Why Was the Magnesium Oxide Board Banned?

10 Sep Why Was the Magnesium Oxide Board Banned?

Actually, magnesium oxide board (MgO) have not been universally banned, but there have been specific instances that resulted in restrictions or recalls in certain areas. A notable case took place in Denmark around 2015, where MgO boards were discovered to absorb excessive moisture, causing condensation problems. The boards used in Denmark were manufactured using a magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solution, which is hygroscopic (meaning it absorbs water from the air). Under specific conditions, this led to the corrosion of adjacent metal components, such as screws and fasteners.

This blog will highlight all the possible reasons why MgO boards were banned. From its extraordinary history to its downfall and restoration, we’ll explore everything in detail. Wear your detective hat, as we will find the reasons for the ban.

Magnesium Oxide Boards: An Overview

Magnesium oxide boards are inorganic composites of magnesium and oxygen. Since magnesium is abundant in nature and inexpensive, it’s an environmentally friendly building material. 

MgO boards have many applications in: 

• Ceilings 
• Subflooring 
• Partitions and separator 
• Decorative material
• Fire protection

As the construction industry evolved, using MgO boards was prohibited. With the ban on MgO boards, many are left wondering what went wrong. This blog post seeks to provide answers and insights into the material’s downfall.   

History of Magnesium Oxide Board

Once celebrated, it is now forbidden. Let’s explore the troubled history of MgO boards.

A French engineer named C. Sorel invented the MgO binder in 1866. And it’s still known as Sorel cement. Magnesium oxide has a long history of use in construction.

• Dating back to the Great Wall of China, MgO was used in its construction.
• This material has also been used in the construction of pyramids.
• Magnesium boards can be found in Taipei 101, the eighth-tallest building in the world. The exterior and interior of the building is covered in magnesium sheeting.

Once the golden child of construction, MgO boards had their heyday, but now they’re out of the game. Let’s see how the mighty have fallen!

Advantages of Magnesium Oxide Boards 

You might be wondering how MgO boards have such a glorious history. While MgO boards are currently prohibited, they have some remarkable properties:

• MgO boards resist rot, mold, mildew, insects, and fire than drywall. 
• It is also stronger and more rigid than drywall.
• It has good insulating qualities.
• MgO boards are resistant to impact and sound. 
• It is non-toxic and combustible.
• It doesn’t contain any harmful toxins like certain other building materials.
• MgO boards are fire-resistant 
• MgO boards are environmentally friendly.
• It is natural and fully recyclable.
• It has a low carbon footprint. 

With all these properties, MgO boards are still banned in some countries and here’s the reason. 

Problems Leading to the Ban

In 2017, the Technical University of Denmark reported the reason for the MgO ban. They revealed that moisture damage to MgO boards can cause further destruction. Therefore, it leads to the end of MgO use. 

Poor manufacturing of MgO boards can introduce chloride salts, ions, and organic materials like wood chips. These substances can absorb moisture from the air and direct water exposure, leading to problems.

In high humidity, moisture can gather in the board’s pores, forming droplets on the surface. This can potentially saturate nearby materials. The dissolved chloride in this moisture can corrode metal fixings and structural elements. 

In these situations, the boards failed, or nearby timber absorbed moisture from them. These issues are often unnoticed since MgO boards are usually concealed until fixings or structural elements fail.

Heavy rain and temperature swings can cause moisture to move within structures or cladding systems. This increases humidity around magnesium oxide boards, raising the risk of issues. 

The problem worsens if the vapor control layer is on the warm inner side of the board.

The moisture is the ultimate problem. And that’s the potential reason for the ban. 

MgO Boards: Case Study of Problem

Magnesium oxide (MgO) wallboards have been reported damaged domestically and internationally. These damages include:

• Faster corrosion of metal fixtures in contact with moisture
• Cracking
• Dampness

Denmark released reports in 2016 highlighting MgO board durability problems. Concerns were raised about forming Cl-containing water droplets on the board’s surface, which is often called “crying” or “sweating.”

On April 15, 2020, the Premier Guarantee and LABC issued a report declaring MgO boards ineligible for acceptance.  

In its response, the NHBC released a statement on April 30, 2020, stating that it will no longer use MgO boards as building material and must find an appropriate substitute.

Regulatory Actions and Bans

Since MgO boards have caused so many problems, many nations have prohibited their use. The following timeline shows the regulatory action of different countries; 

Alternatives to Magnesium Oxide Board

As discussed above, MgO boards are not suitable for certain circumstances. But don’t worry! Every cloud has a silver lining. We’ve compiled a list of alternatives too!

There are some alternative materials for different applications. Materials are compared depending on their external and internal use.  

The substitutes no doubt have their benefits but are not environment-friendly. So, we will find a sustainable option to cure this problem. 

Sulfycor: The Safest MgO Boards 

As we’ve learned, chlorides are the potential cause of the problem, and Sulfycor provides an ultimate solution. With over eight years of experience in manufacturing high-quality MgO boards, we’ve served clients in more than 20 countries. 

The best part is that our products are Chloride-free, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the boards. Moreover, the versatile MgO boards meet the ISO standards for safety concerns. 

With an average daily production capacity of 30,000 square meters, we ensure that every product meets the highest standards. 

Share your details through phone or social media and get your products delivered to your doorstep!

Conclusion

That’s all about MgO boards. The saga of MgO boards, once celebrated for their promise, has turned into a cautionary tale. The poor manufacturing practices led to issues like moisture absorption and corrosion. This ultimately leads to loss of structural integrity. 

These hidden issues often went unnoticed and caused serious damage. Consequently, these boards were banned to protect building safety. 

You can get chloride-free MgO boards, which are absolutely safe to use on Sulfycor.