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Boric Acid

The main industrial application of boric acid lies in the production of monofilament fiberglass. Within the jewelry sector, it is commonly utilized in conjunction with denatured alcohol to diminish surface oxidation. Additionally, it plays a role in the manufacturing of the glass used in LCD flat panel displays.

Synonyms
Boracic acid, Borofax, Boron Trihydroxide, Boron (III) hydroxide, Optibor, Orthoboric acid, Sassolitt, Trihydroxyborane
Chemical Formula
B(OH)3
CAS Number
10043-35-3, 11113-50-1

Characteristics

Molar Weight
61.831 g/mol
Melting Point
170,9 °C
Boiling Point
300 °C
Density
1.014 g/cc
Forms
White, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Fabric, textile and leather products
  • Preservative
  • Agricultural
  • Cosmetic products
  • Electronics
  • Paint and Coatings

Properties of boric acid

Boric acid is the simplest oxygen acid of the chemical element boron.
Properties of boric acid
Boric acid is a white powder that is soluble in water, ethanol and glycerine. Its salts are known as borates. Pure boric acid forms flaky, colourless, shiny crystals. It is a very weak acid. Boric acid is usually produced technically by reacting borax obtained from kernite with sulphuric acid.
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Boric acid in the construction industry

In the construction industry, boric acid is used alongside borax and other borates (boron salts) as a flame retardant - for example for insulating materials such as cellulose fibres or wood fibre boards - and for pest control. It is used as a wood preservative to prevent insect (e.g. termites, beetles and ants) and fungal infestation (e.g. wood rot).
Boric acid is also used as an additive in some adhesives and bonding agents to improve their adhesion and resistance, and thus plays a role in the manufacture of composite materials and laminated wood products.
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Boric acid in the pharmaceutical industry

Boric acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its antibacterial and fungicidal properties. In diluted form, it is used as an antiseptic solution for the mild cleaning of wounds. Boric acid is also frequently used as a mild disinfectant in eye drops and rinses, for example to treat conjunctivitis. It is also used in ear drops to treat external ear infections.
In low concentrations, boric acid is also used in topical ointments and creams to treat skin problems such as acne, eczema and fungal infections.
Boric acid is used in some pharmaceutical products as a preservative and as a buffer solution, which stabilises the pH value and thus ensures optimum effectiveness and tolerability of the product.

Boric acid in the cosmetics industry

In the cosmetics industry, boric acid is added in small quantities as a pH stabiliser and mild antiseptic to various skin care products such as cleansing creams, facial toners and lotions as well as oral care products such as mouthwash.

Boric acid in the energy industry

Boric acid is indispensable for the energy industry - especially nuclear energy - where it is used as a neutron absorber (especially in light water reactors), corrosion inhibitor in the cooling circuits and pH regulator for the coolants in reactor systems.
Boric acid also absorbs neutrons in special protective materials for shielding against radioactive radiation, thus reducing the radiation exposure of personnel and sensitive equipment.
Boric acid is also used in the development of new types of energy storage systems such as lithium-boron batteries, which offer higher energy density and safety.

Boric acid in the polymer industry

In the polymer industry, boric acid acts as a flame retardant (for polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC, among others), stabiliser and catalyst in the production and processing of various polymers (especially in polyester and polyamide production). It plays an important role as an additive in the improvement of material properties and the production of speciality plastics.
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Boric acid in the paint and coatings industry

Boric acid is used in the paint and coatings industry due to its antimicrobial, pH-stabilising, flame-retardant and dispersion-promoting properties. It also acts as corrosion protection for metal surfaces that are treated with paint or varnish.

Boric acid in the electronics industry

Boric acid is a versatile and important component in the electronics industry, where it is used as a flame retardant, corrosion inhibitor, pH stabiliser and in glass (especially borosilicate glass for displays, protective glass and glass fibres, for example) and semiconductor production. It is also required for the production of electronic components and soldering agents.
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Boric acid in the textile industry

In the textile industry, boric acid is mainly used as a flame retardant and disinfectant in textile production and treatment. It is also used in textile processing to regulate the pH value of dye baths and washing solutions. It also acts as a water softener.
In textile finishing, boric acid can help to modify the surface of textiles in order to improve certain properties such as smoothness, softness or grip.
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Boric acid in the lubricant industry

Boric acid is used as a friction and wear reducer in lubricants. Its fine particles form a protective layer on metal surfaces. It also acts as a corrosion inhibitor and antioxidant. Boric acid plays an important role in the formulation of high-performance lubricants used in various industrial applications such as engines and gearboxes.
It also contributes to the thermal stability of lubricants by supporting their performance at high temperatures, for example in turbines, industrial furnaces and printing machines. Boric acid also increases the water-repellent properties of lubricants.

Further areas of application for boric acid

Boric acid is used in agriculture as a fertiliser to correct boron deficiency in plants and as an insecticide for pest control.
In water treatment, boric acid is mainly used as a disinfectant, pH regulator and to protect against corrosion. It is also used in the treatment of drinking water, in industrial water systems and special applications such as seawater desalination (reverse osmosis).
In the cleaning industry, boric acid is mainly used for its antimicrobial, pH-regulating, bleaching (stain remover) and odour-neutralising properties and as a water softener.