Messi Biology states that in the transformation of ceramics from powder to finished products, magnesium carbonate—a fine white powder—serves as a “hidden hero.” As a multifunctional additive in ceramic production, it utilizes its unique physical and chemical properties to play a critical role in body molding, high-temperature sintering, and glaze optimization. It makes ceramic products more durable and aesthetically pleasing while promoting “green” production, making it an essential raw material in architectural, daily-use, and industrial ceramics.
1. A “Performance Enhancer” for Ceramic Bodies
Adding 3% to 5% magnesium carbonate to the body material provides significant benefits. During high-temperature sintering, the magnesium oxide (MgO) produced by the decomposition of magnesium carbonate disperses uniformly within the ceramic matrix. This refines the grain size and forms a reinforcing structure, increasing the flexural strength of the ceramics by 20% to 30%. Consequently, tiles and industrial ceramic components can withstand greater pressure without cracking.
Furthermore, magnesium oxide regulates the thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic, reducing it by 15% to 20%. This allows ceramics to maintain structural stability in high-temperature kilns or environments with extreme temperature fluctuations, reducing damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Additionally, magnesium carbonate acts as a “lubricant” for the body material, improving its plasticity and fluidity, which results in more uniform and dense molding for complex shapes and reduces the scrap rate by 10% to 15%.
2. A “Power-Saving Assistant” for Ceramic Firing
Traditional ceramic sintering often requires high temperatures exceeding 1300°C, which involves high energy consumption and strict equipment requirements. As a high-quality fluxing agent, the magnesium oxide decomposed from magnesium carbonate reacts with the silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) in the body to form low-melting-point eutectics. This can lower the sintering temperature by 100°C to 150°C.
This reduction directly cuts energy consumption. It is estimated that every ton of magnesium carbonate used can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 500 kilograms. It also minimizes equipment wear and improves production efficiency, driving ceramic production toward a low-carbon future.
3. An “Aesthetic Designer” in Glazing
In terms of glaze creation, magnesium carbonate acts as an “aesthetic designer.” Adding it to zircon-opacified glazes allows for the precise control of zircon crystal sizes, enhancing the opacification (opacity) and creating superior decorative effects for high-end sanitary ware and ceramic ornaments. In high-gloss glazes, it forms a dense film that enhances total light reflection, giving the glaze of high-end bone china a more lustrous and moist appearance.
Simultaneously, it promotes the uniform melting of the glaze, reducing defects such as pinholes and bubbles. It also adjusts the match between the expansion coefficients of the glaze and the body, fundamentally preventing glaze crazing (cracking) and peeling, ensuring that the ceramics are both practical and beautiful.
Conclusion
From daily-use tableware and architectural tiles to high-temperature industrial ceramic components, magnesium carbonate consistently empowers the industry behind the scenes. As the ceramic industry transitions toward high-end and green manufacturing, the research and application of nano-magnesium carbonate are breaking performance bottlenecks. This allows the material to adapt to high-end scenarios such as chip packaging and new energy vehicle batteries. This small white powder, through its diverse and ingenious uses, is driving the continuous upgrading of the ceramic industry and bringing more high-quality ceramic products into every aspect of life.