Boric+acid

Boric acid is also called hydrogen borate or boracic acid or orthoboric acid or acidum boricum. It has a chemical formula H 3 BO 3 and is a weak acid of boron. It is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, as a neutron absorber, and as a precursor of other chemical compounds. It exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder and dissolves in water. Boric acid has several powerful uses including medical, insecticidal, lubrication, preservation, nuclear power, industrial, and pyrotechnics. In the medical realm, it can be used as an eye wash. However, this may be a hazard to infants. It can also be used in the manufacturing of fiber glass. When it comes to preservation, boric acid can help preserve timber from becoming insect infested.

Also called __ [|orthoboric acid.] __ Chemistry, Pharmacology. a white, crystalline acid, H 3 BO 3, occurring in __ [|nature] __ or prepared from borax: used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramics, cements, glass, and enamels, for fireproofing, and in medicine in aqueous solution as a mild antiseptic.

Properties
Boric acid is soluble in boiling water, when heated to 170 degrees Celsius it begins to dehydrate, which forms metaboric acid (HBO 2 ). Metaboric acid is a white, crystalline solid and is only slightly soluble in water, and has a melting point of about 236 degrees Celsius, and when heated above 300 degrees, it continues to dehydrate, which forms tetraboric acid (H 2 B 4 O 7 )

Boric acid is also used as a treatment for vaginal yeast infections known as candidiasis. Also, Boric acid can be used in the treatment of other infections like the athlete's foot fungus.

Uses
Boric acid has many different uses. It is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics such as contact lens solution, eye disinfectants, vaginal remedies, baby powder, anti-aging preparations and similar external applications. It is also useful as a flame retardant. Boric acid inhibits the release of combustible gases from burning cellulosic materials like cotton, wood, and paper based products. It also releases chemically bonded water, which further reduces combustion. Along with these properties, boric acid also forms a carbon char (or charcoal) when burned which further inhibits combustion. As a flame retardant, it is used in products like futons, mattresses, upholstered furniture, insulation and gypsum board. It is also used in textiles, plastics, specialty coatings and other industrial products to strengthen their ability to withstand exposure to flames. Because it can increase the chemical and temperature resistance of glass, boric acid is often used in specialty glasses such as halogen light bulbs, ovenware, microwavable glass ware, lab glassware and many others.

As mentioned above, boric acid is used in fiber glass manufacturing and as an insecticide. Boric acid aids the fiberization process of fiberglass, which can then later be used in fiberglass insulation and textile fiberglass. In insecticides and bug control products, it acts as a desiccant which dehydrates the insects. It causes tiny fissures, or cracks in the exoskeleton which will eventually dry them out. The saltiness of boric acid also interferes with the metabolism of the bugs which is very simple and electrolytic. Boric acid is also used in products to control fungus. This is because boron compounds inhibit the growth of fungus, and have also shown to be a reliable wood preservative. You can also find boric acid as a substitute for chlorine in some swimming pools and spas. It's used as a substitute because it is safer, prevents contamination, and gives the water a softer feeling. Some miscellaneous uses for boric acid are in metallurgy (where it is used to harden and treat steel alloys), aiding in the application of metal plating materials, ceramics, enamel coatings, adhesives, lubricants and many others.