Magnesium Oxide is used in a number of   industrial applications including:

Abrasives

As a binder in grinding wheels

Animal   feed supplement

Source of magnesium ions for chickens,   cattle and

other animals

Boiler   (oil-fired) additives

Material that is easily removed; reduced   corrosion of

steel pipes holding   steam as well as sulfur emissions

into the environment

Boiler   feedwater treatment

Reduces iron, silica and solids

Chemicals

Starting point for the production of other   magnesium

salts such as sulfate and nitrate

Coatings

Pigment extender in paint and varnish

Construction

Basic ingredient of oxychloride cements   used for

flooring, wallboard, fiber board, and tile

Electrical

Semi-conductors; heating elements   insulating filler

between wire and outer sheath

Fertilizers

Source of essential magnesium for plant   nutrition

Foundries

Catalyst and water acceptor in shell   molding

Glass   manufacture

Ingredient for specialty, scientific and   decorative

glassware and fiberglass

Insulation

Light, flexible mats for insulating pipes

Lubricating   oils

Additive to neutralize acids

Pharmaceuticals

Special grades of magnesium hydroxide,   oxide and

carbonate are used in antacids, cosmetics,   toothpaste,

and   ointments

Plastics   manufacture

Filler, acid acceptor, thickener catalyst   and pigment

extender

Refractory   and ceramics

Basic ingredient in product formulations   for the stee

industry

Rubber   compounding

Filler, acid acceptor, anti-scorch   ingredient, curing aid,

pigment

Steel   industry

Annealing process; coating for grain-oriented   silicon

steel used in electrical transformers

Sugar   refining

Reduces scale build-up when used in juice   clarification

and precipitation

Sulfite   wood pulping

Source of base for cooking liquors

Uranium,   gallium & boron

Precipitation initiator by acid   neutralization processing

Wastewater   treatment

Acid stream neutralizer; precipitates heavy   metals