Borax, chemically known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate (), is a white crystalline solid. It has a relatively soft texture and is odorless. The crystals are usually transparent or translucent. It has a melting point of around 743 °C. The density of borax is about 1.73 g/cm³. It is soluble in water, and its solubility in water increases with temperature. For example, at 0 °C, the solubility is about 1.3 g/100g of water, and at 100 °C, it can reach about 52.5 g/100g of water.

Uses of Borax

• In the Glass and Ceramic Industry

• Borax is an important flux in glass and ceramic manufacturing. When added to glass or ceramic raw materials, it helps to lower the melting point of the mixture. In glass production, it improves the workability of the glass during the melting and forming processes. It also enhances the chemical durability and thermal shock resistance of the glass. In ceramics, it helps to reduce the porosity of the ceramic body, resulting in a denser and stronger product. For example, in the production of borosilicate glass, which is known for its high heat - resistance, borax is a crucial ingredient.

• In the Detergent Industry

• Borax is used as a detergent booster. It can enhance the cleaning performance of detergents. It helps to soften water by complexing with calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water. This prevents the formation of soap scum and allows the detergent to work more effectively. Additionally, it has some mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can contribute to keeping the washed items cleaner for a longer time.

• In Metallurgy

• In the field of metallurgy, borax is used as a flux for soldering and brazing. It helps to clean the metal surfaces by removing oxides and other impurities, allowing for better wetting and adhesion of the filler metal during the joining process. It also helps to prevent the re - oxidation of the metal surfaces during the soldering or brazing operation.

• In Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

• Borax is sometimes used in cosmetics such as creams and lotions. It can act as a pH adjuster and preservative to some extent. In some traditional recipes for skin - care products, it is used to improve the texture and stability of the products. However, due to potential safety concerns related to boron exposure, its use in cosmetics is carefully regulated.

• In the Agricultural Field

• Borax is a source of boron, an essential micronutrient for plants. It can be used as a boron fertilizer to correct boron deficiency in soils. Boron is important for various plant functions such as cell wall formation, pollen germination, and fruit development. However, the application rate needs to be carefully controlled because excessive boron can be toxic to plants.