Use of a low-content magnesium oxide to obtain a basic magnesium carbonate of high purity. Laboratory scale study

Abstract

Basic magnesium carbonate (BMC) is synthesized by alkaline hydrolysis of the corresponding magnesium carbonate. BMC has been used to capture and store CO2 from MgO, thereby reducing polluting gas emissions. On the other hand, it has been used as a flame-retardant filler in polymer matrices, which are responsible for improving fire behavior. This project aims to produce BMC using various by-products and wastes supplied by Magnesitas Navarras, S.A. company. This company mainly produces magnesium oxide with different reactivity and purity by calcinating natural magnesite. One of the by-products generated during this process is PC8, which is collected as a cyclone dust powder in the company's industrial calcination process filters. PC8 is considered as a Low-Grade MgO (LG-MgO). This final degree project intended to optimize an existing process by studying the laboratory-scale carbonation of the PC8 (or LG-MgO) by-product. The goal is to make the process more sustainable and effective. Furthermore, the study explores the potential applicability of this process to other by-products and wastes supplied by the company. The ultimate objective is to produce a high-purity commercial product suitable for various industrial sectors, such as hydromagnesite (HM).