Abrasives
As a binder in grinding wheels
Insulation
Light, flexible mats for insulating pipes
Animal feed supplement
Source of magnesium ions for chickens, cattle and other animals
Lubricating oils
Additive to neutralise acids
Boiler (oil-fired) additives
Raises melting point of ash generated to produce a friable material that is easily removed; reduced corrosion of steel pipes holding steam as well as sulphur emissions into the environment
Pharmaceuticals
Special grades of magnesium hydroxide, oxide and carbonate are unsed in antacids, cosmetics, toothpaste and ointments
Boiler feedwater treatment
Reduces iron, silica and solids
Plastics manufacture
Filler, acid acceptor, thickener catalyst and pigment extender
Chemicals
Starting point for the production of other magnesium salts such as sulphate and nitrate
Refractory and ceramics
Basic ingredient in product formulations for the steel industry
Coatings
Pigment extender in paint and varnish
Rubber compounding
Filler, acid acceptor, anti-scorch ingredient, curing aid, pigment
Construction
Basic ingredient of oxychloride cements used for flooring, wallboard, fibre board, and tile
Steel industry
Annealing process; coating for grain-oriented silicon steel used in electrical transformers
Electrical
Semi-conductors; heating elements insulating filler between wire and outer sheath
Sugar refining
Reduces scale build-up when used in juice clarification and precipitation
Fertilizers
Source of essential magnesium for plant nutrition
Sulphite wood pulping
Source of base of cooking liquors
Foundries
Catalyst and water acceptor in shell moulding
Uranium, gallium and boron processing
Precipitation initiator by acid neutralisation
Glass manufacture
Ingredient for specialty, scientific and decorative glassware and fibreglass
Wastewater treatment
Acid stream neutraliser; precipitates heavy metals
