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About mg magnesium metal powders

Types of Mg magnesium metal powders

The following are some of the main types of Mg magnesium metal powders available in bulk:

  • Coarse magnesium powder

    Mg coarse powder is widely used in the manufacture of refractory materials, which can resist heat and wear. It is further used in steel and non-ferrous alloy production as well as in chemicals. Mg powder has also been used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions and to produce other elements by reducing Mg phosphate, which is unreactive and stable.

  • Sporting fine magnesium

    Fine magnesium powder is extremely thin, very dry powder with high active specific surface area. The powder can be employed in drug delivery. It can be used to manufacture Mg composites to deliver an implant that forms a bone in empty space (BFW) and then disappears. It is also used in fireworks and explosives as a fuel and burning bright light.

  • Spherical magnesium powder

    Spherical magnesium powder is mainly used in 3D printing processes, where magnesium alloys are manufactured. The spherical shape enables good flow and packing in the typical additive manufacturing processes. Spherical magnesium can also be used in the production of Mg composites with better mechanical properties and lighter weight. Mg composite materials have numerous industrial applications, such as in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

  • Ultra-fine magnesium powder

    Ultra-fine Mg powder with particle sizes less than 50μm has a very high specific surface area than other Mg powders. This kind of powder has, thus, a high reactivity and must be considered cautiously when handling it. Ultra-fine magnesium powder is employed in research and in industries where specific properties of magnesium are possibly needed.

Features of Mg magnesium metal powders

  • High reactivity

    Magnesium powder has a large surface area, which makes it highly reactive, especially when fine or ultra-fine powders are used. This feature enables Mg powder to react quickly with various substances, including water, oxygen, and acids. This is therefore used in controlled environments to avert unwanted reactions.

  • Lightweight

    Magnesium is lighter than other refractory metals, except for lithium and beryllium. This makes Mg powder especially useful in different fields like aeronautics and car production where weight is a very important factor.

  • Corrosion resistance

    Despite being highly reactive, magnesium is actually resistant to rusting or tarnishing. This is because it forms a thin layer of Mg carbonate, which is unreactive and protects the metal from further corrosion. Coating steel with Mg makes it resistant to rusting.

  • Combustibility

    Mg powder is highly flammable, very particularly when it is in fine or ultra-fine form. When it catches fire, it burns with a strong, blinding white light. This is an attribute that has led to its use in fireworks and flares. When polishing, powdered magnesium must be stored and handled very cautiously as it can easily catch fire or even lead to explosions.

  • Thermal conductivity

    Magnesium has a thermal conductivity rate of 156 W/mK. This means that magnesium powder can transfer heat quickly. This feature also leads to its use in different fields, including in devices where heat dissipation is possibly required.

  • Particle size and morphology

    The specific surface area and particle size distribution of Mg powder influence its reactivity, flow capability, and possibly even the end product's mechanical properties. Fine powders, spherical powders, and ultra-fines have high reactivities, while coarse powders have better flow capabilities and ease of handling.

Uses of Mg magnesium metal powders

  • Pharmaceuticals

    Mg powder is employed in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture Mg-based drugs, which help treat constipation, stomach acidity, and indigestion. Mg powder works as a laxative by attracting water to the gut, which makes stools softer and easier to pass. Mg powder also plays a role in the production of pills by acting as an antiadherent, which means it stops the ingredients from sticking to the equipment during processing.

  • Construction

    In the construction industry, Mg powder is used to make Mg cement, which is less brittle than Portland cement, hence better performance under stress. Mg cement, therefore, finds important applications in building and construction. Mg powder is further used in the manufacture of lightweight panels and blocks that are fireproof, moisture-resistant, and have low thermal conductivity. Moreover, Mg powder can be mixed with resins to create strong but lightweight composite materials that have a wide application in construction.

  • Aerospace and automotive

    Mg powder is employed to produce Mg alloys, which are lightweight and strong. This makes them suitable for varying applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Mg powder is employed in aero engine components, rims, and car chassis to bring about weight reduction without compromising on strength. In aerospace engineering, Mg alloys are employed in structure and components to minimize weight in flight operation enhancement.

  • Thermal reduction of metals

    Mg powder is used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions known as thermochemical reduction. In this process, Mg powder lowers the metal oxides to produce pure metals. This feature enables Mg powder to be used in the extraction of metals such as titanium, manganese, and zinc from their respective oxide minerals.

  • Fireworks and Flare production

    Mg powder in fireworks and flares produces bright, blinding light. In magnesium alloys used in chimneys, the flames typically turn up blue, an indication that Mg has burned. Further, Mg powder in flares causes a safe, bright light that can be used for signaling search and rescue operations.

How to choose Mg magnesium metal powders

  • Quality

    Only purchase Mg metal from reputable sellers online like Alibaba. Mg mining and polishing usually expose the metal to pollutants like iron, nickel, and silicon, which may reduce its quality. Always ensure the Mg powder has a high purity level, typically above 99 percent.

  • Particle size

    The particle size to go for mainly depends on what the Mg powder will be used for. Fine Mg powder is reactivity good and is suitable for chemical and pharmaceutical uses. Coarse Mg powder is ideal for construction and automotive applications as it has better flow but less reactivity. Ultra-fine Mg powder has very high surface area and is highly reactive, which can be risky. Only use it for specialized tasks requiring high surface area.

  • Form

    Mg powder is usually available in different forms, including spherical, flaky, and irregular. Spherical Mg powder has good flow properties and is ideal for 3D printing. Flaky Mg powder has a very high surface area that is suitable for chemical reactions. Irregular Mg powder is applicable in construction and auto manufacture. Choose the form that suits the intended application and use.

  • Packaging

    Mg powder must be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture and oxygen from getting to it, which can lead to corrosion and reduced powder reactivity. The Mg powder must also be packaged in flame-proof containers since Mg can easily ignite when exposed to humidity and oxygen.

  • Delivery time

    After placing the order, required delivery time refers to the time within which the order is delivered after placement. Most Mg powders are readily available, such as coarse and fine powders. These can be delivered in a few days. Mg powders that are not commonly ordered, such as ultra-fine and spherical Mg powders, may take longer as the suppliers get them ready.

Q&A

How reactive is magnesium powder?

Mg powder is highly reactive, especially the fine and ultra-fine types. This is because it possesses a very large surface area. Mg powder, therefore, requires careful handling in a controlled environment to prevent unwanted reactions such as fire and explosion. The coarse variety is less reactive and easier to handle.

How is magnesium powder applied in construction?

Mg powder is used to manufacture Mg cement and lightweight, moisture-resistant, and fireproof Mg panels. This makes Mg cement less brittle but does not replace Portland cement. High resistance and low weight make Mg panels ideal for supporting walls and ceilings in both commercial and residential buildings.

How to store and transport magnesium powder?

Mg powder should be stored and transported in flame-proof, airtight containers to prevent humidity, oxygen, and moisture from reaching the powder. This will also help avoid oxidation, a process that usually leads to rusting and corrosion.

Can magnesium powder be used in 3D printing?

Yes, Mg powder can be used in 3D printing processes. However, only spherical Mg powder should be utilized in the additive process to produce Mg alloys. This is because the spherical particles enable good flow and packing during the manufacturing process.

What are the characteristics of magnesium powders with different particle sizes?

Fine magnesium powder has a very high surface area, which enhances its chemical reactivity. Coarse particles have better flow capability, making them easier to handle in industrial applications. Ultra-fine magnesium powder is extremely reactive and poses hazards if not properly managed.