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Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide is a white powder used in refractory, agricultural, and industrial applications across East Africa.

Magnesium Oxide functions primarily as a refractory material and soil amendment due to its thermal stability and alkaline properties.

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums on request

Supply Region

East Africa, Kenya

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium Oxide functions primarily as a refractory material and soil amendment due to its thermal stability and alkaline properties. It serves critical roles in industries where heat resistance and pH regulation are essential. This inorganic compound, chemically identified as MgO, appears as a white crystalline powder and is vital for industrial sectors ranging from agriculture to manufacturing.

In agriculture, Magnesium Oxide’s role as a soil conditioner helps correct acidic soils and supply magnesium, a nutrient crucial for chlorophyll production and plant metabolism. Industrially, it is fundamental in producing refractory linings that protect high-temperature furnaces and kilns. Applications extend to pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, and even water treatment, where it acts as a stabilizer and pH adjuster.

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Magnesium Oxide throughout East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, ensuring dependable delivery and consistent product quality tailored to operational demands. Our regional logistics expertise supports timely replenishment for continuous industrial and agricultural processes.

Magnesium Oxide: Detailed Product Overview

Magnesium Oxide is produced by calcining naturally occurring magnesium carbonate or hydroxide minerals at temperatures exceeding 700°C. This process removes carbon dioxide or water, yielding a white crystalline powder with the formula MgO. Its high melting point, approximately 2852°C, underpins its widespread use in refractory materials, where it withstands extreme thermal stress without degrading.

Chemically, MgO is alkaline and mildly soluble in water, forming magnesium hydroxide which neutralizes acids. This chemical behavior is exploited in agriculture to ameliorate acidic soils by raising pH, improving nutrient availability and microbial activity in the root zone. The magnesium ions supplied are vital to plant enzymatic systems and chlorophyll synthesis.

Magnesium Oxide’s thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties make it invaluable for refractory linings inside furnaces and kilns. It resists corrosion from slags and molten metals, extending the lifespan of refractory bricks. Industrial formulations often include MgO as an additive or filler to enhance thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical inertness in plastics, rubber, and food processing.

For effective use, the powder's particle size, purity, and specific surface area must match the application requirements. Purity in commercial supplies typically ranges near 90% MgO, though exact specifications should be confirmed with the certificate of analysis. Zenco Systems Ltd provides expertise in selecting grades suited for agricultural amendments or industrial refractory applications, backed by reliable supply chains across East Africa.

Applications and Uses of Magnesium Oxide

Refractory Linings Manufacturing

Magnesium Oxide is a cornerstone in manufacturing refractory bricks and castables for furnaces, kilns, and incinerators. Its high melting point and chemical inertness allow it to resist slag penetration and thermal shock during metal smelting and cement production. Typical usage involves mixing MgO powder with binders and aggregates to form durable linings that extend operational life and minimize maintenance intervals.

Soil Conditioning in Agriculture

Applied as a soil amendment, Magnesium Oxide neutralizes acidity by raising pH levels, thereby improving nutrient availability and microbial activity. It also supplies essential magnesium ions needed for photosynthesis and enzyme activation in plants. Application rates depend on soil tests but typically range from 200 to 500 kg per hectare, adjusted seasonally and by crop type.

Industrial Fillers and Additives

In plastics, rubber, and food processing, MgO serves as a functional filler and stabilizer. It enhances thermal and dimensional stability, controls pH, and acts as an anti-caking agent or anti-oxidant in certain formulations. Particle size and purity influence performance; these additives improve product quality and processing consistency.

Water Treatment pH Control

Magnesium Oxide is utilized to adjust pH levels in wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. It gently increases alkalinity without the rapid pH swings of stronger bases. Controlled dosing ensures compliance with discharge regulations and protects aquatic ecosystems by neutralizing acidic contaminants.

Construction Material Additive

In cement and concrete production, MgO is incorporated as an expansive agent or stabilizer. It improves crack resistance and dimensional stability by compensating for shrinkage during curing. Its refractory characteristics also enhance the thermal resilience of specialized construction materials.

Mining Industry Chemical

Magnesium Oxide is often employed in mining operations for pH regulation during ore processing and flotation. It helps maintain optimal acid-base balance for efficient metal recovery and minimizes environmental impact through neutralization of acidic effluents.

Environmental Remediation

Used in the remediation of acidic soils and waste streams, MgO neutralizes harmful acids and stabilizes heavy metals. Its application reduces soil toxicity, enabling restoration and agricultural reuse of degraded lands.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Agricultural Chemicals range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Thermal Stability for High-Temperature Applications

Magnesium Oxide’s melting point above 2800°C makes it indispensable where materials must endure extreme heat without structural failure. This thermal robustness is critical in refractory linings that protect industrial furnaces, ensuring operational continuity and reducing costly downtime.

Effective Soil pH Correction and Nutrient Supply

Its alkaline nature enables Magnesium Oxide to neutralize acidic soils effectively, promoting crop health and yield. Beyond pH correction, it supplies bioavailable magnesium, an essential nutrient, improving photosynthesis and overall plant metabolism.

Chemical Inertness and Corrosion Resistance

As a chemically stable compound, MgO does not readily react under normal conditions, resisting corrosion from slags and harsh chemical environments. This property protects industrial equipment and contributes to longer service life of materials where it is incorporated.

Versatile Industrial Additive

Magnesium Oxide enhances properties like heat resistance, dimensional stability, and pH balance in plastics, rubber, and food products. Its compatibility across different matrices provides manufacturers with improved quality and consistency.

Packaging Information

Magnesium Oxide is supplied in 25kg and 50kg bags suitable for handling and storage in industrial and agricultural settings. For larger-scale needs, 200L drums are available upon request. Zenco Systems Ltd offers tailored packaging solutions designed for easy transport and protection of the product’s integrity across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring East African markets, facilitating efficient cross-border logistics.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums on request

Storage and Handling

Store Magnesium Oxide in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area away from moisture sources to prevent agglomeration and quality degradation. Use airtight containers or sealed bags to minimize exposure. Avoid storing near acids or incompatible substances. When handling, use dust masks and protective gloves to prevent inhalation and skin contact, as MgO is a fine particulate powder. Bulk storage should ensure protection from humidity and contamination.

Safety Information

Magnesium Oxide powder can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract upon dust exposure. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as dust masks, goggles, and gloves during handling. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air; if irritation persists, seek medical attention. Spills should be contained and cleaned up with minimal dust generation. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for full safety and disposal guidelines.

Technical Specifications

pHAbout 10 when suspended in water
GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaMgO
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums on request
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
CAS Number1309-48-4
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water forming Mg(OH)2
Chemical NameMagnesium Oxide
Storage ConditionsStore in dry, cool, well-ventilated area

Applications

  • Refractory linings
  • Soil conditioning
  • Industrial filler
  • Water treatment
  • Construction additive
  • Mining chemical
  • Environmental remediation

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

pHAbout 10 when suspended in water
GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaMgO
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums on request
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
CAS Number1309-48-4
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water forming Mg(OH)2
Chemical NameMagnesium Oxide
Storage ConditionsStore in dry, cool, well-ventilated area

Product Features

  • - High melting point (~2852°C)
  • - Alkaline reaction in soil and water
  • - White crystalline powder appearance
  • - Thermal conductivity and insulation
  • - Chemical inertness and corrosion resistance
  • - Mild water solubility forming Mg(OH)2

Industries Served

  • - Agriculture
  • - Metallurgy and Metal Processing
  • - Construction
  • - Water Treatment
  • - Mining
  • - Plastics and Rubber
  • - Food Processing
  • - Pharmaceuticals

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnesium Oxide

What is Magnesium Oxide used for in agriculture?

It is used as a soil conditioner to neutralize acidic soils and supply magnesium, an essential nutrient for plant growth and chlorophyll synthesis.

How should Magnesium Oxide be stored to maintain quality?

Store it in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place away from moisture and incompatible acids to prevent clumping and chemical degradation.

Can Zenco Systems Ltd supply Magnesium Oxide outside Kenya?

Yes, we supply across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries using tailored logistics to ensure reliable regional delivery.

Is Magnesium Oxide safe to handle in powder form?

It is a fine powder that can irritate eyes and respiratory tract; use dust masks, goggles, and gloves to minimize exposure during handling.

What packaging sizes are available for Magnesium Oxide?

We offer 25kg and 50kg bags as well as 200L drums for bulk orders, suitable for various industrial and agricultural applications.

How does Magnesium Oxide improve refractory linings?

MgO withstands high temperatures and resists chemical corrosion, protecting furnace linings from slag damage and thermal shock.

What purity levels of Magnesium Oxide are offered?

Purity typically approaches 90%, but specific grades and exact purity should be confirmed with the certificate of analysis at order time.

Is Magnesium Oxide used in water treatment?

Yes, it adjusts pH gently, neutralizing acidic water and wastewater streams to meet environmental standards.

What are the typical application rates for agricultural Magnesium Oxide?

Application depends on soil acidity and type but generally ranges from 200 to 500 kg per hectare, adjusted per crop and season.

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