150 years of innovation from U.S. Borax

From reducing melting temperatures in fiberglass production to inhibiting corrosion in fuel additives, Optibor has a multitude of uses in numerous industries.

These products are unique zinc borates combining the best of zinc and boron oxides that can be used to develop fire-retardant formulations.

This industrial, high-performance wood preservative is ideal for protecting rafters, cladding, and joinery against insects and decay.

This hard, glassy, granular product is excellent when forming flux or glass, where it helps to increase yield and reduce energy consumption.

When it comes to particulate materials, particle size affects end product quality and properties. U.S. Borax offers many of its products in powder grade.

With lower transportation, handling, and storage costs, this concentrated sodium borate is used in glass, fiberglass, cleaning products, and flame retardants.

Polymers and coatings

Polymers can ignite and burn easily which is why flame retardant additives are often required to meet safety standards. One of the many commercial applications of borates is fire retardancy.

Wood protection and biocides

Borates and boron compounds are used in the creation of affordable, durable, and environmentally safe wood and wood products in order to protect them from fire, fungi, and pests.

Fire retardancy

U.S. Borax products are used in a variety of fire retardant applications, including polymer-based applications, cellulose protection, lumber, and plywood.

Agriculture

Boron is a micronutrient that is essential to plant growth. Boron is necessary for proper absorption of macronutrients and plays a key role in protecting soil health, supporting sustainable farming, and increasing both the nutrition and yield of crops.

Glass and glass fibers

Heat resistant, chemical resistant, scratch and shock resistant, borosilicate glass—made with silica and boron trioxide—provides strength and durability across a range of products from cell phones to solar panels.

Ceramics, enamels, and glazes

Borates can be incorporated into frits—glassy, silica-rich materials that are used in the manufacture of glazes and enamels—to make them insoluble and help reduce glass viscosity. This improves fit, luster, durability, and chemical resistance.