Description

Borax is a natural mineral and a salt of boric acid. It is also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It is an important boron compound. Several closely related minerals that differ in their crystal water content such as decahydrate, pentahydrate, and octahydrate salts are also referred to as borax. Even its anhydrous form is also referred to as borax.

Uses of Borax

Few of the Uses of Borax are Listed Below –

• As Cleaning Agent – Various properties of borax help to increase its cleaning power. It converts water into hydrogen peroxide during cleaning. It is highly basic so it makes the hot water basic which enhances the effectiveness of bleach or other cleaners.

• As an Insect Killer – Borax stops the metabolic process of many organisms. This property of borax makes it a better disinfectant.

• It is used in the test of diabetes mellitus.

• It is used as a water softening agent.

• For welding of iron and steel mixture of borax and ammonium chloride is used as a flux.