Forsterite refractory preparation using magnesium resources from salt lake brines

In this study, combined precipitants of sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide were used for effectively separating lithium (Li) from magnesium (Mg) in salt lake brine and meanwhile generating magnesium precipitates with high MgO/SiO2 molar ratios to produce high-performance refractory materials. When the mole of combined precipitant was 1.0, Li/Mg precipitation separation can be achieved with Mg precipitation yield of above 99.5% and Li precipitation yield of approximately 5%. The MgO/SiO2 molar ratio in magnesium precipitates can be enhanced by adjusting the mole fraction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the combined precipitant. Under the condition of a NaOH mole fraction was 40%, sintering temperature of 1350 ℃, and sintering time of 180 min, the prepared refractory material comprised of mainly forsterite phase and showed excellent properties of the refractoriness of 1780 ℃, bulk density of 2.21 g/cm3, and compressive strength of 118.11 MPa. This study could provide a promising guide for facile production of value-added forsterite refractory materials using magnesium resources in salt lake brine.