Zinc Borate

Zinc borate is a chemical compound, white in color and slightly soluble in water. It is stable in nature and is often used in process manufacturing, especially famous for its flame retardancy. Its use is first in the fire protection of building materials. In today's buildings, high-rise buildings are lined with high-rise buildings. When there is a fire, flame retardant materials are required to protect safety. Zinc borate is added to polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polyester and other polymers to increase its flame retardant effect. It does not burn in case of flame, or can self-extinguish, which is greatly relied on for safety. Zinc boron can also be used as a melting aid for ceramics and enamels, making the material easy to melt and uniform in glaze at high temperatures. Its complex energy is used for glass manufacturing, and its strength is enhanced when used, and it is heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant. In the rubber industry, zinc and boron are added to the formula, which has anti-mildew function, so that the rubber is not easy to mildew after storage for a long time. Flame retardant plastic appliances required by the electrical industry, zinc and boron are always added materials, which not only prevent combustion, but also prevent arc corrosion. Its chemical properties are stable, non-volatilization and non-precipitation, so it is not easy to damage the performance of products. Zinc and boron can inhibit the precipitation of smoke and toxic gases from plastics or coatings, and protect people's lives in the event of a fire. Today's fireproof cables, home appliance shells, and electronic product components have more power than zinc and boron to enhance their safety. In addition, zinc boron is added to coatings, which can inhibit rust and fungus breeding and prolong the life of equipment. It is also a The refinement of the process and the wide application depend on the stable properties of zinc and boron, which are non-toxic and harmless, and are coordinated with a variety of materials. The pioneers in the chemical industry have widely studied and synthesized their products, and finally became the necessary industrial assistance in this world. It is the use of zinc and boron as industrial raw materials, which is actually important for social security and technological progress, and its benefits are obvious and difficult or lacking.

Zinc Borate exhibits a range of distinct chemical properties that make it suitable for flame retardant and other industrial applications. Chemically, it is represented by the formula ZnB₄O₇·xH₂O (with varying water content, such as 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O in common grades), classifying it as an inorganic borate compound. A key chemical property is its thermal decomposition behavior. When heated above 300°C, it undergoes endothermic dehydration, releasing bound water molecules without producing toxic gases. This decomposition is irreversible and contributes to its flame-retardant function by absorbing heat and diluting combustible vapors. Unlike halogenated flame retardants, it does not generate corrosive or harmful by-products during thermal breakdown, aligning with 环保要求 (environmental requirements). Zinc Borate is chemically inert under normal conditions, showing high stability in contact with most organic solvents, acids, and bases. It does not react with polymers, resins, or other additives in composite materials, ensuring compatibility in formulations. However, in strong acidic environments (pH < 2), it may slowly dissolve, releasing boron and zinc ions, though this reaction is minimal in neutral or alkaline systems. It acts as a synergist in chemical interactions with other flame retardants. For example, when combined with aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, it enhances char formation through cross-linking reactions, strengthening the protective barrier on material surfaces. With brominated compounds, it promotes the formation of boron-bromine complexes, which further suppress free radical propagation in the gas phase during combustion. Zinc Borate is non-toxic and non-corrosive, with no known carcinogenic or mutagenic properties. It does not undergo biodegradation but remains stable in environmental conditions, posing minimal ecological risk. These chemical properties collectively make it a versatile and safe additive in flame-retardant materials, coatings, and plastics.

Zinc Borate plays a multifaceted role in flame retardant materials, contributing to fire suppression through both chemical and physical mechanisms. As a halogen-free additive, it is widely used in polymers, textiles, and coatings to enhance fire resistance without releasing toxic gases during combustion. Chemically, Zinc Borate acts as a synergist with other flame retardants like aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or brominated compounds. When exposed to high temperatures, it decomposes to release water vapor, which dilutes flammable gases and cools the material surface. Simultaneously, it forms a glassy boron-rich oxide layer on the material’s surface, acting as a barrier to block oxygen and heat transfer, thus inhibiting further combustion. This charring and barrier-forming effect is critical in preventing flame spread. Physically, it reduces the rate of thermal decomposition of the base material by absorbing heat during its own decomposition. It also suppresses smoke generation by interacting with free radicals produced during combustion, minimizing the release of toxic fumes—a key advantage in improving fire safety for enclosed spaces. Additionally, Zinc Borate enhances the durability of flame retardant properties. It remains stable under processing conditions (e.g., high temperatures in polymer extrusion) and does not easily leach out during use or aging, ensuring long-term fire resistance. Its low toxicity and compatibility with various polymers (such as PVC, polyolefins, and epoxy resins) further expand its application in consumer goods, construction materials, and electrical appliances.

Zinc borate is a commonly used chemical additive, widely used in flame retardant, smoke suppression and other fields. Its nature is safe, but it can decompose harmful gases in case of high temperature, and its dust can easily cause discomfort to the human body if it is in the air for a long time. Therefore, when it comes to its storage and transportation, it needs to be followed by regulations and should not be ignored. Store zinc borate, when choosing a cool, ventilated and dry place, avoid exposure to the hot sun and prevent rain leakage. It should be packaged in sealed utensils or coated films to prevent moisture invasion and avoid moisture absorption and agglomeration. In the storage room, it should not be mixed with flammable and explosive substances, nor should it be mixed with strong acids, strong alkalis and other reactive substances to prevent unexpected changes. The stacking height must be appropriate, not too high, so as not to overturn and cause disaster. When transporting zinc borate, special equipment should be used, plus sealed packaging. When handling, beware of drops and impacts to prevent packaging damage. Transportation vehicles should be kept clean and dry, and are strictly prohibited from being loaded with food, feed or hazardous chemicals with peculiar smell and volatile. In case of rainstorms, blizzards and hot sun, there must be shielding measures to avoid damage to packaging and product deliquescence. On the way, keep away from fire sources, avoid being adjacent to fire and electric sparks, and ensure that the road is unobstructed. When loading and unloading zinc borate, personnel should wear protective clothing, masks and gloves to prevent dust inhalation and skin contact. Strictly abide by the operating procedures, handle it with care, and do not splash dust. The unloading site must have good ventilation, and there is no bright fire source. After the storage tank and cargo box are used up, clean it in time, leaving no residual substances, and keep the environment clean. Although zinc borate is not highly toxic, it is inhaled powder for a long time, which may cause damage to the respiratory system, and should be prevented in the future. Between storage and transportation, every abnormality must be immediately identified, properly disposed of, and not slightly relaxed. In this way, zinc borate can be safely stored and transported without the risk of disaster, and people's safety and safety should be guaranteed.

Zinc borate is chemically stable and is widely used in flame retardant and antibacterial materials. It is slightly toxic, not as strong as arsenic and mercury, but still affects the human body. If the human body inhales its dust, it is easy to cause cough, itchy throat, shortness of breath, and can also cause rhinitis and bronchitis. If eaten by mistake, it can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases disrupt kidney function. Contact with skin often causes red itching, mild inflammation, and eye contact also causes discomfort. In conventional doses, toxicity is not strong, but exposure is too severe, and it is not safe in the end. Caution should be taken. Zinc borate dissolves very little in water, but then flows with the water body, seeps into the soil, and gradually accumulates. Clouds and rain settle, entering rivers, lakes and seas, which is also harmful to aquatic organisms. Long-term exposure to fish and shrimp, growth is inhibited and reproduction is reduced. For some plants, over time, the root system decays and the leaves and veins turn yellow. A small amount of boron is needed by plants, and too much is poisonous. In its heyday, the grass and trees are withered, and the land is gradually reduced. Although zinc is also beneficial, it accumulates too much, which disturbs the balance of metal ions in animals and causes metabolic disorders. However, zinc borate has both environmentally friendly properties. Compared with halogens and heavy metal flame retardants, it has low volatility, lasts for a long time in the material, has no odor, is non-toxic, and does not produce carcinogens such as dioxin. Waste incineration, the main ingredients are zinc oxide, boron oxide, and no highly toxic gases escape. Therefore, if properly managed and compliant, the potential pollution is much lighter than that of traditional flame retardant additives. Modern technology generally uses zinc borate in plastics, coatings, fibers, etc., mostly to encapsulate and solidify particles to reduce free dust, which is not easy to be exposed to workers or users. Factory operations focus on ventilation and dust removal. Workers wear protective gear and wash their hands frequently to be safe. Waste disposal should be collected and returned to storage, and rivers should not be dumped at will, so as not to involve the ecology. In summary, zinc borate is good for the environment and human body. If it is used well and prevented from escaping, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. If there is a lack of prevention, excessive leakage will cause harm to people and animals. Therefore, the system is prudent and the disposal must be appropriate, so that the benefits can be obtained without future problems.