Magnesium Hydroxide used in many
industry applications

Magnesium hydroxide is a white powder known chemically as Mg(OH)₂ and commonly found in nature as the mineral brucite. It is widely used in various industrial applications due to its fire retardant properties, alkalinity, and as a source of magnesium. Here are some of its main industrial uses:

1. Wastewater Treatment: It is used to neutralize acidic wastewaters and remove impurities through precipitation, improving water quality before discharge.
2. Fire Retardants: Magnesium hydroxide is added to plastics, rubbers, and coatings as a fire retardant. It decomposes at high temperatures, releasing water which helps to cool and slow the spread of fire.
3. Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an antacid and laxative to relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
4. Flue Gas Desulfurization: It is used in power plants and industrial facilities to scrub sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from exhaust gases, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
5. Pulp and Paper Industry: Magnesium hydroxide is used as a bleaching agent in the production of pulp and paper, contributing to the whitening process without the use of chlorine.
6. Food Additive: It acts as an anti-caking agent in food products, preventing ingredients from clumping together and ensuring smooth consistency.
7. Personal Care Products: Due to its gentle basicity and non-toxic properties, magnesium hydroxide is used in deodorants and some antiperspirants as an alternative to aluminum-based compounds.
8. Chemical Industry: It serves as a source of magnesium in the production of other magnesium compounds and can be used as a catalyst or stabilizer in various chemical reactions.
9. Environmental Remediation: Magnesium hydroxide is used in the treatment of acid mine drainage and as a heavy metal adsorbent in contaminated soils and water.