Chemistry
The chemical properties of magnesia – or magnesium oxide – are in high demand in sectors with high technical requirements, such as fine chemicals, petrochemicals and automotive. At Terresis Industrial Minerals, we have designed a range of magnesium specialties adapted to the highest standards and the specific needs of each application.
Magnesia derivatives: salts and compounds
High-purity magnesia is the best solution for introducing the magnesium element into many chemical syntheses. Depending on the acid with which it reacts, it can be used to obtain various salts adapted to the quality requirements and production constraints of various sectors of activity:
- Magnesium nitrate: obtained by reaction with nitric acid. This salt is used as a component in the formulation of fertilizers and laboratory chemicals.
- Magnesium sulphate: derived from the neutralisation of sulphuric acid, it has various applications, in particular in agriculture, paper pulp and cosmetics.
- Magnesium stearate: Resulting from the reaction with a fatty acid, this organic salt is used as a release agent in plastics processing and pharmaceuticals, as an additive or as a component of mixed metal stabilizers for PVC.
- Magnesium chelates such as citrate, lactate or glycinate, are essential ingredients in food supplements thanks to their bioavailability.
Because each synthesis process is unique, and each application requires specific performance, at Terresis Industrial Minerals, we have developed the widest range of magnesium-based raw materials. Oxide or hydroxide, we cover the full range of purity and reactivity to ensure a solution tailored to your performance goals.
Catalysts and catalyst holders
High-purity magnesium oxide is a compound of interest for basic heterogeneous catalysis. It is used in particular as a catalyst for glyceride esterification or transesterification reactions. It is also a sought-after raw material for the manufacture of catalyst carriers, such as hydrotalcites and spinels, or as an additive for catalytic processes in petrochemicals. We offer magnesium oxides with a specific high surface area to meet the needs of these applications.
Additives for lubricants and fuels
Magnesia is very useful in the manufacture of fuel and lubricant additives, especially in the production of sulfonates, also known as metal salts of alkanyl-sulfonic acids. These compounds play an essential role as detergents: they prevent the formation of deposits and neutralize various acidic by-products, thus playing a role as corrosion inhibitors.
Manufacturers often use their own manufacturing processes as well as patented or custom formulations. In this context, different grades of magnesia – with specific chemical and physical properties – may be required to meet the performance and stability requirements of formulations.
At Terresis Industrial Minerals, we offer customizable magnesium solutions to meet the exact requirements of these applications.
