The Use of Magnesium Oxide in Tiles

Due to the properties of magnesium oxide, whether used as a flux, strength enhancer or glaze modifier, it has more advantages than traditional materials.

 

In the world of modern ceramic tile production, the pursuit of better performance, higher efficiency, and environmental friendliness has driven the continuous innovation of raw materials. Please contact us (MgO) has emerged as a valuable additive, offering unique advantages in both the tile body and glaze formulations. Its application enhances physical properties, chemical resistance, and manufacturing sustainability. This article will explore the detailed uses and core benefits of magnesium oxide in ceramic tiles, and provide clear, credible information to help manufacturers and designers make informed decisions.

 

Application of Magnesium Oxide in Ceramic Tiles

As a Raw Material Additive for Green Bodies

Formula Adjustment

In tile production, magnesium oxide is often incorporated into the green body—the unsintered tile—to adjust the formulation. Traditional tile compositions primarily use clays, feldspars, and silica. However, adding MgO can:

• Increase the magnesium silicate phase formation, resulting in stronger mechanical properties.

• Aid in achieving a desirable balance between plasticity and strength during shaping.

• Slightly lighten the final color tone of tiles, making it ideal for light-colored designs.

Typically, magnesium oxide content in tile body formulations ranges from 1% to 5%, depending on the desired effect. Careful control is necessary to prevent issues related to excessive magnesium phases, such as microcracking.

 

Promote Low-Temperature Sintering

Magnesium oxide also acts as a fluxing agent. It lowers the sintering temperature by promoting liquid phase formation, which is critical for energy conservation. Compared to traditional fluxes like feldspar, MgO can initiate vitrification at lower temperatures (~1,100°C to 1,150°C), reducing fuel consumption without compromising tile strength.

 

As a Glaze Component

Improve Glaze Performance

In glazes, magnesium oxide is valued for its ability to:

• Enhance surface smoothness and gloss.

• Create unique visual effects such as satin or semi-matte finishes.

• Reduce the tendency for crazing (fine cracks) by improving elasticity in the glaze layer.

It typically replaces a portion of other fluxes like calcium oxide in glaze recipes, usually around 2% to 6%.

 

Regulate Thermal Stability

Magnesium oxide contributes to better thermal stability by expanding the glaze’s thermal expansion coefficient. This helps synchronize the thermal behavior of the glaze and the body, reducing the risk of cracking during cooling, particularly in large-format tiles.

 

Functional Ceramic Tile Production

Antibacterial Ceramic Tiles

Recent innovations incorporate magnesium oxide into antibacterial tile formulations. MgO releases magnesium ions, which exhibit mild antibacterial activity, inhibiting bacterial growth on tile surfaces. This makes them ideal for hygiene-sensitive spaces like hospitals, kitchens, and bathrooms.

 

Antistatic Ceramic Tiles

For industrial environments where electrostatic discharge is a concern, magnesium oxide can be combined with other additives to produce antistatic tiles. Its stability and compatibility with conductive phases help maintain long-term antistatic properties without significant degradation.

 

Core Advantages of Magnesium Oxide in Ceramic Tiles

Improved Physical Properties

Enhanced Flexural Strength

Tiles containing magnesium oxide typically demonstrate increased flexural strength. According to studies, flexural strength improvements of 10%-20% are achievable compared to traditional formulations without MgO. This added strength reduces breakage during transport and installation, particularly for thinner tiles.

 

Optimized Wear Resistance

MgO contributes to forming harder mineral phases like forsterite (Mgâ‚‚SiOâ‚„), which enhances surface wear resistance. This makes magnesium oxide-enhanced tiles better suited for high-traffic areas such as malls, airports, and public facilities.

 

 

Outstanding Chemical Stability

Acid and Alkali Corrosion Resistance

Magnesium oxide improves tiles' resistance to acidic and alkaline substances. This property is essential for tiles used in commercial kitchens, laboratories, and outdoor environments exposed to acid rain or de-icing chemicals.

In ASTM C650 chemical resistance tests, tiles with MgO additions have shown minimal surface degradation compared to conventional ceramic tiles.

 

Freeze-Thaw Resistance

Thanks to the improved microstructure and reduced porosity, magnesium oxide-enhanced tiles exhibit excellent freeze-thaw stability. This characteristic is crucial for exterior tiles in regions with severe temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of cracking and spalling.

 

Environmental Protection and Economy

Reduce Heavy Metal Pollution

Unlike some traditional additives that may introduce trace heavy metals, magnesium oxide is a naturally occurring mineral with minimal environmental toxicity. This helps manufacturers meet stricter environmental regulations and certifications.

 

Reduce Fuel Costs

Because magnesium oxide promotes lower-temperature sintering, tile manufacturers can significantly cut down on energy consumption. Research suggests a potential 5%-10% reduction in fuel usage, which translates to cost savings and a lower carbon footprint.

 

Process Adaptability

Wide Firing Range

One of the challenges in tile manufacturing is maintaining consistent product quality over varying kiln conditions. Magnesium oxide's wide firing range—maintaining stability from around 1,050°C to 1,200°C—offers greater flexibility and reduces the risk of defects.

 

Suppress Black Heart Defects

In traditional tiles, improper sintering can lead to "black heart" defects, where unburned organic matter darkens the tile core. Magnesium oxide assists in promoting even sintering and oxidation, thereby minimizing such defects and improving aesthetic quality.

 

Conclusion

Magnesium oxide is rapidly gaining traction in the ceramic tile industry for its versatile and powerful properties. Whether as a flux, strength enhancer, or glaze modifier, MgO offers clear advantages over traditional materials like aluminum oxide or calcium oxide. Its contribution to enhanced physical properties, superior chemical stability, and environmental sustainability makes it a valuable ingredient for modern tile manufacturing. With growing interest in functional tiles such as antibacterial and antistatic variants, the role of magnesium oxide is set to expand further. By understanding its application and benefits, manufacturers can leverage magnesium oxide to produce higher-quality, more competitive ceramic tiles.

 

FAQs

Does magnesium oxide affect the color of ceramic tiles?

Yes, magnesium oxide can slightly lighten the color of the tile body. In high concentrations, it may also influence the glaze’s hue, typically leading to softer, more pastel tones.

 

Is magnesium oxide safe to use in tile production?

Absolutely. Magnesium oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is stable at high temperatures and does not release harmful substances during firing, making it a safe choice for ceramic manufacturing.

 

Can magnesium oxide cause moisture problems during tile storage?

Magnesium oxide is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture if improperly stored. However, using dead-burned or lightly calcined MgO minimizes this issue. Proper storage in sealed, dry conditions is recommended.