Boron is a chemical element that has an atomic number of 5, characterized by having a blackened color and being a semimetal (or metalloid) widely used by mankind.
Learn more about this element here and be aware of its presence in your day to day, we invite you to read until the end. You will be surprised with the most important uses of this semimetal.
Boron uses in everyday life
For the preparation of powder detergent
Between the most common and used compounds of boron is found the borax, which can be dissolved in water. Due to its density and the physicochemical characteristics of this compound, it is widely used to make detergents, soaps, disinfectants and fabric softeners.
Boron uses in jewelry
Along with water, the borax compound is also widely used for solder the silver and the Prayed, with the purpose of make jewelry high quality. In this sense, the borax facilitates the transit of the metal through the mold, while providing shine.
Uses in agriculture and pesticides
To ensure that a crop develops correctly, it is important eliminate pests that may appear (both plants and animals). In these cases, pesticides are essential, and many of them use a boron compound for their production. Thus, boron is an element fundamental in agriculture.
Boron uses in technology
For processing refined metals, laminated plasterboard and electrolytic coating
In the metallurgical industry Boron is an important element for producing refined metals, which are later used in construction and in the electrical industry.
Similarly, boron is also used to coating electrolytics used in electrochemistry, as well as for manufacture prefabricated materials and laminated plasterboard, items widely used in construction.
Boron uses in medicine
For eye drops and antiseptics
Among the three most widely used compounds of boron is boric oxide, a compound used in the medical field to make eye drops and mild antiseptics.
In treatments against brain tumors
Because the boron-10 isotope has a high affinity for neutrons, it is also used to apply the well-known technique of color therapy in patients with brain tumors. This treatment makes it possible to progressively eliminate these tumors, and to date its effectiveness is being studied in other organs of the body such as the prostate, liver and breasts.
Boron uses in industry
To manufacture glass, enamels and ceramics
Boron, specifically the compound Borax is also used in the production of ceramics for cover the floors of homes, as well as it is important for manufacture glass of different thicknesses and enamels on decorative pieces. So, thanks to boron you can beautify your home.
In the process of making fireworks
Have you ever wondered what goes into making fireworks? Believe it or not, they are various boron compounds. With them it is possible to obtain fireworks of different colors. For example, amorphous boron has a characteristic green color, which is why it is used to make fireworks that color. In addition, it is used as fuel in rockets and flares.
Boron uses in renewable energy
Boron uses in nuclear reactors
One of the most common isotopes of boron is boron-10, noted for its incredible ability to absorb neutrons. Therefore, this element is widely used for regulate the operation of nuclear reactors (in which neutrons are scattered in various directions). Likewise, it is also used to manufacture devices that allow the detection of neutrons.
To produce hydrogen
It is well known that hydrogen is a renewable alternative to provide energy, and studies are currently being carried out using boron hydride to produce this precious chemical element.
These investigations are being carried out in Israel and the United States, specifically at the Institute of Science in Rehovot and at the University of Minnesota. It is hoped that with these boron compounds some problems related to the storage and use of hydrogen can be solved. However, more studies are required to study its effectiveness and application in the future.