●Uses●+●Importance●
Uses
| ● | Cleaning |
|
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| - | Detergents | ||
| - | Soaps | ||
| - | Disinfectants | ||
| - | Mouthwashes | ||
| ● | Water softeners | ||
| ● | Slime for children | ||
| ● | Fertilizer additives | ||
| ● | Pesticides | ||
| ● | The making of enamel glazes | ||
| ● | The making of heat resistant glass | ||
| ● | Strengthening pottery and ceramics | ||
| ● | Flux in elding and soldering | ||
| ● | Solvent for metal-oxide slags in metallurgy | ||
| ● | Converting to boric acid or borate |
Importance
Borax is a main component in borosilicate glass, which is used commonly in
homes, schools, and laboratories. It is better known by the brand name
Pyrex. This glass is made tougher, so it can withstand very high
temperatures. These qualities are important for things such as cooking and
experiments. The borax is added to the silica during the glass making
process. The boron that is added makes the glass tougher.
The same strengthening properties used in glass are also used in other products, such as glazes for ceramics and pottery. These glazes are glossy as well as tough. The borax is added to the glaze, which then makes it stronger, thereby strengthening the pottery.
Borax can also strengthen flux in elding and soldering. It helps let the solder flow over the joints in stained glass and other welding products. It also prevents the formation of oxides with the metals.
Borax works as a marvelous
multipurpose cleaning agent. In the laundry, it is used as a conditioning agent
along with the detergent. It helps take smells out of garbage cans and
humidifiers. It is also able to aid in cleaning other surfaces such as showers,
counters, and fine china. The company 20 Mule Team Borax has been around since
1891 and still continues to be a household name.
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