How Magnesium Hydroxide Functions as a Flame Retardant

And did you know that magnesium hydroxide is used to retard the spread of fires? It’s like a superhero in making sure we are safe, should there be a fire emergency. So how exactly does magnesium hydroxide act as a flame retardant to keep us and our stuff safe?

Magnesium hydroxide has a chemical structure which doesn't support combustion. 

If something is combustible, then that means it’s very easy to catch on fire. But magnesium hydroxide has a unique structure that makes it difficult for stuff to burn when it is mixed in. Which means when there’s a fire, the things we’ve treated with magnesium hydroxide are much less likely to burn, and that’s a good way to keep us safe.

Magnesium hydroxide fumes in heat and produces water vapor to cool the fire flames. Hot things, when they catch on fire, get very hot. Magnesium hydroxide can discharge water vapor, a cooling gas, as well. By cooling the flame, flames are less vigorous and easier to knock back and you reduce the potential for the fire to further develop and spread.  

Magnesium hydroxide by forming a multiplies melting point one external cover to one material to keep off the spread of the flame. 

Think of a shield that stops us from getting hurt – that’s what Magnesium hydroxide powder can do for materials. It is a protective coating on the surface of objects like furniture or clothing to prevent flames from spreading elsewhere. This way the fire remains contained in one place, which is easier to control and extinguish.

Magnesium hydroxide – a physical barrier that inhibits reflashing and reignition. 

Oxygen is fire’s food — it feeds flames and makes them grow stronger and spread. Modified magnesium hydroxide powder is a physical barrier to the flame, preventing contact between the flame and surrounding oxygen. Without the oxygen, the fire stops burning, which protects us from damage and keeps the fire from growing.

Magnesium hydroxide – a green flame retardant solution for safe and sustainable fire protection. 

Can be good for the enviroment-- Using products like these which are good for the environment help to save our world for future generations. Magnesium hydroxide is an excellent flame retardant powder because it is non-toxic, or as others would put it, green; it doesn’t harm the environment when applied. By selecting magnesium hydroxide as a flame retardant, we are able to help keep fires at bay, as well as help maintain the planet we call home.