Boric+Oxide

Boric oxide, the pure form of B2O3, is a hard glassy material, granular in texture. Exposed to the atmosphere it slowly absorbs water, reverting to boric acid. It is soluble in water but at a much slower rate than boric acid. Approximately 56.3 kg of boric oxide are the chemical equivalent of 100 kg of boric acid. Boric oxide is used where B2O3 is required without the presence of sodium or calcium and/or where water would be detrimental to the process.

Pure B2O3 is needed for the production of certain types of glasses including optical and telescope lenses, medical glasses (ampoules), electronic glasses and glassceramic composites. The general benefits of using B2O3 in glass formulations are reduction of melting temperature, increased thermal resistance and mechanical strength, and enhanced aqueous and chemical durability. Boric oxide is used to produce various types of high strength and heat-resistant ceramic products such as boron carbide, boron nitride, titanium and zirconium diborides, as well as elemental boron. It is used in the manufacture of chemically bonded firebricks and castables which require resistance to high temperature, abrasion and corrosion. Boric oxide is used as a binder for magnesia-based refractory bricks and as a stabilizer for dolomite refractory bricks commonly used in steel smelting furnaces.
 * Specialty glasses**
 * Specialty ceramics**
 * Refractories**