Borates
Description
Uses and Applications
Ceramics Industry
In the ceramic industry, borates are used in the formulation of frits, glazes and vitreous coatings, contributing to the development of bright, smooth, durable and resistant surfaces.
Their incorporation helps reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion and improves resistance to scratching, cracking, thermal shock and certain chemical agents. Boron is therefore used in applications such as ceramic tiles, tableware, porcelain, sanitaryware and other ceramic products subjected to high-temperature processes.
Glass
Boron plays a prominent role in the glass industry, particularly in technical and heat-resistant glass. Borates help improve the thermal resistance, mechanical strength and chemical stability of glass.
These properties support the manufacture of heat-resistant cookware, laboratory glassware, electronic displays, lighting devices, optical glass and other materials requiring durability, transparency and reliable performance when exposed to temperature changes or chemical agents.
Fibreglass
In fibreglass manufacturing, borates act as functional raw materials that help improve the strength, durability and stability of the final product.
Their use is widespread in textile-grade fibreglass, printed circuit boards, composite materials, technical components and applications requiring a lightweight, resistant material with good performance against heat and chemical agents.
Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
Borates are used in insulation materials because of their contribution to thermal, acoustic and fire protection.
In applications such as glass wool, building insulation and technical protection solutions, boron helps improve material stability, resistance and durability, enabling more efficient and safer products.
Wood Protection
Boron compounds are used in wood protection because of their effectiveness against organisms that can cause deterioration, such as fungi and insects.
Their use helps extend the service life of wood and wood-based products, including boards, plywood, structural elements, fencing, furniture and construction components. Certain boron products may also improve fire performance by helping reduce flame spread through the treated material.
Agriculture and Fertilisers
Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant development. It is required in processes such as root, leaf, flower and fruit growth, pollen formation, sugar transport and seed production.
Borates are used in fertilisers and deficiency-correction products to supply boron to crops that require this element in their nutritional programmes, including fruit trees, vineyards, maize, cotton, alfalfa, soybeans, peanuts and sugar beet, always in accordance with the application rate, formulation and agronomic requirements of the crop.
Detergents and Cleaning Products
Boron compounds are used in detergents, cleaning products and industrial formulations because of their ability to soften water, assist in soil removal and enhance bleaching performance.
They also contribute to pH control, formulation stability and the performance of household, industrial and institutional cleaning products.
Metallurgy
In metallurgy, borates are used as processing aids in high-temperature operations because of their fluxing, deoxidising and protective properties.
Boron is also used in applications involving special steels and high-strength materials, helping improve properties such as hardness, wear resistance and material stability under demanding conditions.
Polymers, Plastics and Flame Retardants
Certain boron compounds are used in polymers, plastics, coatings, rubber and other technical materials as flame-retardant additives.
Their incorporation helps reduce flammability, limit flame spread and improve material performance when exposed to heat, adding value in applications where greater safety, resistance and stability are required.
Packaging and Logistics
PILATO is one of Spain’s leading importers of borates. Depending on the product, application and the customer’s logistical requirements, products are available in bulk, 25 kg bags and big bags.
Selecting the appropriate borate depends on the end application, required boron content, solubility, supply format and technical process requirements. At PILATO, we provide guidance in selecting the most suitable product according to the industrial use and required specification.
- Benefits
Why choose PILATO as a supplier?
Partnering with PILATO means working with a supplier that has knowledge of the industrial environment and strong logistics capabilities. Our business focuses on offering:
Immediate availability
Immediate availability from our logistics facilities in Spain.
Compliance with Technical Requirements
Compliance with the technical requirements typically requested by our clients
Personalized service
Local presence and personalized service to coordinate deliveries and address sales-related questions.
Commitment
Commitment to traceability, consistency across batches, and a stable supply.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the Borates
Which products does the borate range include?
Which products does the borate range include?
The range brings together the most widely used boron compounds in industry: boric acid, decahydrated and pentahydrated borax, anhydrous borax, and boron minerals such as colemanite and ulexite. Each supplies boron with a different water content and solubility, and that is usually the variable that decides which one fits a given process.
What is the role of boron in a ceramic frit?
What is the role of boron in a ceramic frit?
Boron acts as a flux: it lowers the temperature at which the composition melts and widens the working range of the glaze. It also influences the coefficient of thermal expansion of the coating, which helps to adjust the fit between glaze and body and to avoid crazing defects.
When is anhydrous borax preferable to a hydrated grade?
When is anhydrous borax preferable to a hydrated grade?
The difference lies in the water of crystallisation. The anhydrous grade supplies more boron per kilo and avoids releasing water during melting, which matters in high-temperature processes where that outgassing is a problem. Hydrated grades are easier to handle in solution and in formulations prepared cold.
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