CALCIUM BORATE

Chemical Properties

grayish white lumps or powder(s); uses: in medicine, as a bleach, and in tooth powder(s) [HAW93]

Uses

Microbiological fouling of plastic materials is an unwanted nuisance and a problem in many household and industrial environments. The humid and highmoisture environments where plastic materials are often used provide excellent growth environments for unwanted microorganisms such as mold, fungi, and mildew. In addition to degrading and fouling plastic materials, these microorganisms can cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors. Calcium pyroborate has been employed in various plastic materials that contain a microbicidally effective amount of calcium pyroborate that protects plastic materials from microbiological attack. It is also used in fungicidal and corrosion inhibiting paint pigments.

Preparation

Calcium pyroborate has the molecular formula of Ca₂B₂O₅, it can be prepared by the reaction of:
2CaCl₂ (solid) + 2H₂BO₃ (solid) + heat →Ca₂B₂O₅ + 4HCl (gas)

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Agricultural Uses

Colemanite (Ca₂B₆O_11.5H₂O)is a boron-bearing mineral that releases boron at a slow rate for plant uptake. It can be applied directly.