Boric acid is a water-soluble white compound and occurs naturally. It consists of oxygen, boron, and hydrogen.

 

Boric acid, also known as acidum boricum, boracic acid, or hydrogen borate, is widely used as an antiseptic, neutron absorber, flame retardant, insecticide, or precursor to other chemical compounds. It exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in water. Boric acid can be manufactured commercially by reaction of borax with mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid. It has wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, as antiseptic and as pH buffer and sanitizer for swimming pools. Moreover, boric acid is used to produce lubricant with oils for ceramic and metal surfaces.

Furthermore, it is used in various applications, such as pest control, nutritional supplements, wood preservatives, ceramics and fiberglass, flame retardants, and others. Boric acid is used in various end-use industries, such as nuclear, building and construction, chemical processing, agricultural, and pharmaceutical among others. It is used in nuclear power plants to reduce the probability of thermal fission by absorbing thermal neutrons. It is available in various forms of purity, such as ≥99% and <99%.

The powdery form of boric acid is widely used in manufacturing industries, where it plays a key role in crushing, drying, and grinding. It has great absorbent properties that make it a useful ingredient in detergents, floor coatings, paints, lubricants, paints, varnishes, roofing materials, and other products that require a lot of moisture to act upon and dissolve quickly. It is mixed with water to form a solid powder, then further treated with borax to form a thick white foam. Borax is used as a natural deodorant, and is popular because of its antiseptic properties.

Boric acid offers various benefits, such as chemical and heat resistance, help increase breakage index, reduce melting point, and offers transparency and brightness to glass. Therefore, with the increasing application of boron in fiberglass and specialty glass (carbon fiber), demand for boric acid is also increasing. According to American Composites Manufacturers Association, the global fiberglass market is expected to reach US$ 20 billion by 2024.