What is MgO Flooring? Key Benefits and Comparison with SPC

MgO Core and Flooring Structure

MgO flooring (Magnesium Oxide Flooring), also known as magnesium oxychloride flooring, is a new type of inorganic composite flooring made from a ternary system of magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and water through modification processes.

Its core structure typically consists of four layers: wear-resistant layer, decorative layer, MgO core layer, balance paper layer and backing layer. The unique formulation of the MgO core layer provides the following properties:

• Exceptional Fire Resistance: MgO’s fire rating reaches China’s GB8624 A2 standard (non-combustible) or European EN13501-1 A2fl classification, exceeding the B1 rating (flame-retardant) of conventional flooring.
• Ultra-High Stability: The MgO substrate has an extremely low thermal expansion/shrinkage rate. This makes it ideal for underfloor heating systems, offering superior thermal conductivity compared to solid wood and no deformation over time.
• Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic: No adhesives are added during production. Almost no formaldehyde emissions, surpassing China’s strictest ENF standard, and it contains no PVC, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (TVOC).
• Multifunctionality: The MgO substrate integrates waterproofing, mold/antibacterial resistance, and sound absorption, making it suitable for high-humidity or high-sanitation environments like kitchens, hospitals, and ships.

Evolution and Comparison of Fire-resistant Flooring

As building safety standards rise, fire-resistant flooring has evolved from traditional wood to composite materials. Current mainstream products include SPC pisos, MFC flooring, HPL flooring, and MgO flooring, with performance comparisons as follows:

Key Differentiators:

• Fire Safety: MgO’s A2 rating surpasses B1 materials, delaying fire spread without toxic smoke.
• Underfloor Heating: MgO’s thermal stability outperforms SPC, with no deformation under prolonged heat.
• Production Cost: MgO’s crystallization process poses challenges (e.g., bubbles/cracks), resulting in higher costs than SPC.

Global Fire Rating Standards

Fire resistance requirements vary by region. MgO flooring meets high international standards due to its inorganic substrate:

1. China GB Standard (GB8624)
   • Class A: Non-combustible (e.g., MgO)
   • B1: Flame-retardant (e.g., SPC, MFC)
   • B2: Combustible (e.g., engineered wood)
   • B3: Flammable
2. European EN Standard (EN13501-1)
   • A1fl/A2fl: Non-combustible (MgO achieves this)
   • Bfl-Cfl: Flame-retardant to combustible (SPC achieves Bf1)
   • Dfl-Efl: Low flame resistance
3. US ASTM Standard
   • Class A: Flame spread index ≤25 (equivalent to A2)
   • Class B: Index 26-75 (common for SPC)

MgO flooring, certified to China GB8624 A2 and Europe EN13501-1 A2fl, is the top choice for school, hospitals, and public spaces.

MgO’s Environmental Edge vs. Recycled Electronic Waste Substrates

Traditional fire-resistant flooring often uses substrates with recycled electronic waste (e.g., PCB fragments), which pose risks:

• Production Pollution: Recycling requires smelting/acid washing, releasing dioxins and lead.
• Health Hazards: Residual heavy metals (lead, cadmium) may leach into air or via contact.

MgO Innovations:

1. Pure Raw Materials: Natural MgO minerals replace recycled waste, eliminating pollution at the source.
2. Low-Carbon Process: MgO production consumes 60% less energy than cement-based alternatives, with zero greenhouse gas emissions during curing.
3. Circular Economy: Discarded MgO boards can be crushed and reused in construction, ensuring full lifecycle sustainability.

Conclusión

MgO flooring not only redefines fire-resistant performance benchmarks but also drives the industry toward sustainability with its inorganic, eco-friendly DNA. From fire compliance in public buildings to health demands in homes, MgO delivers safe, aesthetic solutions in flooring materials.