Borax Pentahydrate (Technical Granular) - Turkey

Brief Overview

Borax pentahydrate, also known as Etibor 48 or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, is the most common form of sodium borate used in various industries. It is a white, odorless crystalline granular or powder product that is mildly alkaline both alone and in solution. Compared to borax decahyrdate, which is physio-chemically comparable, Etibor 48 has a higher boron content per unit mass, a lower ratio of bound water and is less hygroscopic.

Manufacturing Process

High-purity sodium tetraborate pentahydrate is produced by:

(a) Reacting the mineral colemanite (2CaO·3B₂O₃.5H₂O) with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) in an aqueous environment to produce an aqueous solution of sodium tetraborate and sodium hydroxide, with precipitation of solid calcium carbonate;

(b) Treating the aqueous solution obtained in stage (a), after separating the precipitated calcium carbonate, with boric acid (H3BO3) to neutralize the sodium hydroxide and form a further quantity of sodium tetraborate;

(c) Separating sodium tetraborate pentahydrate by crystallization from the aqueous solution obtained in stage (b).

Agriculture

Boron is an element which should be in soil needed for growing and developing plants. Borax Pentahydrate is used in agriculture for increasing efficiency and quality of yield.

Antifreeze

It is also used as anti-freeze additive mixture to prevent corrosion in cooling systems of vehicles.

Construction

Borax pentahydrate is used in making buildings as earthquake-resistant, high strength and heat resistant. Also, borax pentahydrate has a significant use in terms of heat and sound insulation.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants prevent inflaming and spreading of flame. Borates are used in different materials as flame retardant. Borates cover materials by melting and prevent burning of material by cutting off contact of oxygen with flame.

Glass Industry

Borax pentahydrate is added to glass products where thermo-insulation is needed. Because when it is added to molten glass intermediates it increases viscosity, surface hardness and durability.

Insulating Fiberglass

Borax pentahydrate as boron compound is used in insulation fiberglass. It is applied to the wall and ceiling as using it in building insulation in construction sector.

Leather Industry

On leatherworking, borax pentahydrate is used as lime expectorant.

Soap and Detergent

Borax pentahydrate and borax decahydrate are a natural laundry detergent booster, it could be added to the detergent and make it easier to clean heavily soiled clothes.