Industrial optimization powerhouse
From reducing melting temperatures in fiberglass production to inhibiting corrosion in fuel additives, Optibor® has a multitude of uses across industries.
Optibor boric acid is theoretically composed of boric oxide and water. It can be purchased as granules or as a powder, both of which are stable under normal conditions, free-flowing, and easily handled by means of air or mechanical conveying. In solution, the product is mildly acidic.
What can Optibor boric acid do for you?
The key to its usefulness is its simplicity—Optibor boric acids are a pure, multifunctional source of boric oxide.
Optibor improves industrial process and product performance
In manufacturing of fiberglass, borosilicate glass, and industrial ceramics, Optibor:
Acts as a flux and network former
Assists in the melt of fiberglass and borosilicate glass
Initiates glass formation at low temperatures
Reduces viscosity and surface tension in ceramics
Speeds the development of smooth, even glaze surfaces
Ensures a thermal fit between ceramic glaze and body
Increases refractive index
Enhance strength, durability, and scratch resistance in enamels
Facilitate lead-free formulations
Optibor enhances industrial formulations
Optibor improves effectiveness of flame retardants and adhesives:
Changes the oxidation reactions and promote char formation—inhibiting combustion in cellulose material
Reduces the flammability of cellulose insulation, wood composites, and mattress cotton batting
Strengthens metal alloys and steel
Improves the tack and green strength of casein- and dextrin-based adhesives by cross-linking conjugated hydroxyl groups
Acts as a pH buffer and as a cross-linking agent to emulsify waxes and paraffins
Catalyzes oxidation of hydrocarbons and increase the yield of alcohols by forming esters that prevent further oxidation of hydroxyl groups to ketones and carboxylic acids
Optibor provides protective properties in heavy industry
The boric acid in Optibor is needed across such diverse applications as nuclear energy and metallurgy:
Absorbs thermal neutrons to help ensure the safety and control systems of nuclear power stations
Prevents oxidation of metal surfaces in welding, brazing, or soldering
Inhibits corrosion and stabilize thermal oxidation in aqueous and non-aqueous systems
When used in combination with a sodium borate (such as Neobor® or Dehybor® anhydrous borax), Optibor can adjust the sodium-to-boron ratio in glasses which require low sodium levels. This is important in borosilicate glass where boric oxide provides essential fluxing properties at low sodium and high alumina levels.
Technical Details
Optibor reduces the linear coefficient of expansion in glass when silica is replaced proportionately with boric acid, facilitating a thermal fit in ceramic glazes and heat resistance in borosilicate glass.
When heated above 212°F (100°C) in the open, Optibor gradually loses water, first changing to metaboric acid (HBO2), of which three monotropic forms exist. These metaboric acid forms can volatilize at >600°C during heating, leading to potential losses of boron emissions. Dehydration stops at the composition HBO2 unless the heating time is extended or the temperature raised above 302°F (150°C). On continued heating and at higher temperatures, all water is removed, leaving the anhydrous oxide B2O3—an amorphous glass that begins to flow at 842°F (450°C). The amorphous form of Optibor TG has no definite melting point, softening at about 617°F (325°C) and becoming fully fluid at about 932°F (500°C).
Aqueous solutions of Optibor are mildly acidic, the pH decreasing with increasing concentration. Optibor’s sieve specification is U.S. sieve No. 20, with a mesh size of 0.850 mm and a retained guarantee of ≤ 2.0%. Optibor forms boric oxide above ~300°C, which softens and begins to flow between 350°C and 500°C.
Optibor is ideally suited to bulk transfer. Optibor shows little tendency to cake, except after prolonged storage or severe wetting.
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