Boric acid is recognized by myriad names, such as hydrogen borate, boracic acid, acidum boricum, and orthoboric boric acid. Its functions are even more numerous than its aliases. Boric acid appears as a hydrophilic, white, odorless, and basically flavorless powder or colorless crystals. Combining the elements of hydrogen, oxygen, and boron, boric acid is naturally occurring in almost every fruit variety. Several significant examples of water treatment product and chemical supplier Bell Chem’s pure boric acid’s uses are listed below. 

Antiseptic

Boric acid has been used for centuries as an antiseptic for minor burns and cuts; it also serves as an acne treatment because of this property. Boric acid is a fungicide and has been frequently administered for athlete’s foot or other fungal infections. 

Fiberglass

Boric acid’s main industrial role is in the production of fiberglass. It decreases the melting point of fiberglass as it strengthens the fibers. Textile fiberglass, such as that used in skis and circuit boards, also rely on boric acid. Along the same lines, boric acid also strengthens glass used in cooking, laboratories, fluorescent tubes, fiber optics, and LCD monitors and screens; this product is known as borosilicate glass.  

Flame Retardant

Adding boric acid to insulation, mattresses, furniture, gypsum board, plastics, and textiles either during the manufacturing process or as a coating gives these products more resistance to extreme temperatures by reducing the release of combustible gases. 

Insecticides

Many products controlling ant, cockroach, flea, and termite infestation contain boric acid for its insecticidal properties. Boric acid disrupts the electrolytic metabolic functions of insects and abrades their exoskeletons by acting as a desiccant. Because it is sticky, boric acid adheres to one insect’s exoskeleton and is easily transmitted to all other insects it contacts.  

Lubricant

Ceramics and metals that demand direct contact with other products with minimal friction rely on boric acid to help these surfaces glide past each other more easily. 

Pool Care

Swimming pools have a narrow pH range in order to maintain clear, odor-free water. Boric acid acts as a pH buffer to keep water homeostatically constant and often replaces chlorine as a less caustic chemical. 

Bell Chem is a water treatment product and chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including boric acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.