A: Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a white hygroscopic solid mineral, occurring naturally as periclase. The solid is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures. It is a natural source of magnesium (which is an important daily requirement in our nutrients).

A: Magnesium oxide itself is produced by the calcination of magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. The MgCO3 and Mg(OH)2 obtained from the mineral sources of magnesium oxide are converted to oxide by calcination. The thermal treatment during the calcination process typically affects the surface area and pore size of the magnesium oxide formed. Consequently, the reactivity of oxide is equally impacted. But the level and nature of impurities present in the calcined material depend on the source of the mineral. Different types of magnesium oxide can be obtained depending on the temperature used during the calcining process. For example, dead-burned magnesium is produced at temperatures over 1500 degrees Celsius, while fused magnesia is obtained from calcined magnesia at temperatures over 2650C degrees Celsius.

A: MgO has several essential applications today. It is an unimportant constituent of Portland cement in dry process plants. Magnesium oxide material is also utilized to treat wastewater, soil and groundwater remediation, treatment of drinking water, air emissions treatment, etc. Even in the food industry, it is used as a food additive where it serves as an anti-caking agent.

A: Yes. Refractory materials are materials that can withstand very high temperatures (above 1,000°F or 538°C), which is typical of many manufacturing processes. While magnesium oxide has a very high melting point of 5,072 °F (2800 °C). MgO is, by far, most utilized by the refractory industry than in any other area or industry worldwide. In the United States, the refractory industry alone consumed about 56% of the magnesium oxide in 2004, while the rest was channeled into agriculture, chemical manufacturing, construction, and many other applications.

- It must be able to withstand high temperatures. - It must not conduct much heat. - It should have a stable volume, i.e., does not undergo thermal expansion when exposed to high temperatures. In other words, it should have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. - Must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations. - Ability to withstand the action of furnace gas, including CO, SO2, CO2, CH4, H2O, and volatile oxides and salts in metals. - The material should withstand the actions of processing materials reasonably. - Must withstand impact and abrasion of solid, liquid, and dust-laden gases moving with high speed.