Boron Uses

Boron is a chemical element with atomic number 5 and is represented by the symbol 'B'. It was first isolated by Sir Humphry Davy, Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac and Louis-Jacques Thenard, but recognized as an element in 1824 by Jons Jakob Berzilius. The name boron is derived from the Arabic word Buraq which is a word for the mineral borax.

Boron Properties
Boron is the fifth element in the periodic table and is a trivalent metalloid, that exhibits some properties of metals as well as of non metal. It occurs in nature as orthoboric acid, colemanite, borax and ulexite. Elemental boron is dark, amorphous and a nonreactive solid. Boron is electron deficient and acts as an electrophile and a Lewis acid.

The melting point of boron is 2079°C and its boiling or sublimation point is 2550°C. Boron fails to conduct electricity at room temperatures, however, it is a good conductor at high temperature. The specific gravity of amorphous form of boron is 2.37, whereas, that of its crystalline form is 2.34. Boron filaments are lightweight, yet have high tensile strength. Boron can form stable covalently bonded molecular networks just like carbon. Pure boron can be obtained by decomposing diborane, which is a compound made up of boron and hydrogen, at high temperatures.

Uses
Boron and its compounds have been used for thousands of years for various purposes. The unique physical and chemical properties of boron are responsible of its various applications. Following are some uses of boron.

• One of the main uses of boron is in the form of sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, Na₂B₄O₇. Sodium tetraborate is used in the manufacture of insulating fiberglass and also in cleaning products such as bleaches and detergents.
• Sodium perborate, a boron compound, serves as a source of active oxygen, in many laundry detergents, cleaning products and some tooth bleaching formulas.
• Boron carbide shields have a high cross section for neutron capture, hence, they are used as control rods in nuclear reactors. Boron carbide is also used in making bulletproof vests and in tank armor.
• Borosilicate glass is a common example of boron being used in glass and ceramic industries. Borosilicate glass has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and shows excellent resistance to thermal shocks.
• Boron fibers have a high tensile strength and yet are lightweight. They are used for advanced aerospace structures as well as for consumer and sporting goods such as fishing rods and golf clubs.
• Boron is used as a dopant in semiconductor industry, for semiconductors like germanium, silicon and silicon carbide.
• Boron uses in agriculture for making various agricultural chemicals, pest controls, fertilizers, soil supplements are known to all. It is one of the essential nutrients required by plants for normal growth.

Boron Health Benefits
Boron, along with being so useful in agriculture and industry, has several health benefits. Following are some health benefits offered by boron.

• Boron helps in preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and maintains overall bone health. It strengthens the bones by increasing the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
• Boron plays a significant role in regulating cell membrane functioning and metabolic activity. Regular intake of boron helps in efficient absorption of calcium and magnesium in the body and thus helps in reducing the risk of kidney stones.
• It is also important for brain health. Boron deficiency can decrease cognitive performances and result in impaired brain functioning.
• Borax solution is useful in the treatment of ulcers in the mouth. It can also treat eye infections effectively.

So, this was all about boron uses and properties. Boron compounds also find uses as abrasives, lubricants, fire retardants and insecticides.