
Historically termed "white magnesia" to distinguish it from manganese-containing minerals, magnesium oxide is thermodynamically stable and serves as a model system for studying crystal vibrational properties. Its suboxide Mg3O2 remains stable above 500 GPa.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgO |
| CAS Number | 1309-48-4 |
| Appearance | White powder |
| MgO Content (%) | ≥99% |
| Loss on Ignition (LOI, %) | ≤4.0% |
| Residue on Sieve (200 mesh) | ≤0.1% |
| Bulk Density (g/cm³) | 0.3 - 0.5 |
| pH (10% Suspension) | 10 - 12 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (ppm) | ≤20 |
Magnesium oxide is produced by calcining magnesium carbonate or hydroxide. The hydroxide form is obtained by treating magnesium chloride solutions (typically seawater) with lime. Calcination temperatures determine reactivity:
- 1500-2000°C: Produces dead-burned MgO (refractory grade)
- 1000-1500°C: Yields hard-burned MgO (limited reactivity)
- 700-1000°C: Creates light-burned MgO (reactive/caustic-calcined)
As a refractory material, magnesium oxide offers high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. Approximately 56% of U.S. MgO consumption serves refractory applications, with remaining usage in agriculture, construction, and industrial sectors.
In building materials, MgO provides exceptional fireproofing properties for wallboards, offering resistance to fire, termites, moisture, and mildew while maintaining structural strength.
- Food additive: FDA-approved anti-caking agent (E530) for cocoa products, canned peas, and frozen desserts
- Colorimetry: Reference white standard due to superior diffusion/reflection properties
- Electrical insulation: Preferred material for heating elements and heat-resistant cables
- Ceramics: Doping agent that inhibits grain growth and enhances fracture toughness
- Optical material: Transparent in 0.3-7μm range with refractive index of 1.72 at 1μm
- Waste management: Coating for transuranic waste to control radionuclide solubility
- Agriculture: Commercial plant fertilizer and animal feed supplement
- Paper conservation: Deacidification agent for preserving archival materials
- Electronics: Protective coating for plasma displays and superior oxide barrier in spin tunneling devices (600% TMR at RT)
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