Magnesium sulfate hydrates, dehydration

On the other hand, heating hydrated sulfate above 150°C yields magnesium oxysulfate, a hydrolysis reaction. No dehydration or thermal decomposition occurs. 

A classic example of a solid—fluid ceramic powder synthesis reaction is that of calcination and dehydration of natural or synthetic raw materials. Calcination reactions are common for the production of many oxides from carbonates, hydrates, sulfates, nitrates, acetates, oxalates, citrates, and so forth. In general, the reactions produce an oxide and a volatile gaseous reaction product, such as CO2, SOg, or HgO. The most extensively studied reactions of this type are the decompositions of magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate. Depending on the particular conditions of time, temperature, ambient pressure of CO2, relative humidity, particle size, and so on, the process may be controlled by a surface reaction, gas diffusion to the reacting... 

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