Borax Decahydrate
Whatsapp Order
Borax Decahydrate, also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a naturally occurring mineral and an important inorganic compound. It appears as colorless or white crystalline granules or powder with a salty, alkaline taste. This compound is widely used in detergents, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, agriculture, and various industrial applications due to its excellent buffering, emulsifying, and antiseptic properties. The “decahydrate” indicates that each molecule of borax contains ten water molecules bound in its crystal structure, contributing to its crystalline appearance and physical properties.
Categories: Admixtures, Analytical Reagents, Bleaching Agents, Bleaching Agents, Builders, Chelating Agents, pH Adjusters, Softening Agents, Soil Conditioners, Waterproofing Agents
Tags: Agricultural applications, Cleaning agent Detergent formulation, Cosmetics and personal care, Flame retardant additive, Glass and ceramics production, Mineral salt, Sodium borate decahydrate, Water softener, White crystalline powder
Description
Primary Uses
- Detergent and Cleaning Products
- Acts as a water softener and buffering agent in laundry detergents and household cleaners.
- Enhances cleaning efficiency by maintaining alkaline pH and aiding in stain removal.
- Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing
- Used as a flux to lower melting temperatures and improve glass and ceramic durability and clarity.
- Agriculture
- Applied as a micronutrient fertilizer to supply boron essential for plant growth and development.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Used as an emulsifier and preservative in creams, lotions, and bath products.
- Provides mild antiseptic and buffering action.
- Industrial Applications
- Used in soldering fluxes, fire retardants, and as an anti-fungal agent in wood preservation.
Secondary Uses
- Water Treatment
- Utilized to adjust pH and alkalinity in water treatment processes.
- Laboratory and Analytical Uses
- Acts as a reagent or buffer in chemical analyses and experiments.
- Crafts and Household Uses
- Common ingredient in homemade slime and craft projects.
Used as a mild abrasive cleaner.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
- Common/Trade Name: Borax Decahydrate
- CAS Number: 1303-96-4
- HS Code: 2840.10.00
- Molecular Formula: Na2B4O7·10H2O
- Synonyms:
- Sodium borate decahydrate
- Disodium tetraborate decahydrate
- Borax 10H2O
- Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White or colorless; odorless
- Melting Point: Decomposes at ~75°C (loses water of crystallization)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
- Density: Approximately 1.73 g/cm³
- Solubility: Soluble in water (about 5.4 g/100 mL at 20°C); insoluble in alcohol and ether
- pH: Alkaline (approx. 9.5 in 1% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes upon heating
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Classified as irritant (skin and eye)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: Not established
- ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ (inhalable dust)
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; ingestion in large amounts may cause irritation and nausea
- Reactivity: Stable; reacts with strong acids releasing boric acid
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible substances
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or paper bags, drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust generation; use PPE to prevent inhalation and eye contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for limited use in food contact applications
- Environmental Regulations: Complies with REACH and other international chemical regulations
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous; follow standard handling procedures
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations; non-hazardous waste
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate; excessive boron can be toxic to aquatic life
- Persistence: Inorganic and stable in environment
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable (inorganic compound)
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask or respirator (when handling powder)
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes
- Use local exhaust ventilation if dust is generated
- Handle in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed
- Protect from moisture and contamination
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if necessary
- Decomposition Products: May release boron oxides and sodium oxides at high temperatures
Related products
Boric Acid
Boric Acid, chemically known as hydrogen borate or boracic acid, is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron. It appears as a white, crystalline powder or granules that are odorless and slightly soluble in water. Boric Acid is commonly used in antiseptics, insecticides, flame retardants, and as a buffering agent in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Due to its mild antiseptic and antifungal properties, it is often used in ophthalmic, dermatologic, and other personal care formulations. It also plays a key role in glass and ceramics manufacturing as well as in agriculture.
Caustic Soda Micropearls
Caustic Soda Micropearls are small, spherical, solid particles of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produced through specialized prilling or pelletizing techniques. They offer excellent flowability, high purity, and uniform size distribution, making them ideal for precise dosing and handling in industrial and chemical processes. The micropearls form is preferred in applications where dust control, ease of transport, and controlled dissolution rates are critical. Caustic Soda Micropearls exhibit strong alkalinity, are highly soluble in water with an exothermic reaction, and are widely used across many sectors including chemical manufacturing, water treatment, pulp and paper processing, and detergent production.
Citric Acid Anhydrous
Citric Acid Anhydrous is a white, crystalline organic acid widely used across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. It is the anhydrous form of citric acid, meaning it contains no water molecules in its crystal lattice, resulting in higher purity and more concentrated acidic properties compared to its monohydrate form. Derived from natural sources like citrus fruits or produced via microbial fermentation, citric acid anhydrous is valued for its sour taste, excellent chelating ability, and buffering capacity. It serves as a natural preservative, pH adjuster, antioxidant synergist, and cleaning agent, making it a versatile ingredient in many formulations.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Diethanolamine is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a secondary amine and diol, widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. DEA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is valued for its alkalinity, emulsifying properties, and ability to form stable complexes with fatty acids.
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate (Na₂HPO₄·2H₂O)
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate is the hydrated form of disodium hydrogen phosphate, a white crystalline powder commonly used as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and sequestrant. The dihydrate form contains two water molecules per formula unit, which affects its physical properties such as melting point and solubility. It is widely applied in food, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and industrial processes to maintain pH stability, improve texture, and supply essential sodium and phosphate ions.
Indion Cation Resin
Indion Cation Resin is a synthetic ion exchange resin designed primarily for the removal of positively charged ions (cations) from water and various liquid streams. Typically composed of a sulfonated polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) copolymer, this resin features a highly porous bead structure with functional groups that exchange hydrogen or sodium ions for calcium, magnesium, iron, and other metallic cations. Available in different forms (strong acid cation, weak acid cation), Indion Cation Resin is widely used in water treatment, industrial processes, and purification systems.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild acidic odor. It is an organic acid naturally produced by fermentation and widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. The 80% concentration provides a balance of potency and ease of handling, making it suitable for pH adjustment, preservation, and chemical synthesis. Lactic acid is biodegradable, non-toxic, and valued for its multifunctionality including antimicrobial properties and chelation abilities.
Magadi Soda Ash
Magadi Soda Ash, commonly known as Soda Ash or Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃), is a white, odorless, granular or powdery alkaline compound. It is widely used in various industrial and manufacturing processes due to its strong alkaline properties and high solubility in water. Magadi Soda serves as a key raw material in glass manufacturing, detergent production, water treatment, and chemical synthesis. It is available in bulk packaging, such as 50kg bags, for easy handling and transport.