Magnesium (MGO) for USA Building Applications

I have been research MGO for building applications in the USA. I having problems understanding the applications and chemistry so I thought I'd share what I found so far. Perhaps some permies can help to better understand the information.

I spent the whole day yesterday looking for MGO and today. I talked to a mining plant in Salt Lake City, UT that does not produce the oxide needed for construction. Argonne labs (http://www.anl.gov/) developed a product and licensed some in the 90’s. Grancrete (http://www.grancrete.net/distribution/index.cfm) was one, I called line disconnected I gather out of business. One distributor I talked to this morning said it took off over in Asia, not the USA. It cures so fast spray guns clog up. Does better in molds.

This guy Argonne got a license (http://www.breathingwalls.com/drupal/drupal-5.14/), he offers consulting for $150/hr and a mag board product, I’m think about reading his book…he is partnered up with China since there are more products over there. He has built 150 or so Rammed Earth, Straw Bale, natural homes in Austin, TX area. Said it is not easy making a profit due to all the time it takes training the trades, realtors, banks, insurance agents, buyers, etc…..A builder has to make a living too and being poor is no fun.


http://www.premiercpg.com/links.html These guys are sending me a sample of MGO that I can change the mix to the get the properties I want that say….They want $1800 ton. I have yet to see if the cost equals out to Portland cement since it will take less due to its better properties all around. I’ll add some hemp to this binder see if it improves over lime. I’m in SE Kansas, anyone have experience with MGO or know of a close by distributor let me know.

I called all my ready mix companies. Some said they will research it, all had no idea what I was talking about. I told them I need mix to mitigate water and prevent a thermal bridge through my foundations. No help here. So that will leave labor intensive mixing in mortar drums, pouring by hand. If it were just my home no problem, but not good for a spec production natural home builder that needs to make some $.

I got this email from a distributor... http://www.premiercpg.com/links.html

I'm not a chemist so I am not sure what he is talking about. I mention in a prior email the guy in TX dealing with China I mention above. http://www.breathingwalls.com/drupal/drupal-5.14/

Terry,

I am well aware of him. There is a big difference between the Chinese material and our material from a reactivity and consistency standpoint. Typically Dead burn MgO from china is much more expensive than our material. As far as boards go, there have been imports from China for years now and they have really not performed well. There are a number of reports of variable in size, weight, thickness as well as properties. Keep in mind manufacturing costs in china are extremely low but also you get what you pay for.

There is a producer of mag boards in the US we can put you in touch with if you are interested. I will tell you that making boards in the garage or on site may not be as easy as it sounds. The facilities to make boards, at lease of consistent quality, are quite capital intensive.

I will reach out to the floor contractor and have him contact you direct. I really am not aware of any application links for specific segments like you mention. As I told you yesterday, each person’s mix and use are what will drive their formulations. Also, as I mentioned if you look on our website you will see a basic starting formula for MPC using Dead Burn material (DB-90). Likewise, if you look at our MOC data sheet you would see a basic starting formula for MOC cement.

Keep in mind I am sending you a 5 kg sample of our Light Burn material PREMag MOC 93HR. This MgO is used for both MPC and MOC. Keep in mind you will need to locate Mag Chloride for the MOC and a desirable phosphate for the MPC. As I mentioned yesterday we supply raw materials not custom formulations. Our president, Claudio Manissero, is much more technically astute on the chemistry and may be able to answer a couple of general questions, I have copied him above.

Good luck,

Jim
Jim Preskenis
Vice President, Sales
3432 Pearsons Corner Rd
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-218-4987
Fax: 302-492-8752
Email: Jpreskenis@premiercpg.com
Website: www.Premiermagnesia.com

Hi Terry,

Magnesium Oxide I agree is not one of the most common minerals manufactured, yet take it does find its way into many many products both medical and industrial/construction.

I know of several that are 'experimenting' with it as part of the matrix in geopolymers. I would also suggest, if you can get Mike...(that is Mike Edison of: Rosendale Natural Cements or Natural Mortars)... on the phone (he is really busy) that he can speak to its history, uses, and applications.

Good luck, and look forward to what you learn...

Regards,

j

Terry Ruth wrote:I have been research MGO for building applications in the USA. I having problems understanding the applications and chemistry so I thought I'd share what I found so far. Perhaps some permies can help to better understand the information.

http://www.premiercpg.com/links.html    These guys are sending me a sample of MGO that I can change the mix to the get the properties I want that say….They want $1800 ton. I have yet to see if the cost equals out to Portland cement since it will take less due to its better properties all around. I’ll add some hemp to this binder see if it improves over lime. I’m in SE Kansas, anyone have experience with MGO or know of a close by distributor let me know.

Terry:

Did you pursue this any further?   What were your results?

Thanks.

JD