Magnesium oxide fume: Overview
Description
Magnesium oxide fume does not have any common use. Magnesium oxide is used as a component of refractory crucibles, fire bricks, insulation, rubber compounds, magnesia cements and boiler scale compounds. It is also used as a reflector in optical instruments and as a white colour standard.
Substance details
Substance name: Magnesium oxide fume
CASR number: 1309-48-4
Molecular formula: MgO
Synonyms: include airborne magnesium oxide and magnesia fume.
Physical properties
Magnesium oxide fume is an odourless white opaque smoke. Solid magnesium oxide is a hygroscopic fine white powder. Evaporation at room temperature is negligible. It has the following physical properties.
Melting Point: 2852°C
Boiling Point: 3600°C
Specific Gravity: 3.58
Chemical properties
Magnesium oxide fume is slightly soluble in water. The pH of a saturated aqueous solution is 10.3. Solid magnesium oxide is insoluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water, and soluble in dilute acids and ammonium salts. It reacts violently with strong acids and halogens.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of magnesium oxide fume emissions in Australia.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
