What Is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is a mild acid with antifungal and disinfectant properties. It is used for sterilization and as a neutron-absorbing material in nuclear power plants.
Additionally, boric acid serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various chemical compounds.
It is widely utilized in agriculture as a disinfectant and insecticide.

Chemical Formula of Boric Acid

The chemical formula of this weak hydrated acid is H₃BO₃.

Applications of Boric Acid

1. In Agriculture

• Fertilizer and Plant Nutrient:
  Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, especially in pollination, fruit formation, and sugar transport. Boric acid provides boron in fertilizers to correct soil deficiency.
• Improved Crop Yield:
  Proper use of boron enhances crop quality and yield.

2. In the Nuclear Industry

• Neutron Absorber:
  In nuclear reactors, boric acid is used to absorb neutrons, controlling chain reactions and regulating reactor power.

3. In Jewelry and Goldsmithing

• Oxidation Control:
  Mixed with denatured alcohol, boric acid prevents oxidation and flame discoloration during soldering and heating of metals.

4. In Metallurgy and Welding

• Flux Agent:
  Used as a flux in welding and soldering to remove oxides and improve bonding quality.
• Electroplating:
  Applied in some metal plating processes to improve conductivity and coating quality.

5. In Chemical and Polymer Industries

• Raw Material:
  Used to produce boron compounds such as borax (sodium borate) and other borides.
• Resin Production:
  Added to certain resins and polymers to enhance mechanical strength and flame resistance.

6. In Pharmaceuticals and Medicine

• Antifungal Agent:
  Used as a mild antifungal in powders for treating fungal infections (e.g., foot powder).
• Eye Wash (Historically):
  Previously used in dilute eye wash solutions, though now restricted due to potential toxicity with overuse.
• Treatment for Vaginal Infections:
  Occasionally prescribed in very low doses under medical supervision.

7. In Insecticide Production

• Insect Control:
  A well-known use of boric acid is as an insecticide for cockroaches, ants, termites, fleas, and other pests. It acts as a stomach poison that disrupts digestion.
• Wood Preservation:
  Used to protect wood from fungi and wood-boring insects.

8. In the Ceramics and Glass Industry

• Borosilicate Glass Production:
  A key ingredient in making heat- and impact-resistant glass (e.g., Pyrex) for laboratory, kitchenware, and optical applications.
• Glazes and Tiles:
  Used in ceramic glazes and frits to increase gloss, hardness, and scratch resistance.
• Fiberglass:
  Applied in fiberglass production for insulation and reinforcement.

Methods of Producing Boric Acid

1. Reaction of Hydrochloric Acid and Borax

Hydrochloric acid and borax are separately dissolved in water, then mixed. Upon cooling, boric acid crystals form and are filtered out.

2. Reaction of Sodium Borax with Sulfuric Acid

The resulting boric acid crystals are separated and recrystallized with hot water for purification.

Major Global Producers of Boric Acid

1. Eti Maden (Turkey):
   The world’s largest boron producer, holding about 73% of global boron reserves.
2. Rio Tinto Borates (USA):
   A subsidiary of Rio Tinto, producing borates in California (Borón mine).
3. Borax Français (France)
4. U.S. Borax (USA)
5. Producers in China and South America:
   Smaller-scale producers in Argentina, Chile, and China.

Market Notes:

• The boric acid market is highly concentrated and dominated by a few major suppliers.
• Purity and quality are crucial for industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural uses.

Producers of Boric Acid in Iran

Iran lacks large boron reserves like Turkey or the U.S., so most boric acid is imported.
However, domestic research and small-scale projects aim to produce boric acid locally.

Main Sources in Iran

1. Import and Distribution Companies — Importing from major producers like Eti Maden.
2. Research and Pilot Production — Small projects testing local boron ores.
3. New Petrochemical Projects — Potential plans for future large-scale production.

Main Global Suppliers:

• Turkey (Eti Maden)
• Argentina

Boric Acid Price Factors

Price is influenced by:

• Product volume and purity percentage
• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Producer and brand
• Raw material and energy costs

Boric Acid Sales

When choosing a boric acid supplier, consider:

• Product Quality (meets industrial standards)
• Supply Reliability
• Competitive Pricing
• After-Sales Support

PetroAlton supplies premium-quality boric acid and offers expert consultation to help industries maximize its benefits.

Health Hazards and Safety

Boric acid can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
Precautions:

• Avoid skin and eye contact.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke before washing after handling.
  Possible Symptoms:
  Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin redness, cough, sore throat, and nosebleeds.

Difference Between Boric Acid and Borax

While both are boron-based compounds, they differ chemically:

• Borax is a naturally occurring mineral (sodium borate).
• Boric Acid is derived from borax by reaction with acids or hydrogen compounds.
  Thus, boric acid cannot exist without borax.

Global Boric Acid Market

The largest consumers are China and the United States.
Major borax deposits are located in Turkey and the U.S., leading to concentrated production.
In China, demand is growing in textiles, electronics, and shipbuilding industries.

Where to Buy Boric Acid

You can purchase high-quality boric acid from reputable importers such as PetroAlton Tajhiz.
For pricing and consultation, contact our specialists.