Magnesium oxide boards offer excellent multi-functionality that gives them an edge over traditional wooden boards and gypsum panels. MgO boards are used in the roof and siding, as subfloor panels, and even to build shelves and cabinets in homes—and it’s easy to understand why.
MgO boards bolster the structural integrity of buildings and are a major driver of the sustainable construction movement. They are lightweight and offer resistance against fire and water.
Even though MgO boards are water-resistant, they can still undergo a process known as sweating. If left unchecked, this can ruin the board, causing cracks and discoloration over time.
Keep reading for more information about MgO sweating and how to prevent it.
What causes sweating?
The root cause behind sweating is excess chlorine on the surface of the board, which produces halogenides. These, in turn, cause water droplets to form on the MgO board. The continuous exposure to moisture can cause the board to deteriorate and crack.
How to prevent sweating?
Removing excess chlorine is an essential step if manufacturers want to make panels water-resistant. There are two techniques to prevent the formation of halogenides:
The first technique involves sealing excess chlorine using an agent. This prevents exposure to the external environment and thus prevents moisture on the surface. The problem with this method is that the seal wears down over time, which means that the chlorine becomes exposed to external elements.
The more effective technique to remove chlorine from the surface is known as soaking. During this process, the MgO boards are soaked in a pool for roughly 12 hours, depending on the thickness. This allows water to displace excess chlorine particles and make the board truly halogenide-resistant.
How to test for halogenides?
Most reliable MgO board suppliers will give you information about the tests they have performed to ensure halogenide-resistance. However, if you want to carry out your own tests on different samples, there are two effective methods:
1. During the observation technique, the boards are cut and placed in humidity chambers with 90% or more humidity. The panels are then observed for changes and resistance over the next 15 days.
2. The water-soluble chloride test is perfect if you’re looking to obtain quicker results. The MgO boards are converted into powdered form and placed in sealed jars with distilled water. After 24 hours, the samples are tested for chloride content.
Choose a reliable MgO manufacturer
Choosing a reliable supplier is extremely important to prevent construction problems with MgO boards later on.
At MagMatrix, we follow strict quality standards and testing to ensure our Magnesium Oxide boards and fire-resistant flooring boards meet all halogenides-resistance tests.
For more information, contact us online or call 86-335-3327878.