Boron

Boron: uses

The following uses for boron are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I'd be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses (please use the feedback mechanism to add uses).

• amorphous boron is used in pyrotechnic flares (distinctive green colour), and rockets (as an igniter)
• boric, or boracic, acid, is used as a mild antiseptic
• borax, Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O, is a cleansing flux in welding
• borax, Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O is a water softener in washing powders
• boron compounds are used in production of enamels for covering steel of refrigerators, washing machines, etc.
• boron compounds are extensively used in the manufacture of enamels and borosilicate glasses
• boron compounds show promise in treating arthritis
• ¹⁰B is used as a control for nuclear reactors, as a shield for nuclear radiation, and in instruments used for detecting neutrons
• boron nitride is as hard as diamond. It behaves like an electrical insulator, but conducts heat like a metal. It also has lubricating properties similar to graphite
• the hydrides are sometimes used as rocket fuels
• boron filaments, a high-strength, lightweight material, are used for advanced aerospace structures, .
• lightweight compounds used for aerospace structures
• boron filaments used in fibre optics research
• Boric Acid is also used in North America for the control of cockroaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, and other insects.

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