While magnesium oxide (MgO) boards offer numerous advantages, it's important to be aware of their potential drawbacks to ensure you're fully informed and prepared:
While MgO boards may initially seem more expensive than traditional materials like gypsum or fiber cement, their long-term cost-effectiveness due to durability and performance justifies the investment. This reassures you that the higher initial cost is a wise investment in the future of your project.
Limited Availability: Depending on the region, MgO boards may not be as widely available as other construction materials, which could affect project timelines and increase costs due to shipping or sourcing challenges.
Wet Expansion: MgO boards can experience higher wet expansion than other materials, which may expand and contract more when exposed to moisture. To avoid potential issues, careful attention to installation details, such as proper waterproofing and frame positioning, is required. The first generation of the MOC MGO board was due to lousy formulation and curing technology, plus the use of many scrap items back into the MOC MGO board panel body that makes it easily or unstable in terms of squareness in the wet area. MagMatrix BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO board is the third generation of the MGO board formulation and technology. We do not use any of the scrap items. We use curing technology three times to ensure the MGO board panel body gets the highest level of the 517 crystal phase, which makes the panel very stable in the wet area applications of the home building. Also, our BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO board would be used outdoors for the outdoor decking and weatherboard of the exterior cladding system to replace it with noncombustible exterior cladding that is lightweight than the traditional fiber cement board cladding.
Manufacturing Variability: The performance of MgO boards can vary based on the manufacturer and formulation, especially regarding breathability and durability. Poor-quality boards may not provide the same fire resistance or moisture control, so sourcing from reputable suppliers is essential. JP Group MagMatrix BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO board carries out the most stringent production measures, steps, and processes to ensure the best quality of the new magnesium oxide board, providing you with a trustworthy product.
Screw and Fastening Issues: Due to the material’s density for the low-quality MGO board, screws can sometimes have less holding power, and incorrect fastening or insufficient screws can lead to problems. Proper installation techniques are crucial to ensure stability. We are using the best technology and formulation and denser density for the exterior fire-rated sheathing and the fire-rated subfloor sheathing panel to keep the strongest screw and fastening ability which pass the ICC-ESR & Intertek test report and certification.
Compatibility with Other Materials: MgO boards may not permanently bond well with certain adhesives, sealants, or other building materials, requiring specific products to ensure compatibility. This can complicate construction planning.
Lack of Long-Term Data: Although MgO boards have shown excellent performance in various tests, they are relatively newer to widespread use in some markets, meaning long-term data on durability and performance under all conditions may be limited compared to more traditional materials.
Dust During Cutting: Cutting MgO boards generates fine dust that, if not adequately controlled, can cause respiratory irritation. Proper precautions, such as dust collection systems and protective gear, are necessary when working with MgO boards.
Considering these disadvantages, builders, and homeowners can make more informed decisions when selecting MgO boards for specific applications.
Moisture Sensitivity: MgO vs. MOC Boards
You've highlighted a critical distinction between MgO boards and MOC boards that is often overlooked—namely, the binding agent and its impact on moisture sensitivity. This difference is crucial in determining their performance, especially in environments with high humidity. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Moisture Sensitivity: MgO vs. MOC Boards
MOC Boards (Magnesium Oxychloride Cement):
Composition: MOC boards are made from light-burning magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and water. This forms a cement-like material called magnesium oxychloride cement.
Hygroscopic Nature: Magnesium chloride is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This makes MOC boards prone to moisture issues, such as swelling, warping, and structural degradation.
Moisture Impact: Prolonged exposure to moisture can dissolve the chloride salts within the board, causing them to crystallize on the surface as a powdery residue. This phenomenon, known as efflorescence, can weaken the material and make it appear unattractive.
Corrosion Risk: The chloride in MOC boards can contribute to the corrosion of nearby metal components, further limiting their use in environments with high humidity or where metal fasteners are prevalent.
MgO Boards with Magnesium Sulfate Liquid:
-Composition: MgO boards can also use magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) liquid as a binder, which provides better moisture resistance than magnesium chloride. This formulation reduces the likelihood of moisture absorption.
Moisture Resistance: Magnesium sulfate is much less hygroscopic than magnesium chloride, so MgO boards with authentic sulfate formulation have superior moisture resistance. When exposed to humidity or water, they are less likely to experience swelling, warping, or efflorescence. MagMatrix BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO BOARD comes from authentic and scientific sulfate MGO formulation with a top-quality production process.
Stability: This makes sulfate-based MgO boards more suitable for high-humidity environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior sheathing applications. They offer more outstanding durability in these settings than MOC boards and are less likely to cause corrosion of nearby metals.
Implications for Applications
MOC Boards: These are not ideal for use in areas prone to moisture unless strict measures are taken to protect them from exposure. Their hygroscopic nature and the potential for salt efflorescence make them a poor choice for environments with high humidity or direct water contact.
MgO Boards with Sulfate: These boards are much better suited for applications in humid environments. Their lower hygroscopicity makes them a preferred option for wet areas like bathrooms or as exterior sheathing in regions with high rainfall. They are more stable and durable than MOC boards and don't carry the same risk of corrosion or material degradation.
Conclusion
Before purchasing MgO boards, it's essential to verify their composition. As the market expands and new manufacturers emerge, the binder used (magnesium sulfate vs. magnesium chloride) becomes critical in determining the board's performance in different conditions. MgO boards with magnesium sulfate are generally recommended for high-humidity applications due to their superior moisture resistance and overall durability compared to MOC boards.
This composition check helps ensure you choose the right product for your specific environment, minimizing the drawbacks of MgO boards related to moisture sensitivity.
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