Many chemicals are used by man in a wide variety of industries. Bura is one of them. It is used in industry, agriculture, technology, medicine, everyday life, etc. What is borax? This mineral, also called tincal or sodium borate, has unique properties.
General information
So what is borax? This substance crystallizes in a monosymmetric system. In its appearance, it resembles columns of augite. Its name means "white" in Persian. Transparent borax, the use of which is possible after careful processing of the crystals, is practically colorless or slightly grayish. It is characterized by a greasy sheen and a sweetish-alkaline aftertaste. The substance is soluble in water. For this, as a rule, 14 parts of water are taken for 1 part of tincal. The melting point of the mineral in question is 60.8 °C. When melted with a blowtorch, the fire turns yellowish, and the substance itself turns into a colorless glass.
Chemical composition of borax
Let's look at what borax is in terms of chemistry. Substance formula: Na2B4O7. Most often it exists as a crystalline hydrate Na2B4O7•10H 2O, which corresponds to 16% sodium, 37% boric acid and 47% water. Borax is a raw material for obtaining the compounds contained in it. The quality of the substance is controlled by GOST 8429-77. Sodium tetraborate (borax) goes on sale as a white crystalline powder, the quality of which depends on various chemical elements and the degree of purification. The product comes in two grades: A (the mass fraction of borax is at least 99.5%) and B (94%). It also contains carbonates, sulfates, lead and arsenic.
Mining and obtaining borax
This substance is most often mined in natural conditions. What is borax in the broadest sense of the word? This mineral belongs to the class of borates. It is a chemical residue of drying up s alt lakes. In Europe, the substance in question first appeared after it was discovered in Tibetan s alt lakes. It is from there that its other name comes from - tinkal. Some California shallow lakes are rich in brown, where rather large crystals are mined. On sale you can find technical and food sodium tetraborate.
In 1748, the French chemist Enuville first obtained borax from boric acid and soda. And in our time, some enterprises are engaged in the production of artificial sodium tetraborate decahydrate. DIY Borax can be obtained byneutralization of boric acid with sodium carbonate, followed by evaporation of this mixture and filtration. This process is based on the following chemical reaction: 3=6H2O + CO2 + Na2B 407. A soda solution is prepared in a container and heated to 95-100 ° C, stirring constantly. Then boric acid is poured into it. To prevent the solution from foaming, it is added in small portions. The ratio between the components should be such that the solution contains 16-20% Na2B407 and 0.5-1.0% Na2C03. The mixture is boiled for 30 minutes, filtered and cooled until crystals are obtained. An artificial chemical mineral differs from the natural one in rhombohedral crystals and contains less water. It may only be used for technical and medical purposes.
Bora: industrial applications
The technical application of this substance is quite diverse. Borax is a component of fluxes for welding metals, including precious ones. As part of the charge, it is used in the production of glass, enamels, and glazes, since it is an indispensable source of boron oxide. It is used for the manufacture of antiseptics, insecticides and as a preservative during the processing of raw hides. Borax is needed to obtain electrolytes in metallurgy.
Tinkal is the raw material for the manufacture of sodium perborate, which is the main oxygen-containing bleaching component insynthetic detergent powders. To improve the cleaning properties and maintain the required viscosity, acidity, giving the ability to form an emulsion, sodium tetraborate is included in the composition of household and industrial cleaning products, rubbing and polishes. Borax is used for the manufacture of lubricants, brake fluids; it is also indispensable in the production of antifreeze, since it, interacting with iron, forms a complex anti-corrosion compound. It is also used in the manufacturing process of various adhesives.
The use of borax in everyday life
This mineral has long been used by people as a natural cleanser. Ground borax is used for effective cleaning of plumbing. Want to make your toilet sparkle? Not a question: it will be enough to pour 1 glass of ground mineral into it and leave it overnight. By brushing your plumbing in the morning, you can remove almost any stubborn dirt. An aqueous solution of borax is used as a detergent (2 tsp per 0.5 l of liquid).
This unique substance can be used to control fleas and cockroaches. So, in the place of accumulation of parasites, borax powder is periodically poured. You don't have to worry about fumes: in small quantities, it does not harm people and animals.
To fight mold, prepare a thick paste of water and borax. It is smeared on a moldy surface and left for 12-24 hours. The dried paste is swept away with a brush, and the remains are washed off with water. This tool is only suitable for relatively waterproof surfaces. Besides,borax is used along with starch to process collars and cuffs. It is also used when washing things made of wool (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). What for? Very simple: to give products softness.
Medical applications
Sodium tetraborate is used as an antiseptic for rinsing, douching, skin and oral cavity treatment. For this, glycerin (20%) or aqueous solutions of borax are used. Alcoholic solutions do not exist, since the substance is insoluble in alcohol. Borax should be stored in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children, as in large quantities and high concentrations it can be harmful to he alth.
