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Magnesium chloride is a chemical substance used in a variety of applications. Whether in industry, household, or cosmetic products – this salt has a lot to offer. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the properties and uses of magnesium chloride.

What is magnesium chloride?

Magnesium chloride (chemical formula: MgCl₂) is an inorganic salt composed of magnesium and chlorine. It occurs naturally in the form of minerals such as bischofite or carnallite and can also be synthetically produced.

The white, crystalline powder is well soluble in water and forms a colorless, slightly viscous solution. Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture from the air. Therefore, it must be stored in airtight containers.

Properties and applications of magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride is characterized by a number of useful properties that make it interesting for various applications in industry and household:

Water treatment and processing

One of the main applications of magnesium chloride is water treatment. The salt can be used to soften water, reduce lime deposits, and improve water quality. In sewage treatment plants, it also serves as a precipitant to remove phosphates from wastewater.

De-icing and de-icing salt

Due to its ability to bind water and lower the freezing point, magnesium chloride is also used as a de-icing salt for roads and sidewalks. It helps melt ice and snow, thereby increasing safety in road traffic.

Industrial applications

Magnesium chloride is used in many ways in industry. It serves as a raw material for the production of magnesium metal, magnesium compounds, and magnesium alloys. It is also used in fire extinguishers, building materials, textiles, and ceramics.

Cosmetics and personal care

Magnesium chloride is also used in cosmetic and personal care products. Due to its moisture-regulating properties, it is used, for example, in creams, lotions, and shampoos. Furthermore, it can be included in bath salts, foot baths, and deodorants.

Agriculture and animal feed

In agriculture, magnesium chloride serves as a fertilizer and feed additive. It helps to increase the magnesium content in the soil and in animal feed. Additionally, it can be used as a preservative in feed.

Further applications

Furthermore, magnesium chloride is used in medicine, fire extinguishers, textile finishing, as well as in the production of building materials and ceramics.

Advantages and applications of magnesium chloride

The versatile properties of magnesium chloride make it an extremely useful substance in numerous applications. Some of the main advantages and uses are:

Moisture regulation

Due to its hygroscopic nature, magnesium chloride can bind moisture from the air and thus help regulate humidity. This makes it valuable for use in dehumidifiers, building materials, and cosmetic products.

Freezing point depression

The property of lowering the freezing point of water makes magnesium chloride an effective de-icing salt and anti-icing agent. It helps to melt black ice and snow on roads and sidewalks.

Precipitant

In water treatment, magnesium chloride serves as a precipitant to remove unwanted substances such as phosphates from water. In this way, it contributes to improving water quality.

Starting material for magnesium products

As a raw material for the production of magnesium metal, compounds, and alloys, magnesium chloride is an important component in industry. These products have diverse uses, for example in the automotive industry, electronics, and construction sector.

Fertilizer and feed additive

In agriculture, magnesium chloride can be used as a fertilizer to increase the magnesium content in the soil. It also serves as a feed additive for animals to improve magnesium supply.

Cosmetic applications

Due to its moisture-regulating properties, magnesium chloride is used in a variety of cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and bath salts.

Conclusion

Magnesium chloride is a versatile chemical substance with numerous applications in industry, household, and cosmetics. Its abilities for moisture regulation, freezing point depression, and precipitation make it a valuable aid in various fields of use. Whether as de-icing salt, fertilizer, or ingredient in care products – magnesium chloride is a true all-rounder that is indispensable in many areas.