Mint-O-Mag

DescriptionMagnesium hydroxide is best known as the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, an antacid and laxative which has been used for 150 years. It forms a suspension in water, and its reaction with acid only dissolves it gradually, giving it long-lasting effects. At higher doses, rather than acid neutralization, its primary action is to hold water, as it is not absorbed by the large intestine, relieving constipation. It is also used as a fire retardant and smoke repressor in various applications due to an endothermic decomposition reaction which takes place at 332°C, releasing magnesia and water. Further applications include wastewater treatment, as a fuel additive, and production of magnesium salts.

UsesMagnesium hydroxide is an excellent flame retardant for plastics and rubber products. In environmental protection, it can be used as flue gas desulfurization agent, being able to replace the caustic soda and lime as acid-containing waste water neutralizer. It can also used as oil additive with anti-corrosion and desulfurization effect. In addition, it can also be used for the electronics industry, medicine, sugar refining, for insulation materials and the manufacture of other magnesium salt products. One important application of Magnesium Hydroxide is the use of the material in the pharmaceutical industry, for example as antacid to neutralize stomach acids and as laxative. The largest industrial application of Magnesium Hydroxide is flame retardants for articles such as roofing, isolation materials, plastic articles and coatings. The mechanism of flame retardancy is based on the endothermic decomposition of the material into MgO and H2O. This reaction adsorbs heat, which delays ignition of the associated substance. The water that is released dilutes combustible gases and inhibits oxygen from aiding the combustion.

DescriptionA white, bulky powder. It dissolves in dilute acids, but is practically insoluble in water and in alcohol.

OccurrenceMagnesium Hydroxide occurs naturally as the mineral brucite. Brucite, usually found as a low temperature, hydrothermal vein mineral associated with calcite, aragonite, talc, or magnesite, appears as a decomposition product of magnesium silicates associated with serpentine, dolomite, magnesite, and chromite. Brucite also occurs as a hydrated form of periclase, and is found in serpentine, marble, chlorite schists, and in crystalline limestone.

UsesMagnesium hydroxide has been used in the synthesis of brucite.

UsesSuspensions of magnesium hydroxide in water (milk of magnesia) are used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid, and a laxative. This may cause diarrhea and loss of potassium with concomitant muscle cramps. Magnesium hydroxide is also used as an antiperspirant armpit deodorant. Milk of magnesia is useful against “canker sores” (aphthous ulcer) when used topically. Milk of magnesia is sold for medical use to alleviate constipation, but also to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Milk of magnesia is also used as a folk remedy, applied and massaged in (a few minutes before washing), to relieve symptoms of “seborrhea” and “dandruff”. It is also said to be used for seborrheic dermatitis, which is a drying and flaking of the skin similar to dandruff but often occurring on the face. Magnesium hydroxide powder is used industrially as a nonhazardous alkali to neutralize acidic wastewaters. Solid magnesium hydroxide has also smoke suppressing and fire retarding properties. Common uses of magnesium hydroxide as a fire retardant include plastics, roofing, and coatings. Magnesium hydroxide is marketed as a slurry for use as a neutralizing agent in the treatment of acidic wastewaters.

UsesMagnesium Hydroxide is an alkali that is a general purpose food additive. it exists as a white powder and has poor solubility in water and in alcohol. in frozen desserts it will increase the tendency for fat globules to clump, which results in an increase in dryness. it reacts with triglycerides in fatty acids to form soaps. it also functions as a drying agent in foods.