Magnesium Oxide Brick
Introduction
Magnesium oxide bricks are also known as magnesia bricks. They are a type of fire-resistant and heat-resistant brick material. Magnesium oxide bricks are inorganic and non-combustible. They have good thermal shock and compression resistance, making them ideal for use in many different applications. This article will discuss the history, production, and uses of magnesium oxide bricks.
History
The development of magnesium oxide bricks began in the mid-1800s. In 1855, British physicist Sir James Dewar invented a new type of fireproof material that was made from calcium oxide-magnesium silicate-magnesium oxide. This material was later named magnesia cement. In the early 1900s, German scientist Hans Josten developed an improved version of magnesia cement that had increased strength and durability. This became the foundation of modern day magnesium oxide bricks.
Production
The production of magnesium oxide bricks involves several steps. First, high quality bauxite ore is crushed and heated at high temperatures to produce magnesia, which is an intermediate compound of magnesium oxide. The magnesia is then heated again to produce magnesium oxide. Finally, the magnesium oxide is mixed with other materials such as silica, alumina, and lime and formed into the desired shape. The magnesium oxide bricks are then fired in a kiln at approximately 1700°C for up to 24 hours. This process ensures that the bricks have the necessary strength and durability to effectively withstand high temperatures.
Uses
Magnesium oxide bricks have a variety of uses. They are commonly used in furnaces, kilns, and furnaces of high-temperature applications such as steelmaking. Magnesium oxide bricks can also be used in fireplaces and other insulation applications, such as protecting pipes and walls from fire and heat. The non-combustible properties of magnesium oxide bricks make them ideal for use in buildings and structures that are at risk of fire. Furthermore, magnesia bricks are commonly used as a refractory material for lining kilns and furnaces.
Conclusion
Magnesium oxide bricks are highly versatile, durable, and fire-resistant materials that have a variety of uses. The production of magnesium oxide bricks involves the heating of magnesia to form magnesium oxide. Furthermore, magnesium oxide bricks can withstand high temperatures and have excellent thermal shock resistance, making them ideal for use in fire and thermal insulation applications.
