Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Properties and Applications

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is a non-Portland binder formed by the reaction of magnesium oxide with a magnesium chloride solution. Distinguished by its rapid setting and high early strength, MOC exhibits superior compressive performance compared with conventional cementitious materials. Its intrinsic crystalline phases, notably the 5Mg(OH)₂∙MgCl₂∙8H₂O (Phase 5), confer a needle-like morphology that underpins its mechanical integrity. With a lower production temperature and reduced carbon footprint relative to Portland clinker, MOC has attracted attention as a sustainable alternative in construction. However, its sensitivity to moisture and carbonation can compromise durability, prompting research into hydrophobic additives, waste-derived aggregates and phase stabilisers to enhance resistance to water ingress.

Applications of MOC span building boards, thermal insulation composites, flooring panels and specialised adhesives. Incorporation of recycled materials such as expanded polypropylene, scrap tyres or porcelain waste yields lightweight, low-carbon composites with tailored thermal and hygric performance. In biomedical contexts, MOC has been modified with chelating agents and therapeutic ions to serve as osteoconductive bone cements. Moreover, its capacity for carbon dioxide uptake through mineral carbonation positions MOC as a functional material for indoor air-quality improvement and further carbon sequestration. The global significance of MOC lies in its versatility, rapid strength gain, recyclability and potential role in decarbonising the built environment.

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Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Properties and Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in magnesium oxychloride cement properties and applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Compressive strength: The maximum axial load a material can withstand before failure.

Porosity: The fraction of a material’s volume occupied by voids.

Carbonation: The chemical reaction of cementitious phases with carbon dioxide leading to formation of carbonate minerals.

Phase 5: The stoichiometric crystalline phase 5Mg(OH)₂∙MgCl₂∙8H₂O characterised by needle-like morphology and high early strength.

References

1. Osteogenic effect of magnesium oxychloride cement modified with phytic acid and loaded with strontium ranelate. Biomaterials Research (2023).
2. Synthesis, Structure, and Thermal Stability of Magnesium Oxychloride 5Mg(OH)2∙MgCl2∙8H2O. Applied Sciences (2020).
3. Carbon Dioxide Uptake by MOC-Based Materials. Applied Sciences (2020).
4. Magnesium oxychloride boards: understanding a novel building material. Materials and Structures (2020).
5. Experimental Analysis of MOC Composite with a Waste-Expanded Polypropylene-Based Aggregate. Materials (2018).
6. Low-Carbon Composite Based on MOC, Silica Sand and Ground Porcelain Insulator Waste. Processes (2020).
7. Influence of Waste Plastic Aggregate and Water-Repellent Additive on the Properties of Lightweight Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composite. Applied Sciences (2019).
8. Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composites Lightened with Granulated Scrap Tires and Expanded Glass. Materials (2020).