Messi Biology states that when you use a 5G smartphone for a call or wear a smart bracelet to monitor your health, you might not realize that behind the core performance of these devices lies an ordinary yet critical material—magnesium oxide (MgO). This seemingly common inorganic compound is becoming an “invisible hero” in the field of electronic fibers with its unique advantages, supporting the development of modern electronic technology toward high-speed, flexible, and miniaturized applications.
The reason magnesium oxide has become a core raw material for electronic fibers stems from its three “special skills.” First is its excellent low dielectric performance, with a dielectric constant of only 4–6, which is far lower than that of traditional ceramic materials. This acts like a “green channel” for electronic signals, significantly reducing signal delay and energy loss. Second is its superb environmental stability, as it can withstand high-temperature environments of up to 1400°C and maintain structural stability in acidic or alkaline media, perfectly adapting to the working environments of electronic devices. Most importantly, it possesses outstanding insulation and thermal conductivity, which both prevents short circuits and efficiently dissipates heat, thereby extending the lifespan of the equipment.
The realization of these characteristics is inseparable from advanced preparation processes. By using a combination of the sol-gel method and electrospinning technology, researchers can prepare nanoscale magnesium oxide fibers with a diameter of only 100–350 nm—50 times finer than products made with traditional processes. In production, the addition of magnesium oxide must be strictly controlled between 6% and 10%; excessive amounts will lead to a decline in fiber performance. This precise ratio is key to ensuring the quality of electronic fibers. Through innovative processes such as steam pretreatment, the density and smoothness of the fibers can be further optimized, enhancing their overall performance.
In practical applications, magnesium oxide-based electronic fibers have already permeated various aspects of life and technology. In the 5G communication field, they are used in base station radomes and signal cables to ensure low-loss transmission of high-frequency signals. In chip manufacturing, as a core component of packaging materials, they reduce signal latency and increase computing speeds. In the flexible electronics field, these fibers combine flexibility with stability, making them an ideal choice for foldable smartphones and wearable devices. Even in the aerospace field, they are used to manufacture heat insulation materials for spacecraft and protective layers for electronic equipment to withstand the tests of extreme environments.
Compared with other electronic materials, magnesium oxide offers greater environmental and cost advantages. It is primarily extracted from natural magnesite, and its preparation process involves low energy consumption and is non-toxic and harmless, aligning with green development trends. With the rise of emerging fields such as 6G technology and quantum computing, researchers are continuously optimizing its performance through doping modification and nanostructuring. In the future, magnesium oxide will play a core role in higher-performance electronic fibers, driving innovation in industries such as smart wearables, new energy vehicles, and high-end electronic equipment. From daily smartphones to cutting-edge aerospace equipment, magnesium oxide silently supports the progress of electronic technology with its unique properties. The “great energy” within this “small material” is a vivid reflection of the charm of materials science and indicates even broader application prospects in the future technological wave.