Ceramic is obtained by mixing materials like clay and kaolin, which are formed as a result of rock fragmentation, and then baking them at high temperatures. Ceramic has been used by humans for quite a long time, but thanks to the use of boron and boron-based products, ceramic materials have become much more resistant to physical impact and chemicals than they used to be. The ceramics industry accounts for roughly 13% of the world’s boron consumption. Boron is used for ceramic glaze and enamel production in order to obtain strong products that are resistant to heat and chemicals. Boron and boron-based products add value to ceramic glaze and enamel, which are the usually selected coatings for ceramic products and metal alloys respectively.
Used frequently for construction materials, kitchen utensils and ornaments, boron-based ceramic is a popular product for both industrial and household use. Ceramic goods range from kitchen utensils to bathroom tiles and ornaments. Thanks to boron and boron-based products, they gain a thin, vitreous ceramic glaze for a smoother finish. The glaze can be attained by kiln drying products like silica or alumina at high temperatures. However, reaching the necessary temperature is technically difficult and very costly; therefore, boron is used as an easier and more economical alternative. Boron and boron-based products have a lower heat of fusion, directly enabling the production of ceramic products at low costs with greater durability.
Thanks to its fusional and binding properties, boron lowers the viscosity and the surface tension of glass, thus making ceramic more durable against physical and chemical impact. During the phase of ceramic aestheticization, boron helps the paint to adhere better and produces brighter and livelier colors. Thanks to boron and boron-based products, ceramic materials become more resistant to impacts, scratches, and breaking. Moreover, the processes of fusion and adhesion occur at lower temperatures. Boron makes the tools and equipment, which are used actively in many areas of life, more durable and aesthetically pleasing.
