BORAX
Borax is classified as a detergent booster in laundry detergent as a versatile cleaning agent.
Borax supplier and stockist in India, Middle East, Oman.
Borax major utilization : Glass and porcelain industries are the major consumers of borax and boric acid.
It is an essential component of heat-resisting borosilicate glass, glass fibres and industrial & optical glass. In glass, enamels and ceramics, it controls thermal expansion, improves durability, assists melting processes and adds to inorganic colours and decorations.
Borax is used in medicine (boric powder), leather processing, adhesive, corrosion inhibition, ferrous wire manufacture, flame-proofing and timber preservation.
Borax is used as a flux in brazing, welding, soldering and in the manufacture of artificial gems like, cubic boron nitride, (commercially called 'Borazon') which equals diamond in hardness and boron carbide, titanium boride and tungsten boride which are next to diamond in hardness.
COA
| Product Name | Borax |
| Number of Analysis | T0004482 |
| Producer / Producer Batch Number | Borax Francais / Y01N |
| Batch Number / Weight | 18J25-H08-00102 / 1kg |
| Tests | Requirement | Result | Unit | Standard remark |
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder, colourless crystals or crystalline masses, efflorescent | Conform | ||
| Particle size | >= 90% < 250μm | 96 | % | Sieveanalysis |
| Particle size | >= 80% < 200μm | 90 | % | |
| Identification A | Green border | Conform | Borium | |
| Identification B | Conform | Conform | ||
| Identification C | Conform | Conform | Sodium | |
| Appearance of solution | Clear and colourless | Conform | 4%m/V H2O | |
| pH | 9,0 - 9,6 | 9,2 | 4%m/V H2O | |
| Sulfates | <= 50 | Conform | ppm | |
| Ammonium | <= 10 | Conform | ppm | |
| Arsenic | <= 5 | Conform | ppm | |
| Calcium | <= 100 | Conform | ppm | |
| Assay Disodium tetraborate decahydrate | 99,0 - 103,0 | 100,1 | % | |
| Metallic residues | CHMP/ICH/353369/2013 | Conform | DP | |
| Residual solvents | CPMP/ICH/82 260/06 | Conform | DP | |
| TSE/BSE-statement | No contamination with TSE/BSE-risk materials | Conform | DP |
pH of Borax
When dissolved in water, borax decahydrate hydrolyzes to form a mildly alkaline solution, capable of neutralizing acids. It also reacts with strong alkalis to produce compounds of lower pH. Due to its relatively stable pH, it is widely used as an effective buffering agent.
Melting Point
-
Melting point: 743 °C (1369 °F)
-
Begins to lose water of crystallization at 62 °C (144 °F) in an enclosed environment
Stability
Borax decahydrate is chemically stable under normal storage conditions. However, it exhibits slight water vapor pressure, which increases with temperature and may cause crystallization at particle contact points, leading to caking. Prolonged exposure to a warm, dry atmosphere results in gradual dehydration, while exposure to high humidity also promotes caking. To ensure product integrity, store in conditions with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and maintain sealed packaging.
Comparing pH of some Alkalis
| Weight % | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caustic soda | 11.90 | 12.70 | 13.10 | 13.30 | 13.80 |
| Sodium metasilicate | 11.30 | 12.10 | 12.30 | 12.70 | 13.10 |
| Trisodium phosphate | 11.50 | 11.55 | 11.60 | 11.70 | 11.80 |
| Soda ash | 10.70 | 11.30 | 11.40 | 11.50 | 11.60 |
| Sodium metaborate | 10.52 | 10.84 | 11.00 | 11.18 | 11.44 |
| Borax decahydrate | 9.26 | 9.23 | 9.24 | 9.24 | 9.32 |
Borax supplier in Ajman, Sharjah, Abudhabi, Iraq, Furjairah, Dubai, Diera, UAE Middle East, Barka Muscat Sohar Oman, Mumbai, Gandhidham GIDC, Gujrat, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, West Bengal, Navi Mumbai MIDC, Maharastra India
WIDE RANGE APPLICATIONS of BORAX
Available in powder or granular form from U.S. Borax, borax decahydrate serves as a versatile source of B₂O₃, especially valuable in processes where the presence of sodium provides added benefit.
Industrial Soaps and Detergents
Borax decahydrate is widely incorporated into industrial and institutional cleaning products, where it functions as:
-
A pH buffering agent
-
An aid for oil emulsification
-
A mild abrasive
It is also used as an additive in polishes and waxes to enhance performance.
Metallurgical Fluxes
In metallurgical applications, borax decahydrate is used to dissolve metal oxides during the recovery of metals such as brass, copper, lead, and zinc from scrap or smelting slag. In ferrous metallurgy, it acts as a cover flux, protecting molten ingots from surface oxidation. Additionally, in welding, brazing, and soldering, it shields metal surfaces from air exposure, preventing oxidation while also serving as a solvent and cleaning agent.
Corrosion Inhibition
Borax decahydrate is frequently used in aqueous systems that require corrosion protection, including applications in automotive and engine systems.
Coolant Formulations and Water Treatment
Borax decahydrate is an important component in coolant blends and water treatment chemicals. Its aqueous solutions have replaced chromates in railroad and other diesel engine coolants, offering effective corrosion protection for ferrous metals. Thanks to its high solubility in ethylene glycol, it is especially valuable in automotive antifreeze formulations, where it neutralizes acidic byproducts of ethylene glycol decomposition and reduces oxidation on metal surfaces.
Adhesives
In starch adhesive formulations for corrugated paper and paperboard, borax decahydrate acts as a peptizing agent in the manufacture of casein- and dextrin-based adhesives. By crosslinking conjugated hydroxyl groups, it significantly enhances tack and green strength.
Refractories
Borax decahydrate compounds serve as stabilizers and bonding agents in specialty abrasives. They provide an intermediate-temperature glassy bond before the establishment of the final ceramic bond, after which the borate compound often volatilizes from the system.
Wire Drawing
In wire drawing, borax decahydrate neutralizes residual acid left from the pickling process. The salt deposit that remains on the wire also acts as an effective carrier for dry powdered lubricants.
Consumer Products
Borax decahydrate is widely used in consumer formulations, particularly in laundry detergents, where it assists in removing oily soils, stabilizes enzymes, and softens water. It also functions as a crosslinking agent to emulsify waxes and paraffins used in lotions, creams, and ointments. In contact lens solutions, it is combined with boric acid to act as a mild cleaner and buffering agent. Due to its skin-friendly yet effective cleaning properties, borax decahydrate is often incorporated into powdered hand soaps.
Additional Applications
Beyond cleaning and personal care, borax decahydrate has diverse industrial uses. It serves as a flame retardant for cellulosic materials, a buffer and catalyst in organic dye processes, a carrier for herbicides, and a degreasing buffer in enameling operations.
