Magnesium oxide
General Product Information
| Article | Magnesium oxide |
| Synonyms | Magnesia, Periclase |
| CAS No. | 1309-48-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 215-171-9 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28161000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Magnesium oxide is an inorganic compound of magnesium and oxygen, supplied as a white crystalline powder. It is a very stable oxide, widely used in industrial and commercial Applications. Magnesium oxide occurs in natural Shape as the mineral periclase and is produced synthetically by combustion or calcination of magnesium compounds such as magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Technical.
- Solubility: Not soluble in water; soluble in acids.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | MgO |
| Molar Weight | 40.30 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 2,852 °C. |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 3,600 °C. |
| Density | Approx. 3.58 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 10.5-12.0 (in suspension) |
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Magnesium Oxide
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- PubChem – Magnesium Oxide – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Magnesium oxide
Applications
Magnesium oxide is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Refractory Materials
Applied in refractory linings of furnaces and melting plants in the steel and cement industries, due to its high thermal stability.
2. Agriculture
Used as a magnesium source in fertilizers to prevent magnesium deficiencies in crops.
3. Rubber & Plastics Industry
Functions as a filler, hardener or process admixture.
4. Construction
Magnesium oxide is a component in special cements and fire-retardant building boards, such as magnesite cement.
5. Environmental Technology
Used for acid gas neutralization (flue gas desulfurization), wastewater treatment and stabilization of contaminated soils.
6. Electronics
Used as electrical insulation material in heating elements due to its high temperature resistance and low electrical conductivity.