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Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has various industrial and household applications. It is available in two forms: decahydrate and pentahydrate. In this blog post, we will discuss the uses and differences between these two types of borax.
Uses of Borax Decahydrate : Borax decahydrate, commonly referred to as simply "borax," has numerous uses in different industries. Some of the most common applications of borax decahydrate include:
Cleaning agent : Borax is an effective cleaning agent due to its ability to dissolve grease and dirt. It is commonly used as a laundry booster, carpet cleaner, and bathroom cleaner.
Pest control : Borax can be used as a natural insecticide to control pests such as ants, cockroaches, and fleas.
Flame retardant : Borax is often added to flame retardants to make textiles and other materials less flammable.
Fertilizer : Borax is a source of boron, which is an essential micronutrient for plants. It is used as a fertilizer to promote healthy growth and increase crop yields.
Uses of Borax Pentahydrate : Borax pentahydrate is another form of borax that has specific applications in certain industries. Some of the uses of borax pentahydrate include:
Glass production : Borax pentahydrate is used in the production of glass to lower the melting point of silica and make it easier to shape.
Ceramic production : Borax pentahydrate is added to ceramic glazes to improve their melting properties and create a glossy finish.
Welding flux : Borax pentahydrate is used as a welding flux to protect metal surfaces from oxidation during the welding process.
The main difference between borax decahydrate and pentahydrate is their water content. Borax decahydrate contains ten molecules of water, while borax pentahydrate has five molecules of water. This difference in water content affects their uses in different industries.
Another difference between these two forms of borax is their solubility in water. Borax pentahydrate is more soluble in water than borax decahydrate. This makes it easier to dissolve in solutions and use in certain applications, such as glass production and welding flux.
Conclusion : Borax decahydrate and pentahydrate have various industrial and household applications. While they share some common uses, they also have differences that make them suitable for specific industries. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right type of borax for your needs.
Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7. 5H2O |
CAS Number | 1303-96-4, 1330-43-4, 11130-12-4, 12179-04-3 |
Molar Weight | 301.9693 g/mol |
Specific Gravity | 1.71 |
Melting Point | 743 °C |
Boiling Point | 1.575 °C |
Forms | White solid |