What Is Used For

What Is Boric Acid Used For

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Boric acid is a versatile compound used across a wide array of applications in industry, medicine, agriculture, household products, and environmental management[1][2].

  • Industrial uses: It is a critical additive in glass manufacturing—including specialty, household, and LCD glass—as well as fiberglass, where it improves chemical resistance and durability[1][4][6]. Boric acid is also used as a flame retardant in timber, furniture, and insulation materials[1][7]. In metalworking, it serves as a welding flux, a component in electroplating baths, and as a hardener for steel[1][8].
  • Medical applications: Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make boric acid a common ingredient in wound sprays, burn dressings, and anti-yeast suppositories. It is used to treat skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and acne, and as an eye wash in dilution[3][5][7]. Urine sample bottles also contain boric acid as a preservative[7].
  • Household and consumer products: Boric acid is found in cleaning products, detergents, and used as a mold cleaner[2][7]. It is a well-established insecticide, particularly effective for controlling cockroaches, ants, silverfish, fleas, beetles, and termites[3][4][7].
  • Environmental and water treatment: It functions in pollution control, water treatment, and emission reduction due to its low toxicity and buffering ability[2].
  • Agriculture: Used as a micronutrient to correct boron deficiency in plants, it also preserves grain and timber from pests and fungi[4][7].
  • Other applications: The compound is used as a lubricant for ceramics and metals, a buffer in scientific and pharmaceutical formulations, a preservative for crustaceans in commercial fishing, and in cosmetics, including powders and creams[5][7]. In nuclear power, boric acid acts as a neutron absorber[1][4].

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