Discover 9 Key Features of Magnesium Oxide Board

9 Key Features of Magnesium Oxide Board

Magnesium oxide board, also known as MgO board, has become an increasingly popular material in modern construction due to its impressive performance across multiple criteria. Whether used in commercial or residential projects, MgO board consistently outperforms many traditional materials such as gypsum board, cement board, and calcium silicate board.

Here are nine key features that set magnesium oxide board apart:

1. Fire Resistant

One of the most important features of magnesium oxide board is its excellent fire resistance. Made with non-combustible materials, it can withstand temperatures over 1000°C (1832°F) without releasing toxic smoke or melting.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: While gypsum contains water molecules that offer temporary fire resistance, it eventually disintegrates under prolonged heat.
• Cement Board: Offers good fire resistance, but is heavier and can crack under intense heat.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Also fire-resistant, but more brittle than MgO board.

MgO board meets ASTM E84 and EN 13501 fire ratings, making it suitable for fire-rated walls, ceilings, and doors.

2. Moisture Resistant

Magnesium oxide board performs exceptionally well in humid or wet conditions. It doesn’t swell, warp, or degrade when exposed to moisture, unlike many traditional boards.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Highly vulnerable to water damage and mold.
• Cement Board: Moisture-resistant but heavier and more difficult to install.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Offers some water resistance, but can still deteriorate over time.

For basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior walls, MgO board offers unmatched moisture protection.

3. Lightweight & Earthquake-Resistant

magnesium oxide board combines structural strength with lightweight properties. This makes it ideal for high-rise buildings and earthquake-prone areas, reducing the load on structures without compromising performance.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Lightweight but brittle, poor in seismic performance.
• Cement Board: Strong but very heavy.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Moderate weight but more fragile.

MgO board’s high impact resistance and dimensional stability make it a preferred choice in disaster-resilient architecture.

4. Eco-Friendly & Healthy

Made from natural minerals like magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride, MgO board is non-toxic, asbestos-free, formaldehyde-free, and recyclable.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Contains additives that may emit VOCs.
• Cement Board: Has a high carbon footprint.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Eco-friendlier than gypsum, but still not recyclable in most regions.

magnesium oxide board is ideal for green building certifications like LEED and WELL.

5. Thermal Insulation & Energy Saving

Thanks to its dense yet porous structure, magnesium oxide board offers superior thermal insulation. This helps reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Low insulation capacity.
• Cement Board: Better than gypsum but still inferior to MgO.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Moderate thermal insulation.

magnesium oxide boards help in creating energy-efficient buildings by minimizing thermal bridges and improving the overall envelope.

6. Easy Installation

Despite its strength and performance, magnesium oxide board is easy to cut, drill, and install with standard woodworking tools. It doesn’t crack or crumble during installation, which reduces labor time and waste.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Easy to cut, but prone to breakage.
• Cement Board: Difficult to cut and requires special tools.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Brittle and needs careful handling.

Magnesium oxide board can be scored and snapped like drywall, while still offering durability and performance superior to all the above.

7. Sound Insulation

The dense composition of magnesium oxide board makes it effective in blocking sound transmission, a crucial feature for residential buildings, offices, and studios.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Moderate acoustic performance.
• Cement Board: Good sound insulation, but not easy to combine with acoustic layers.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Weaker sound blocking ability than MgO.

In partition walls or ceilings, magnesium oxide board helps maintain quiet, private spaces with fewer layers.

8. Durability

Magnesium oxide board has a high compressive and flexural strength, and resists chipping, cracking, and deforming. It also resists UV light, freeze-thaw cycles, and physical damage.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Fragile, not suitable for impact-prone areas.
• Cement Board: Strong but prone to edge cracking.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Durable but more brittle than MgO.

With a lifespan of over 30 years, MgO board minimizes maintenance and replacement costs.

9. Mold & Pest Resistant

Magnesium oxide is an inorganic compound, meaning it provides no food source for mold, mildew, insects, or rodents. This makes it ideal for health-conscious environments.

Comparison

• Gypsum Board: Highly susceptible to mold in moist conditions.
• Cement Board: Mold-resistant but can be attacked by insects if wood frame is compromised.
• Calcium Silicate Board: Fair mold resistance but not pest-proof.

Especially in coastal or tropical climates, magnesium oxide board provides superior microbial resistance.

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Composition & Raw Materials

Magnesium oxide board is typically made from:

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) – The Primary Mineral Base

What It Is:
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a naturally occurring mineral derived from magnesium, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. MgO is produced by heating magnesium-rich materials such as magnesite (MgCO₃) or dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) to high temperatures in a process known as calcination. This results in a white, powdery substance that is highly alkaline and has a variety of industrial uses.

Production Process:
Magnesite is extracted from quarries and then heated in rotary kilns at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000°C, decomposing it into magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. The magnesium oxide is then processed into a fine powder, which is used in the production of MgO boards.

General Uses:
Magnesium oxide is widely used in metallurgy, agriculture, medicine, and construction, particularly in fireproofing applications due to its ability to withstand high temperatures.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
In magnesium oxide boards, MgO is the primary structural material that provides the board with strength, fire resistance, and durability. It is the key component responsible for the board’s exceptional fire resistance, enabling it to withstand extreme temperatures without degrading or releasing toxic fumes.

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Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) – Acts as a Binding Agent

What It Is:
Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) is a salt compound derived from magnesium, typically extracted from seawater or mineral deposits. It is a versatile compound used in various industries, such as de-icing roads, cement production, and wastewater treatment.

Production Process:
Magnesium chloride is obtained by evaporating seawater or mining magnesium chloride-rich minerals like carnallite. It is then dissolved in water to form a liquid solution.

General Uses:
In addition to its use in construction, magnesium chloride is used in agriculture, food processing, and health products as a source of magnesium.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
Magnesium chloride acts as the primary binding agent in MgO boards. When mixed with MgO and other materials, it forms a strong bond that gives the board its structural integrity, allowing it to perform well under high stress and heat conditions.

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Perlite or Wood Flour – Lightweight Filler for Better Strength-to-Weight Ratio

What It Is:
Perlite is a volcanic glass that expands into lightweight, white particles when heated, while wood flour is finely ground wood pulp. Both serve as lightweight fillers to reduce weight and improve insulation properties.

Production Process:
Perlite is produced by heating volcanic rock at high temperatures (850–900°C), causing it to expand into lightweight particles. Wood flour is simply ground wood pulp, prepared to meet the physical requirements for building materials.

General Uses:
Perlite is used in horticulture, lightweight concrete, and construction. Wood flour is used in composite wood products and automotive applications.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
In MgO boards, perlite or wood flour helps to improve the board’s strength-to-weight ratio by reducing its overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. Perlite also enhances thermal insulation, making it ideal for both hot and cold climates. Wood flour can also improve the board’s surface texture.

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Fiberglass Mesh – For Improved Tensile Strength and Crack Resistance

What It Is:
Fiberglass mesh consists of woven glass fibers known for their high tensile strength and crack resistance. It is made by melting silica and other materials, then drawing them into fine filaments.

Production Process:
Fiberglass mesh is produced by weaving glass fibers into a grid pattern and coating it with resin for added durability.

General Uses:
It is commonly used in construction for reinforcement applications in plastering, concrete, and composite materials, as well as in automotive and aerospace industries.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
Fiberglass mesh is embedded within the MgO board to enhance tensile strength and crack resistance. It improves the board’s durability, flexibility, and resistance to damage during installation and use, making it particularly useful in areas prone to earthquakes.

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Additives – For Water Resistance and Surface Smoothness

What They Are:
Additives are various chemicals added to enhance specific properties of MgO boards. These include water-resistant agents, smoothening agents, accelerators for curing, and retarders.

Production Process:
Additives are mixed with the magnesium oxide slurry during production. They are carefully selected and tested to ensure they improve the board’s performance without compromising its structural properties.

General Uses:
Additives in construction improve the workability, durability, and resistance of materials. They are also used in industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
Additives enhance moisture resistance, surface smoothness, and overall durability. For example, boric acid improves water resistance and prevents mold growth, while smoothening agents ensure the board is easy to handle and finish, making it ideal for applications where surface quality is important.

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Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄) – For Enhancing Durability and Fire Resistance

What It Is:
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), commonly known as Epsom salt, is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It is used in various industries, including agriculture, textiles, and cement manufacturing.

Production Process:
Magnesium sulfate is extracted from mineral deposits like kieserite or seawater and can be produced as a byproduct of magnesia production. It is typically used in its crystalline or powdery form in construction materials.

General Uses:
Magnesium sulfate is used in agriculture as a fertilizer, in the medical field as an electrolyte replenisher, and in cement production to accelerate curing.

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
Magnesium sulfate enhances the durability and fire resistance of MgO boards. It improves the board’s thermal stability, strength, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for use in damp or humid environments. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining fire-resistant properties under high-temperature conditions.

Nonwoven Fabric – For Added Strength and Surface Smoothness

What It Is:
Nonwoven fabric is a type of fabric made by bonding fibers using heat, chemicals, or mechanical entanglement, rather than traditional weaving. It can be made from synthetic materials like polyester or natural fibers such as cotton.

Production Process:
Nonwoven fabrics are produced through processes like spunbonding, needle-punching, chemical bonding, and meltblowing.

General Uses:
Nonwoven fabrics are used in medical applications (e.g., surgical gowns, masks), automotive insulation, and construction materials (e.g., roofing, insulation).

Role in Magnesium Oxide Board:
Nonwoven fabric is used as a reinforcing layer in MgO boards, enhancing their strength and resistance to cracking. It also contributes to surface smoothness and helps improve the board’s impact resistance, making it more durable during installation and in service.

These ingredients form a crystal-like cement matrix that provides unique structural benefits unlike any other building panel.

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Production Process

The manufacturing of magnesium oxide boards involves several carefully controlled stages that ensure the final product exhibits the desired properties, including fire resistance, moisture resistance, and durability. Below is an expanded and more detailed explanation of the entire production process.

1. Raw Material Mixing

The first step in the production of magnesium oxide board is the preparation of raw materials. The primary components used are magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and fillers like perlite or wood flour. The magnesium oxide provides the board’s structural integrity and fire resistance, while magnesium chloride acts as a binder to hold the components together.

Fillers such as perlite or wood flour are added to reduce the weight of the board, while enhancing its strength-to-weight ratio and insulation properties. Additionally, various additives such as water-resistant agents, accelerators, or retarders are included to improve surface smoothness and control the curing process.

These materials are thoroughly mixed in precise proportions, forming a slurry. The slurry must have the right consistency to ensure that the components are evenly distributed, and that the board has the required strength and durability once it is formed and cured.

2. Forming the Board

Once the slurry is ready, it is poured onto a fiberglass mesh that is placed on a conveyor belt. The fiberglass mesh acts as a reinforcement for the board, providing added strength and crack resistance. As the slurry is deposited on the mesh, it spreads out evenly, forming a base layer.

The slurry is then leveled and spread across the mesh to ensure uniformity in thickness and consistency. The use of a conveyor belt system ensures that the process is continuous, allowing for high-efficiency production and easy scaling of manufacturing.

3. Pressing the Board

After the slurry has been formed, top mesh and layers are added to both the top and bottom of the wet board mixture. These layers further enhance the structural integrity of the board, providing additional strength and impact resistance.

The entire assembly is then pressed flat. The pressing process ensures that the board is compact and that all the layers bond together seamlessly. The pressure applied helps remove excess air, consolidates the materials, and enhances the overall strength of the board. The result is a dense, uniform sheet that retains its shape and durability even under stress.

4. Curing the Board

After pressing, the boards enter the curing stage. This is a crucial step in the production process, as it allows the chemical reaction between magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride to occur, hardening the board and setting its strength.

Boards can be cured naturally at ambient temperatures, though in many modern production facilities, the process is accelerated through controlled heating. Controlled heating is typically done in a curing oven or kiln, where the boards are heated to a specific temperature for a set period of time. This method ensures that the curing process is consistent and results in a uniform final product with the required physical properties. The curing process also helps to release excess moisture from the board, ensuring that it is stable and ready for handling.

5. Cutting and Sanding

Once the boards have been properly cured and cooled, they are trimmed to size. Cutting is done using specialized tools such as rotary saws or guillotines, which allow the boards to be cut into various sizes based on specific project requirements. This step ensures that the boards meet the necessary dimensions for installation and are ready for shipment.

After cutting, the edges of the boards may be rough, so they are passed through sanding machines to smooth out the surfaces. The sanding process removes any unevenness or roughness on the board’s surface, providing a uniform finish. The surface sanding also helps improve the bond of any subsequent finishes, such as paints, plasters, or tiles, by providing a smooth, consistent substrate.

6. Quality Inspection

The final step in the manufacturing process is quality inspection. The finished magnesium oxide boards undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet industry standards and customer requirements. Key performance tests include:

• Strength Testing: The boards are subjected to stress and strain tests to ensure they meet required strength specifications, especially in terms of bending resistance and impact resistance.
• Water Resistance Testing: Since magnesium oxide boards are often used in damp or humid environments, it is essential to verify their moisture resistance. The boards are tested to ensure they will not degrade or warp when exposed to water or high humidity.
• Fire Performance Testing: Magnesium oxide boards are valued for their fire-resistant properties, so they undergo fire testing to confirm that they can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire.

In addition to these core tests, the boards are also visually inspected for uniformity in color, texture, and overall appearance. Any boards that do not meet the quality standards are discarded or sent for reprocessing.

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Installation

MgO boards can be installed similarly to drywall, with a few added advantages:

• Cutting: Can be scored and snapped, or cut with a circular saw.
• Fastening: Use screws or nails; no special tools needed.
• Finishing: Compatible with paints, plasters, ceramic tiles, or wallpaper.
• Applications: Suitable for walls, ceilings, flooring underlayments, and fire-rated partitions.

Compared to heavier cement boards or brittle calcium silicate boards, installation is faster and cleaner.

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Packaging, Storage & Transportation

MgO boards are packaged in waterproof wrapping with protective corner guards. Each pallet is shrink-wrapped and labeled clearly for handling instructions.

Storage Tips:

• Store indoors or under waterproof covers
• Stack flat to prevent warping
• Avoid direct ground contact

Transportation:

• Boards are loaded on wooden pallets
• Pallets should be secured with straps
• Avoid exposure to prolonged moisture during shipping

With proper handling, MgO boards maintain their integrity from factory to jobsite.

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Conclusion

Magnesium oxide board offers an unparalleled combination of safety, durability, sustainability, and ease of use. Whether you’re constructing fireproof walls, moisture-resistant ceilings, or energy-saving floors, MgO board is a top-tier alternative to traditional materials like gypsum board, cement board, and calcium silicate board.

With its growing adoption worldwide, it’s clear that MgO board is not just a trend, but a building material for the future.

Looking for a trusted MgO board supplier? Contact us today to learn more about specifications, pricing, and customized solutions for your project.