Borates, fully oxygenated compounds of the element boron, represent >99% of boron compounds commercially produced and used worldwide. Naturally occurring boron is found exclusively combined with oxygen primarily in minerals as alkali metal or alkaline earth salts. Thus, the vast majority of industrial boron chemistry is concerned with B-O compounds. Chemical reactions of borates are generally characterised by the interaction with the associated oxygen atoms and not with the boron atom directly. In glass technology, boric oxide performs a multifunctional role in both the melt and final product product properties; this has made possible the development and production of the many types of glass in use today. Major applications for borates are in the making of technical borosilicate glasses including heat resistant glass; medical glass; wool and much more.
