牋牋BORATES BY NATURE

牋牋Fundamental to Life As one of the 109 elements that make up the planet, it's not surprising that boron is everywhere - in soil and water, plants and animals - in trace amounts. Although scientists refer to levels of "boron," it is important to note that the element boron does not exist by itself in nature. Rather, boron combines with oxygen and other elements to form boric acid, or inorganic salts called borates.

牋牋Despite the millions of tons of industrial borates mined, processed and distributed around the world every year, far larger quantities of boron are transferred around the planet by way of natural forces. Rain, volcanic activity, condensation and other atmospheric activities redistribute at least twice as much boron as all commercial practices combined.

牋牋BORATES IN USE

牋牋Fundamental to Modern Living Borates are an integral part of the natural world. Plants need borates to grow, and it seems people need them too. Not only as a nutritionally important part of their diet, but also as an essential ingredient in a dazzling array of the products we use every day. Borates are important ingredients in a variety of household and commercial products, chief among them:

牋牋insulation fiberglass, textile fiberglass and heat-resistant glass (43% of world demand) detergents, soaps and personal care products (17% of world demand) ceramic and enamel frits and glazes, ceramic tile bodies (12% of world demand) agricultural micronutrients (5% of world demand) Other uses including wood treatments, polymer additives and pest control productsBORATES BY FUNCTION

牋牋The versatility of borates lies in their distinct bonding and structural characteristics. In living systems, these characteristics make borates vital to metabolism - the fundamental way in which organisms translate food into energy. Borates abound in industrial systems as well, for two reasons. First, they're safe. Used for centuries, borates pose no risk to people, animals or the environment under normal handling and use. Even those who handle borates every day have experienced no adverse health effects. Second, they're versatile. In some applications, there is simply no substitute for borates. In other products and processes, their natural functions impart a wide range of performance, cost, environmental health and safety advantages.

牋牋Metabolising EffectsIn certain organisms, borates can inhibit metabolic processes. This makes them useful in controlling insects, bacteria and fungi in everything from construction timbers to cosmetics.

牋牋Bleaching EffectsAnother key chemical effect comes into play in laundry detergents and other cleaning products, where borates are important components in bleaching and stain removal.

牋牋Buffering EffectsThe chemical properties of borates serve to balance acidity and alkalinity in many applications. Detergents, fireworks and film processing solutions all rely on borates for a stable pH.

牋牋Dispersing EffectsBorates are able to bond with other particles to keep different ingredients dispersed evenly and are used to control viscosity in paints, adhesives and cosmetics.

牋牋Vitrifying EffectsBorates modify the structure of glass to make it resistant to heat or chemical attack. In the same way, they facilitate the production of ultra-thin LCD screens, functional fiberglass and beautiful ceramic tiles and glazes.

牋牋Inhibiting EffectsBorates interact with surfaces containing iron to form a coating which protects the metal from corrosion. They are important additives in products as diverse as antifreeze and aerosol cans.

牋牋Flame-Proofing EffectsCombined with zinc, borates are used to retard flames and suppress smoke in polymers that coat electrical cables. Borates also act as a flame retardant in cellulose insulation.

牋牋Neutron Absorbing EffectsBorates absorb neutrons in applications ranging from nuclear containment shield to treatments for cancer.