Intro to Boron Essay Example

molecules into hydrogen peroxide and since the pH of borax is 9. 5 it produces a basic solution in water, which increases the effectiveness of bleach and other cleaners.

Borates bond with other particles to keep ingredients dispersed evenly in a mixture, which maximizes the surface area of active particles to enhance the cleaning power. Also, the boron, oxygen and salt of borax prevent the metabolic process of organisms and therefore are used to disinfect and kill unwanted pests. Another use of boron is that it is used to ignite rocket propellants. It does this because when a small amount of boron is added into the propellant, which causes a significant increase in performance.

Triethylborane a compound of boron ignites the JP-7 fuel of the Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet/ramjet engines which power the Lockhead SR-71 Blackbird. NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs from 1967-1973 also used Triethylborane. It ignites engines effectively due to its ability to conduct energy when in high temperatures. Other uses for boron are neodymium magnets, which are used for cell phones, DVD’s and also used for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), which is used to see the internal part of a body.

MRI’s are useful in imaging the brain, muscles, heart and cancers. Boron is also in bulletproof vests and used as a shield to radiation. Boron is a very useful element and although we don’t realize it, we use boron someway in our everyday live. It is a unique element because we can use that one element in so many different ways. It helps to cure diseases, clean houses, discover the final frontier, and so many more things. Boron

is truly a great and versatile element.