[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, magnesium hydroxide is what state

Magnesium hydroxide properties

Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is an inorganic compound, often in the form of a white powder or crystal. It has a molecular weight of 58.32g/mol, a density of 2.36g/cm³, a melting point of about 350°C, and decomposes into magnesium oxide and water at high temperatures. The solubility of magnesium hydroxide in water is low, only 0.009g/100 mL (water) at 20°C, which makes it difficult to dissolve. Magnesium hydroxide has high thermal stability and good flame retardant properties. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, and it is not easy to react with acids and bases at room temperature, but it can react with acids, bases and salts at high temperatures to generate corresponding compounds.

Magnesium hydroxide use

Magnesium hydroxide is widely used in industry and daily life. It is an important flame retardant and fireproof material. Because it releases water vapor at high temperature, it can effectively inhibit the spread of flame and reduce the generation of smoke. Magnesium hydroxide is widely used in the field of environmental protection. As a flue gas desulfurizer and wastewater treatment agent, it can effectively neutralize acidic wastewater and remove heavy metal ions. Third, in the field of medicine, magnesium hydroxide is often used as an antacid and laxative to help treat hyperacidity and constipation. Magnesium hydroxide is also used in rubber, plastics, paper, ceramics and other industries to enhance the performance of materials.

Magnesium hydroxide upstream raw material

The production of magnesium hydroxide mainly depends on two types of upstream raw materials: magnesium ore and water. Magnesium ores, such as dolomite and magnesite, are the main sources for the preparation of magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium oxide can be obtained by calcining magnesium ore, which is then reacted with water to form magnesium hydroxide. Seawater can also be used as an important magnesium resource to extract magnesium hydroxide through seawater desalination and chemical precipitation. In the production process, the purity and amount of water directly affect the quality and production efficiency of the product. Therefore, the selection and management of water sources are also particularly important.

Magnesium hydroxide downstream products

Magnesium hydroxide has a wide range of downstream products, mainly used in various industrial fields. For example, in the rubber and plastics industry, magnesium hydroxide is often used as a filler and reinforcing agent, which can improve the strength, heat resistance and flame retardant properties of the product. In the field of medicine and nutraceuticals, magnesium hydroxide is widely used as an active ingredient of drugs, especially in the formulation of antacids and laxatives. As an environmentally friendly flame retardant and fireproof material, magnesium hydroxide has broad application prospects in building materials. Through the development and application of these downstream products, the market demand for magnesium hydroxide is growing, which promotes the development of its industry.

Magnesium hydroxide production process

The production process of magnesium hydroxide mainly includes two methods: wet method and dry method. The wet process mainly generates magnesium hydroxide through a chemical reaction, for example, suspending magnesium oxide in water to generate a magnesium hydroxide suspension, and then obtaining a finished product through processes such as precipitation, filtration, and drying. The dry process is to calcine magnesite or dolomite at high temperature to obtain magnesium oxide, and then react with water at high temperature and high pressure to generate magnesium hydroxide. These two processes have their own advantages and disadvantages. The wet process has low cost and is suitable for large-scale production, while the dry process has high product purity and is suitable for areas with high quality requirements.

Magnesium hydroxide storage method

The storage of magnesium hydroxide requires attention to environmental conditions to ensure its stable quality. It should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse to avoid moisture and moisture intrusion, because magnesium hydroxide is easy to absorb moisture and agglomerate, affecting its physical properties and use effect. The storage environment should avoid high temperature and direct sunlight to prevent its decomposition and performance degradation. The storage container should choose a packaging material with good tightness, such as plastic bags or barrels, to reduce contact with air. Care should be taken to avoid mixing with acidic substances, strong oxidants and other chemicals to prevent unnecessary chemical reactions.

Magnesium Hydroxide Market Status and Prospect

The magnesium hydroxide market has shown steady growth in recent years. The main driving force comes from the promotion of environmental protection policies and the increase in demand for flame retardant materials. With the increasingly stringent global environmental regulations, the application of magnesium hydroxide as an environmentally friendly flame retardant in plastics, rubber and building materials continues to expand. The application of magnesium hydroxide in flue gas desulfurization and wastewater treatment is also gradually increasing, and the market demand is rising. In the future, with technological progress and process improvement, the production cost of magnesium hydroxide is expected to be further reduced, product performance will continue to improve, and the market prospect is broad.

Conclusion

As an important inorganic compound, magnesium hydroxide plays an important role in many fields by virtue of its unique physical and chemical properties. Through the analysis of its properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, production process and storage methods, it can be seen that magnesium hydroxide not only occupies an important position in industrial production, but also has a wide range of applications in environmental protection, medicine and other fields. With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous expansion of market demand, magnesium hydroxide industry will usher in greater development opportunities.