A unique range of capabilities
Polymer cross-linking via borate ester formation is controllable and reversible—impossible with other cross-linkers. Borates for oil and gas production range from highly soluble, rapidly dissolving products to low-solubility, slowly dissolving products. Solubility curves of borates are strongly dependent on temperature.
At low concentrations, borates form soluble ion-pair complexes with alkaline earth metal cations that are present in sea and formation water. Perborate releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. And the 10B nucleus is exceptionally effective at neutron absorption.
Borates are anodic inhibitors, promoting the formation of passivating oxide layers on various metal surfaces to inhibit corrosion. And borates are considered to pose a low risk.