Jet cavitation-enhanced hydration method for the preparation of magnesium hydroxide

•Innovative Method for Magnesium Hydroxide Hydration: The hydration of magnesium oxide using jet cavitation technology has undergone systematic optimization through orthogonal experimental design. Key parameters, including cavitation number, reaction temperature, reaction time, and solid-liquid ratio, were fine-tuned to achieve optimal results. This meticulous approach ensures that each aspect of the process is maximized for efficiency, contributing to enhanced product quality.•Systematic Process Optimization: The hydration of magnesium oxide using jet cavitation technology has undergone systematic optimization through orthogonal experimental design. Key parameters, including cavitation number, reaction temperature, reaction time, and solid-liquid ratio, were fine-tuned to achieve optimal results. This meticulous approach ensures that each aspect of the process is maximized for efficiency, contributing to enhanced product quality.•Superior Product Quality and Enhanced Efficiency: The application of jet cavitation technology has resulted in the production of magnesium hydroxide with exceptional purity and crystallinity. Characterized by a median particle size (D50) of 4.511 µm and a BET specific surface area of 11.345 m²/g, the final product demonstrates significant enhancements over traditional methods. Notably, the hydration rate exceeds 94.7 %, showcasing a substantial improvement that underscores the effectiveness of this novel approach.•Industrial Applicability and Environmental Benefits: The findings from this research not only meet but exceed flame retardant standards, illustrating the practical and commercial viability of the jet cavitation method for magnesium hydroxide production. Additionally, the process presents environmental and economic benefits, including reduced energy consumption and production costs due to lower reaction temperatures. This study offers valuable insights into cavitation phenomena, contributing to ongoing research and development in related fields. During the preparation of magnesium hydroxide via the hydration method, in-situ growth and agglomeration often inhibit the reaction. This study used active magnesium oxide as the raw material and employed jet cavitation technology to enhance the hydration process. Based on the growth process of magnesium hydroxide, the mechanism of jet-enhanced hydration was analyzed. The effects of reaction temperature (T), reaction time (t), solid-liquid ratio (s), and cavitation number (σ) on