Know More Regarding Boric Acid And Its Different Uses

By Author: Jo Alelsto
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Boric acid is an important industrial acid with its multiple uses. It is a compound that is also known as orthoboric acid or boracic acid and is written as H3BO3. The central element is boron, which does not exist alone in nature as it is always in combination with other elements. Boron is an important micronutrient for plants but its importance in humans is limited. We get boron in form of boric acid present in vegetables, fruits, and grains. The acid may also be present in traces in contaminated water. The acid may be in solid form characterized as white, odorless, and almost tasteless crystals. In its granular form, the acidic crystals look like table salt but may be pulverized to look like talcum powder. This acid and its salt may be seen in dried up lake beds in areas where the climate is extremely dry.

Boric acid is used widely in industries and, as a matter of fact, it is a commonly occurring household chemical. However, many people do not know the extent of applications of this chemical.

The medicinal properties of the acid make it popular. It is used as an antiseptic which controls the growth ...
... of harmful microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. In fact, it is the only acidic chemical known to be beneficial to the human eyes. Manufacturers of optical products use boric acid in making eyewashes, although chemists don't normally sell hydrogen borate as an eye treatment chemical. Nonetheless, one may find it in products used to treat conjunctivitis. Surprisingly, it is also used to treat otitis externa or ear infection due to fungal or bacterial proliferation in the ear canal.

It is also used as a treatment for excessive feet perspiration, which causes bad odor, as it prevents fungal growth. Also, being a natural fungicide that it is, vaginal yeast infection can be controlled by this acid. With its antiseptic properties, it is a good remedy for various fungal and bacterial skin infections.

In addition to the medicinal properties, hydrogen borate does have some nutritional benefits because of the element boron whose main function is to promote the proper structure and function of bones and joints. Nonetheless, the manufacture of boric acid as a mineral supplement is extremely limited, if not nonexistent.

In the fire fighting department, hydrogen borate is used as a flame retardant because it effectively controls combustion by inhibiting the release of flammable gases produced by materials like wood, cotton, and paper. The acid also breaks down in extreme heat to release water molecules locked in to reduce temperature, thereby, retarding the flames. Firefighters therefore employ the compound when smothering flames caused by burning mattresses, upholstery, and other cotton-based materials.

On the other hand, fire resistant materials may contain hydrogen borate. Of course, you have heard of borosilicate glass, popular for being the thermal resistant glass, capable of withstanding extreme heat and cold. Thus, laboratory glassware is basically borosilicate glass which contains small amount of boron oxide. The resistance to extreme heat of halogen glass bulbs or microwavable glass utensils is due to the presence of boron. The addition of acid of boron in glassmaking aids in the strengthening of glass which gives birth to the popular fiberglass.

The chemical has a lot more uses in different fields and even at home. The agricultural purposes of the acid of boron are attributed to its ability to control fungal growth and insect infestation. Boracic acid is a popular insecticide because it's not a highly toxic substance but rather acts as a dehydrating substance which strips insects of their water reserves. It destroys the exoskeletons of insects to slowly impair them. Furthermore, the antiseptic effect of the acidic substance makes it a better alternative to chlorine in sanitizing pools because it's not harsh to the skin.
Jo is a content writer for 'Boric Acid' (http://www.boric-acid.co.uk), a website owned by ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd, a well-known UK stationed chemical producer that creates, has a supply of and supplies a vast variety of premium chemical. If your firm is searching for superior quality chemical product for instance Boric Acid then have a look at ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.