boron rods

High strength solid boron rods (equivalent to 1.7kg of borate per rod) are part of our wood decay treatment range and are used as a preventative protection against timbers which are exposed to damp, or where there is a risk of decay. The boron rod dissolves when it is exposed to moisture, releasing the preservative element boric acid, which saturates the timber, fighting the cause of decay.

How it works

The chemical properties of boron are mainly determined by the electron configuration of the molecule and asymmetry in its valence shell. As a result, boron shows many anomalous properties, compared to its counterparts in the same group.

Boron is inert at room temperature and unaffected by boiling hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid, but oxidises in heated conditions to form boric oxide. This behaviour is due to a reaction between boron with fluorine and oxygen, which forms trifluoride.

It reacts with most elements and chemicals, except noble gases and tellurium at high temperatures. It has the unique property of absorbing neutrons, making it useful for nuclear control rods and radiation shields.

Metal borides are hard and have high melting points, increasing their strength and durability. They are found in the aerospace industry and in jet frames, turbine parts and high-temperature reaction vessels.

Scientists at Braunschweig have found ways to take advantage of boron’s electron deficiency to make new materials. They have synthesized boron complexes, including carbene-bound molecules, and incorporated them into nanotubes and fullerenes for a variety of optical and electronic applications. They also are using boron in a range of nanoparticles, including fluorescent nanowires for cell imaging and detecting anions in the environment.