Understanding the Uses of Boric Acid Across Industries
Boric acid seems so banal. Naturally odorless and tasteless, boric acid occurs almost everywhere around the world. However, it hides its superpowers in its multiple industrial uses. Industrial cleaning chemical supplier Bell Chem introduces just a few of the myriad uses of boric acid your industry might find compelling.
Various Uses of Boric Acid
Medical and Hygienic Products
Antiseptics prevail in boric acid, giving it top billing in many medical and hygienic products. It is commonly used in the treatment of burns, minor cuts, scrapes, and external ear infections.
Building Materials
When creating a more durable building material, boric acid plays a vital role in hardening steel. It coats the surface of heated steel, impeding oxidation and the build-up of carbon.
Cosmetic Industry
Boric acid plays many roles in the cosmetic industry, including acting as an emulsifier to congeal fats and waters, a pH stabilizer, a preservative, and a buffering agent.
Flame Retardant Products
Products such as furniture, insulation, and mattresses are often treated with boric acid to make them flame retardant.
Oil Drilling and Glass Manufacturing
In gas exploration, drilling, and production, boric acid stabilizes temperature fluctuations in drilling fluids as it prevents unnecessary polymer formation. This thermal regulation carries over to glass manufacturing by maintaining temperature and chemical resistance in glass end products.
Insecticide and Lumber Treatment
Boric acid is an effective insecticide, disrupting insects' digestive and neural systems. It is also used to treat lumber to deter insect damage.
Laundry Detergents
In laundry detergents, boric acid acts as a degreaser, effectively eliminating tough stains.
Plant Nurseries
Boric acid bolsters boron deficiencies in plant nurseries. Boron is a micronutrient that strengthens cell walls and aids in the transport of nutrients within a plant's structure.
Food Industry
In the food industry, boric acid increases crispness and elasticity in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Antibacterial Properties
Boric acid solutions stave off gram-negative bacterial infections, improving chronic wound treatments with increased red blood cells, collagen synthesis, and fibroblasts.
Swimming Pools
Treating swimming pools with boric acid not only kills algae but also stabilizes the pH. When used with chlorine, less chlorine is necessary, making the pool look cleaner.
Bell Chem is your industrial cleaning 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.