Key functions of borates in ceramics manufacturing are initiating glass formation in the early stage of melting and increasing the mechanical strength of the product. Borates are an integral part of the molecular structure such as borides and carbides.
In glazes, boric oxide reduces melting temperature and improves glaze/body fit. It enhances glaze appearance and can improve chemical and mechanical durability.
Salt glazing is a method of applying a glaze to heavy clay products near the end of the firing cycle when the clay is nearly vitrified.
Composed of boric oxide, sodium oxide, and water, Borax Decahydrate is a mild, alkaline salt, white and crystalline, with excellent buffering and fluxing properties.
Boric oxide is a hard glassy material, granular in texture. Exposed to the atmosphere it slowly absorbs water, reverting to boric acid.
Dehybor is a product resulting from the dehydration and fusion of borax. It is a hard, glassy material, granular in texture.
Neobor is the most common form of sodium borate used in industry. Consisting of white crystalline granules or powder it is mildly alkaline in solution.
Optibor boric acids are a pure, multifunctional source of boric oxide. Apart from borax pentahydrate, they are the most widely used industrial borate.