Sintering of magnesium hydroxide obtained from magnesium chloride solutions

Conclusions We studied two batches of magnesium hydroxide obtained by precipitating out (using dolomite milk) from magnesium chloride solution formed when processing potassium ores.The effect of the compaction pressure, the firing temperature, and prior heat treatment on the sintering process of magnesium hydroxide was investigated.The experimental samples of magnesium hydroxide exhibit high sinterability and facilitate the production of periclase powders (powder bodies) having a porosity of 6.8–9.9% at a firing temperature of 1600°C. The degree of sintering of magnesium hydroxide increases with increasing compaction pressure and firing temperature. Prior heat treatment of the material at 800–1000°C intensifies the sintering process with simultaneous reduction of shrinkage.The studies conducted on the specimens prepared from a fired briquette established that the periclase (magnesite) powder obtained from magnesium hydroxide is suitable for the production of magnesia refractories.A. V. Kushchenko and G. G. Eliseeva (UkrNIIO) participated in this investigation.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 2, pp. 7–10, February, 1988.