Product Description
Lithium borate also known as lithium tetraborate is the lithium salt of boric acid. It is an ingredient that can be use in making glasses and ceramics.
Lithium Borate Properties:
1. CAS Number: 12007-60-2
2. Chemical formula: Li2B4O7
3. Molar mass: 169.11 g/mol
4. Appearance: white powder
5. Density: 2.4 g/cm3, solid
6. Melting point: 917 degree centigrade
7. Solubility in water: Moderately soluble
Lithium Borate Applications:
1. Glass Industry: Lithium borate is commonly used in the glass industry as a fluxing agent. It helps to lower the melting temperature of glass, improve its chemical resistance, and increase its durability. This makes it valuable in the production of glass for laboratory equipment, optical lenses, and specialty glass products.
2. Ceramics: Lithium borate is also utilized in ceramic manufacturing processes as a flux. It aids in reducing the firing temperature of ceramics and promotes densification, leading to improved mechanical properties of ceramic materials.
3. Nuclear Reactor Control: Lithium borate is used as a neutron-absorbing material in nuclear reactors for control rod applications. Its ability to efficiently absorb neutrons makes it valuable in regulating nuclear fission reactions and maintaining reactor safety.
4. Lithium-ion Batteries: Lithium borate-based electrolytes are being investigated for use in lithium-ion batteries. These electrolytes can potentially offer improved safety and stability compared to traditional electrolytes, leading to advancements in battery technology.
5. Thermoluminescent Dosimetry: Lithium borate is employed in thermoluminescent dosimetry systems for measuring ionizing radiation doses. When exposed to radiation, lithium borate crystals trap the energy, which can later be released as visible light when the crystals are heated. This property is utilized in dosimeters for radiation monitoring in medical, industrial, and environmental applications.
6. Flame Retardants: Lithium borate compounds are used as flame retardants in various materials, including plastics and textiles. They help to reduce the flammability of these materials by inhibiting the combustion process and suppressing the spread of flames.
7. Chemical Synthesis: Lithium borate can serve as a precursor in the synthesis of other borate compounds and complex metal borates, which find applications in catalysts, specialty chemicals, and materials science research.
8. Analytical Chemistry: Lithium borate solutions are used in analytical chemistry for various purposes, including sample preparation, pH buffering, and as a reagent in specific chemical tests and assays.
Lithium Borate FAQ:
Q. How is lithium borate used in the glass industry?
Ans: In the glass industry, lithium borate is used to reduce the melting temperature of glass, improve its chemical resistance, and enhance its durability. It is added to glass formulations as a fluxing agent to facilitate the melting process and modify the properties of the resulting glass.
Q. What are the advantages of using lithium borate in lithium-ion batteries?
Ans: Lithium borate-based electrolytes offer improved safety and stability compared to traditional electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They can potentially enhance the performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries while reducing the risk of thermal runaway events.
Q. How does lithium borate work in thermoluminescent dosimetry?
Ans: In thermoluminescent dosimetry, lithium borate crystals are exposed to ionizing radiation, which causes them to trap energy. When the crystals are subsequently heated, the trapped energy is released as visible light, which can be measured to determine the amount of radiation absorbed by the dosimeter.
Q. Is lithium borate hazardous to health or the environment?
Ans: Lithium borate is generally considered safe when handled properly. However, like any chemical compound, it should be used with caution to minimize exposure. Proper safety measures should be followed during handling, storage, and disposal to prevent adverse health effects or environmental contamination.
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