[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, main uses of magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride properties

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is an inorganic compound. Its anhydrous form is a white or colorless solid. It is deliquescent and highly hygroscopic, so it will absorb water to form hydrates when exposed to air. The most common form of magnesium chloride is magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2.6H2O), which is usually present in crystalline or powder form. Magnesium chloride has good solubility in water and releases a lot of heat when dissolved. It has a melting point of 714°C and a boiling point of 1412°C. Magnesium chloride has good conductivity and shows good performance in the electrolysis process.

Magnesium Chloride Uses

Magnesium chloride is widely used in many industries. It is an important raw material for the production of magnesium metal, which is produced by electrolytic melting magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is used as a flux in the metallurgical industry and as a flux and refining agent in the production of aluminum alloys and other non-ferrous metals. Magnesium chloride is used in the building materials industry to produce magnesium cement (also known as magnesium chloride cement), which has good fire resistance and corrosion resistance. Magnesium chloride is also used as an antifreeze and deicer because of its low freezing point and low environmental impact. Other uses include supplementary magnesium ion agents in the pharmaceutical industry, food additives, fire retardants in textile processing, and flocculants in water treatment.

Magnesium chloride upstream and downstream raw materials

The raw materials for the production of magnesium chloride are mainly sea water, brine or magnesium-containing ores. Seawater and brine are the main sources of magnesium chloride, which is obtained by evaporating seawater or brine. Magnesium ores, such as dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) and magnesite (MgCO3), can also extract magnesium chloride after calcination and chemical treatment. Downstream products mainly include magnesium metal, magnesium chloride cement, various deicing agents and antifreeze. Magnesium is widely used in aerospace, automotive industry, electronic products and other fields, and its light weight and strength make it an important structural material. Magnesium chloride cement is used in the manufacture of building materials, and deicing agents and antifreeze agents have important applications in the field of winter road maintenance and antifreeze.

Magnesium chloride storage method

Magnesium chloride is strongly hygroscopic, so its storage requires special attention to moisture-proof measures. Magnesium chloride should be stored in a sealed moisture-proof container to prevent contact with air to avoid moisture absorption and caking. The storage environment should be kept dry, well ventilated, and avoid high temperature and humidity. For large-scale industrial storage, dry and sealed warehouses are usually used and equipped with dehumidification equipment to maintain low humidity. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is relatively stable during transportation and storage, but care is also required to prevent mechanical damage and contamination. When handling magnesium chloride, workers should wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid skin contact and dust inhalation.

Magnesium Chloride Market and Future Development

The market demand for magnesium chloride is driven by a variety of factors, including the growing demand for construction materials, the demand for deicers for road maintenance, and the growing trend of magnesium metal in lightweight applications. At present, with the improvement of global environmental awareness, magnesium chloride, as a relatively environmentally friendly deicing agent, has a broad market prospect. The increase in demand for magnesium metal in new energy vehicles and lightweight aircraft will also promote the growth of the magnesium chloride market. In the future, the application field of magnesium chloride is expected to be further expanded, especially in the application of new materials and green chemistry. The advancement of magnesium chloride production technology and the diversification of raw materials acquisition will also help reduce production costs and improve market competitiveness.

Summary

As an important chemical raw material, magnesium chloride has a wide range of uses and good market prospects. Its unique properties allow it to play a key role in multiple industries. From the acquisition of raw materials to the application of downstream products, the industrial chain of magnesium chloride is complete and the market demand is stable. In the future, with the increase of technological progress and environmental protection demand, magnesium chloride is expected to show its value in more fields. In order to ensure its performance and safety, the storage and handling of magnesium chloride need to strictly follow the specifications to ensure product quality and safety. Overall, the status of magnesium chloride in the chemical industry will continue to improve, and the market prospects are optimistic.