Natriumboraatit

Natriumboraatit, often referred to as sodium borates, are a group of boron, sodium, and oxygen compounds. The most common and well-known form is borax, which is a hydrated sodium borate with the chemical formula Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O. Other forms include anhydrous sodium borate (Na₂B₄O₇) and various other hydrated and dehydrated species. These compounds occur naturally as minerals, most notably in evaporite deposits formed by the evaporation of lakes and seas.

Sodium borates have a wide range of applications due to their unique chemical properties. They are commonly used as cleaning agents, particularly in laundry detergents, as they can soften water and act as a mild abrasive. In industry, they are crucial components in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, where they act as fluxing agents, lowering melting points and improving durability. They are also used in glazes and enamels.

Furthermore, sodium borates find applications in metallurgy as fluxes for soldering and welding, and in agriculture as a source of boron for plant fertilizers. They are also utilized in the production of certain fire retardants and in some cosmetic formulations. The versatility and relatively low toxicity of sodium borates make them valuable materials in numerous everyday products and industrial processes.