Magnesium Oxide

Brief Overview

Magnesium oxide is a white solid, often found as a powder. When fine particles of magnesium oxide are dispersed into the air, whether directly or when generated by the burning or cutting of magnesium metal, the resulting magnesium oxide fume is an inhalation hazard.

In aqueous media, it combines quickly with water to form magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium oxide is used as an antacid and mild laxative and has many nonmedicinal uses.

Manufacturing Process

Method 1: Limestone is calcined at a high temperature under controlled conditions to produce calcined dolomite or dolime which upon reaction with magnesium chloride-rich brine produces magnesium hydroxide and calcium chloride. The insoluble magnesium hydroxide is then separated from the liquid calcium chloride carrier and calcined under controlled conditions.

Method 2: Light or heavy magnesium carbonate is exposed to red heat. After which, CO₂ and H₂O are expelled, and magnesium oxide is collected.

Hardware Industry:

• Widely used as the refractory materials of steel furnace, cement kiln and glass furnace.

• Also used for glass, phenolic, plastics and ceramics.

Medical Industry: Used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion, as a laxative for short-term, rapid emptying of the bowel (before surgery, for example) and as a mineral supplement used to prevent and treat low amounts of magnesium in the blood.

Other Applications:

• Magnesium oxide with lower chemical activity can be used for fertilizers and animal feed.

• Polishing agent, binder, paint and paper filler