3.4.2.2 Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide (MgO) ceramic
is mostly manufactured in high purity as a single component
ceramic in porous or gas-tight forms.
Particular characteristics are
- good electrical insulation and
- good thermal conductivity
Figure 11: Fracture surface
of a porous magnesium oxide
This material is used in heat engineering
primarily for small tubes with a precisely defined strength.
These are slipped over heating wires and then inserted into
metal tubes. Through subsequent hammering, rolling or drawing,
the ceramic is reduced in size. The insulation material is
crushed and adapts itself to the form given to the metal tube.
This production technique makes it possible to manufacture
curved tubular heating elements as used, for instance, in
immersion heaters and heating cartridges, and for thermocouples.
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