Basic magnesium carbonate is an important inorganic chemical product with the chemical formula 4MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·4H2O, also known as 414 type basic magnesium carbonate. It is a white powder, odorless, non-toxic, with good thermal stability, flame retardancy, filling, absorbency and lubricity.
Properties of basic magnesium carbonate
Basic magnesium carbonate has the following properties:
① Thermal stability: The thermal decomposition temperature of basic magnesium carbonate ranges from 200 to 550°C. The decomposition heat absorption is large, and the refractory gases CO2 and H2O are produced, as well as the non-combustible MgO.
② Flame retardancy: Basic magnesium carbonate will decompose at high temperatures to produce CO2 and H2O, which absorbs surrounding heat, thereby acting as a flame retardant.
③ Filling properties: Basic magnesium carbonate has low density, loose structure, and good filling properties. It can be used to increase the volume and strength of high polymers.
④ Absorbency: Basic magnesium carbonate has good absorbency and can absorb moisture, grease, gas, etc.
⑤ Lubricity: Basic magnesium carbonate has good lubricity and can reduce friction.
Application of basic magnesium carbonate
Basic magnesium carbonate has a wide range of applications, mainly including the following aspects:
① Plastics industry: Basic magnesium carbonate is an important filler in the plastics industry and can be used to increase the strength, stiffness, heat resistance, wear resistance and flame retardancy of plastics.
② Coating industry: Basic magnesium carbonate is an important filler in the coating industry and can be used to increase the hiding power, smoothness, water resistance and weather resistance of coatings.
③ Building materials industry: Basic magnesium carbonate is an important additive in the building materials industry and can be used to improve the setting speed, strength and durability of cement.
④ Pharmaceutical industry: Basic magnesium carbonate is an important raw material in the pharmaceutical industry and can be used to prepare gastrointestinal drugs, antidiarrheal drugs, adsorbents, etc.
⑤ Other industries: Basic magnesium carbonate can also be used in rubber, papermaking, cosmetics, food and other industries.
Development Trend of Basic Magnesium Carbonate
As people’s requirements for environmental protection and safety increase, basic magnesium carbonate, as a green and environmentally friendly inorganic chemical product, will be more widely used. In the future, basic magnesium carbonate will have further development in the following aspects:
① High performance: develop basic magnesium carbonate products with higher strength, stiffness, heat resistance, wear resistance and flame retardancy.
② Functionalization: Develop basic magnesium carbonate products with specific functions, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, conductive, etc.
③ Low cost: develop a low-cost preparation method for basic magnesium carbonate.
Basic magnesium carbonate is a green and environmentally friendly product with broad application prospects and will play an increasingly important role in modern society.