optibor

APPLICATION AND BENEFITS

Boric oxide and glasses

The boric oxide in Optibor is both a flux and a network former, assisting in the melt and influencing the final product properties of fiberglass and borosilicate glass. Optibor, in combination with a sodium borate (such as Neobor or Dehybor^® anhydrous borax), can be used to 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.

Ceramic frits

• Initiate glass formation (at low temperatures)
• Ensure a thermal fit between glaze and body 
• Reduce viscosity and surface tension
• Increase the refractive index
• Enhance strength, durability, and scratch resistance
• Facilitate lead-free formulations

High-boron frits mature rapidly; improve the speed at which smooth, even glaze surfaces develop; and provide good bases for coloring oxides. Optibor is used as the boric oxide source in the formulation of fast fire frits for tiles because of their requirement for low sodium levels.

Flame retardancy

In cellulose materials, borates change the oxidation reactions and promote the formation of char, thereby inhibiting combustion. Optibor, alone or in combination with Neobor or borax decahydrate, is particularly effective in reducing the flammability of cellulose insulation, wood composites, and the cotton batting used in mattresses.

Nuclear safety

Being a highly effective absorber of thermal neutrons, the boron-10 (10B) isotope is essential to the safety and control systems of nuclear power stations. Optibor SQ is made for the nuclear industry and can be used as a precursor for making isotopically enriched boron-10 materials.

Metallurgy

Optibor prevents the oxidation of metal surfaces in welding, brazing, or soldering. It is used as a source of boron for:

• Strengthening metal alloys and steel
• Magnesium sand-casting
• Electroplating

Adhesives

As part of the starch adhesive formulation for corrugated paper and paperboard, and as a cross-linking agent in the manufacture of casein- and dextrin-based adhesives, Optibor greatly improves the tack and green strength of the adhesive by cross-linking conjugated hydroxyl groups.

And more

Optibor can be incorporated in aqueous and non-aqueous systems for corrosion inhibition, lubrication, or thermal oxidative stabilization. It is also used in the manufacture of lubricants, brake fluids, metalworking fluids, water-treatment chemicals, and fuel additives. The product is also used in a variety of other applications:

• Personal care products (in conjunction with sodium borates), for pH buffering and as a cross-linking agent to emulsify waxes and other paraffins
• In the manufacturing of nylon intermediates, to catalyze the oxidation of hydrocarbons and increase the yield of alcohols by forming esters that prevent further oxidation of hydroxyl groups to ketones and carboxylic acids
• In the preparation of industrial products such as boron halides, borohydride, fluoborates, metallic borates, borate esters, and boron-containing ceramics, dye stabilization, and textile finishing paints
• Electrolytic capacitors
• Leather processing and finishing