Strengthening infrastructure
Around the world, borate-based chemicals are important to modern oil field operation and recovery as well as the safe and efficient production of nuclear power.
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The reaction of borates with certain alcohols and carbohydrates produce adhesives and fluids that are used in oil recovery.
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As an anticorrosive, borates are used to help protect industrial water systems.
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Borates can capture thermal neutrons resulting from the fission reaction of uranium nuclear fuel. This ability makes borates an essential ingredient in the control and safety of nuclear pressurized water reactors.
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Elsewhere in nuclear power plants, boron carbide and borates are used for control rods, corrosion inhibition, and emergency shutdown systems.