The Many Uses Of Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is one of the most commonly used magnesium salts. This compound, abbreviated MgCl2, can be extracted from seawater or brine thanks to various technological advancements. It gained popularity many years ago, following multiple applications in different sectors.

Magnesium chloride is vital in various industries and sectors like transport, agriculture, nutrition, construction, and water treatment. Its diverse richness makes it such a valuable compound for enhancing your lifestyle. Starting today, you can complement this by embracing magnesium chloride daily!

This blog will discuss the uses of magnesium chloride alongside other helpful details.

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Magnesium Chloride Properties

Magnesium chloride is either colorless or white in its solid form and has a molar mass of 203.31 g/mol (hexahydrate) and 95.211 g/mol (anhydrous). Furthermore, it is highly soluble in water and exhibits slight solubility in pyridine and acetone.

On the other hand, its solubility in ethanol is measured at 7.4g for every 100 ml of the liquid at 30°C.

When rapidly heated, magnesium chloride undergoes a melting point of 714°C (anhydrous) and 117°C (hexahydrate). The density of this compound is 2.32 g/cm3 (anhydrous) and 1.569 g/cm3 (hexahydrate), with corresponding refractive indices of 1.675 and 1.569.

Ice Melt

Magnesium chloride bulk is used in ice and snow melting thanks to its exothermic properties. The compound is made in different forms like pastilles, flakes, pellets, or even liquid before being applied on ice.

Pellets are the most common and effective for large surface areas, followed by flakes.

Pure magnesium chloride melts ice at a temperature from zero to 14 degrees Fahrenheit unless mixed with other chemicals or substances. However, it’s always best to let the temperature rise slightly for more impressive outcomes and cost-effectiveness (you’ll use less magnesium chloride).

Skin Hygiene

Another application of magnesium chloride is seen in its contribution to the production of various skin products. The compound promotes excellent skin hygiene by manufacturing products that regulate cellular repair and regeneration.

These essentials also deal with external skin damage like scratches or bruises, enhancing beauty. Other skin issues you can manage with magnesium chloride salt include itchiness, inflammation, dryness, and muscle cramps. The skin is under inevitable pressure to evade these issues daily, but MgCl2 covers you.

Nutritional Benefits

Magnesium chloride also contains various nutritional benefits from different foods. The compound comprises energizing minerals that are used to make proteins. Magnesium chloride supplements are also known to boost energy when the body feels low.

Plenty of nutrients are found in this salt, both to be applied topically or taken orally for better skin and general body health. It’s sometimes used to counter a decrease in gastric acid secretion, which can alter the usual functionality.

Stabilizing Concrete

Magnesium chloride is also used in the construction sector to stabilize concrete. Due to its high solubility, salt helps concrete essentials blend faster and remain bonded.

This property increases the durability and stability of concrete as it becomes more robust against adverse weather conditions and typical wear and tear. MgCl2 can be used in constructions of all forms, including residential and industrial structures.

Managing Dust And Erosion

You might have heard of the wonders of magnesium chloride when managing soil erosion and excessive dust. The rumours are true. This compound is popularly used in arid and semi-arid areas to reduce dust and erosion impact.

It also brings soil particles closer (to one another), decreasing their ability to be swept away quickly. This translates to better soil fertility, enhancing food production and security. Air quality is also substantially improved.

Treating Wastewater

Magnesium chloride can be used in wastewater treatment, although not independently, as one of the chemicals used in the procedure. The compound is a precipitation agent and coagulant that weakens dirt, debris, and other suspended substances.

After withering, unwanted materials gather together, forming a vast flock that’s easy to eliminate.

The water will now be clean and ready to undergo the rest of the treatment steps, including conditioning, pH adjustment, and elimination of certain nutrients. MgCl2 is also used to transform these nutrients into less harmful gases before being released into the atmosphere.

Agricultural Benefits

You can’t hardly talk about magnesium chloride without mentioning its impact on agriculture. This salt reduces the water freezing point in frosty areas, protecting plant tissues from damage by excessive freezing. It’s also incorporated into animal feed to help develop bones and the nervous system.

Although its effect on balancing soil acidity (pH adjustment) is still being studied, a slight effort can go a long way compared to other compounds. MgCl2 is an excellent source of magnesium for plants, especially in arid and semi-arid areas.

That means better growth rates and fewer plant-related issues like chlorosis.