Uses of Boron and Aluminium and their Compounds

Uses of Boron, Aluminium and their Compounds

Boron and its compounds. Boron is extremely hard, refractory, of low density and very low electrical conductivity — a combination that gives it several specialised uses. Boron fibres go into bullet-proof vests and lightweight aircraft composites. The $^{10}B$ isotope is an excellent neutron absorber, so borides made from it are used in the nuclear industry as radiation shields and in reactor control rods. Industrially, the biggest use of borax and boric acid is in manufacturing heat-resistant glasses such as Pyrex, along with glass-wool and fibreglass. Borax also serves as a soldering flux, gives heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant glazes on earthenware, and is a component of medicinal soaps; orthoboric acid itself is used as a mild antiseptic. …