Pulp & Paper

Chemical pulping is used to break down/dissolve the lignin “glue” which binds the wood cells (often referred to as fibers, cellulose or carbohydrates) together by use of chemicals. Caustic calcined magnesia (or calcined magnesium oxide) is typically used in the Magnefite process, as a raw material for the on-site production of magnesium sulfite liquors which are subsequently used for pulping. MgO is also used as alkali in the bleaching process, especially for mechanical pulps, with the potential to replace caustic soda (NaOH) and/or magnesium sulfate protector/stabilizer. Grecian Magnesite’s high reactive magnesium oxide products with very low iron and manganese levels, can offer peroxide savings and reduce chelation costs compared to conventional MgOs in the market. The following table summarizes the potential utilization of MgO in P&P related processes: