Characteristic, Electrical and Optical Properties of Potassium Borate (KB5O8·4H2O) Hydrothermally Synthesised from Different Boron Sources

Potassium borate was hydrothermally synthesized from various of boron minerals (H3BO3, B2O3, Na2B4O7·5H2O and Na2B4O7·10H2O) at reaction conditions of 90 − 60°C and 120 − 15 min. The synthesised potassium borate was identified as “Santite (KB5O8·4H2O)” in X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses results. The specific band values between B and O atoms were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman Spectroscopies. Multiangular particles were generally observed in the range of 234.94 nm − 3.41 µm. The use of different boron sources may affect the morphology. Higher reaction yields were determined in the use of boric acid (H3BO3). Optical absorption of potassium borate minerals was approximately 340 nm. AC and DC electrical properties of materials were determined by using current-voltage and capacitance voltage characteristics. Electrical resistivities of DC were found in the range of 4.17×108 – 4.07×1010 Ω.cm, whereas dielectric constants of AC were between 2×105 and 2×106.

A new rapid synthesis of potassium borates by microwave irradiation

Potassium borates are one of the minor groups of boron minerals with its distinct non-linear optical properties. In this study, potassium borate compound of santite (KB5O8·4H2O) are synthesized using potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and boric acid (H3BO3) with a new and rapid method of microwave irradiation. The synthesized minerals are characterized by various analysis techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three parameters of “microwave power level”, “reaction times” and “reaction stoichiometric constants (elemental potassium to boron ratios)” are determined for the optimum synthesis of potassium borate within the four step. At the end of the step 4, optimum products are obtained as santite type potassium borate. Synthesized potassium borates Raman bands are in mutual agreement with the boron compounds and the overall reaction yields to potassium borates are very high compared with the lower reaction times.

Compressibility behavior of Boron (Tincal) added to sand-bentonite mixtures under different temperatures

The importance of thermal behaviour of soils has increased significantly with increasing number of energy structures. There is a need for soils, which show design criteria (strength, permeability, etc.) performance during their life under high temperature or thermal cycles. In the literature studies, it was observed that the volumetric deformation of the soil changes with increasing temperature. Sand-bentonite mixtures generally act as impervious barrier in areas such as nuclear waste repositories, landfill liners etc. These mixtures will be exposed to high temperature; therefore, their engineering performance should not alter under high temperature. Boron is used in the industry for high temperature resistance, flexibility, lightness, power and ease of production. Boron minerals have very low thermal expansion and they are also resistant to thermal shocks. For that reason, the properties of sand-bentonite mixtures can be improved by boron additives at high temperatures. In this study, volume deformation behavior of sand-bentonite mixtures was determined in the presence of tincal. The oedometer tests were performed under room temperature and 80°C.

A Review of Boron-Bearing Minerals (Excluding Tourmaline) in the Adirondack Region of New York State

Boron is a biologically important element, but its distribution in the natural environment and its behavior during many geological processes is not fully understood. In most metamorphic and igneous environments, boron is incorporated into minerals of the tourmaline supergroup. In high-grade metamorphic terranes like that of the Adirondack region of northern New York State, uncommon rock compositions combined with unusual and variable geologic conditions resulted in the formation of many additional boron-bearing minerals. This paper reviews the occurrences and geological settings of twelve relatively uncommon boron-bearing minerals in the southern Grenville Province of upstate New York and provides new chemical and Raman spectral data for seven of these minerals. The boron minerals range from relatively simple metal borates (e.g., vonsenite), to chemically complex borosilicates (e.g., prismatine), to a relatively rare borosilicate-carbonate (e.g., harkerite). Some are of primary igneous origin, while others are formed by a variety of prograde and retrograde metamorphic processes or by metasomatic/hydrothermal processes. Most of the boron minerals are formed within, or adjacent to, metasedimentary lithologies that surround the anorthositic massifs of the central Adirondacks. The metasedimentary rocks are thought to be the source of most of the boron, although additional boron isotope studies are needed to confirm this and to constrain the mechanisms of the formation of these unusual minerals.

The first discovery of oxyborates in the rocks of the Norilsk-1 intrusion (northwest of the Siberian platform)

We found five boron minerals in the taxitic gabbrodolerites near the upper contact of the Norilsk-1 ore-bearing intrusion. These are kotoite Mg3(BO3)2, suanite Mg2B2O5, warwickite (Mg,Ti,Fe,Cr,Al)2O(BO3), ludwigite (Mg)2Fe3+O2(BO3), and azoproite (Mg,Fe2+)2(Fe3+,Ti,Mg)O2(BO3). This is the first discovery of oxyborate minerals in the Norilsk province. They form monomineral and polymineral inclusions in olivine grains from the recrystallized areas of the taxitic intrusive rocks. Boron minerals arose at the late stage of the magma crystallization or just after that as a result of the interaction of the rock with the boron-bearing fluid containing in the ore-bearing magma. Presence of the micro inclusions of the oxyborates as well as higher boron content in rocks can be used as a criterion for searching of the Pt-Cu-Ni-bearing intrusions in the Norilsk province.

Alloying metals of Russia. Mineral raw materials resources: state, utilization, perspective of development (Report 2)

A group of metals, including tantalum, rare earth metals, beryllium, titanium, zirconium, rhenium, scandium and boron has a big importance for alloying steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals as well as for production of different alloys. In Russia, the explored resources of tantalum by many times exceed the plants’ demands. Zashikhinskoe and Vishnyakovskoe deposits in Irkutskregion, as well as Katuginskoe in Chitaregion are most promising. The State balance accounts the resources of rare earth metals (REM) oxides by 20 deposits. Russiatakes the second place in the world after Chinaby REM resources. The balance resources of beryllium are accounted in 35 deposits, exceeding the world proved resources in the summarized categories A + B + C1+ C2. Russia takes the third place in the world after China and Australia by zirconium resources. The state balance accounts 36 deposits of titanium and 21 deposit of zirconium. Rhenium is the least provided by deposits and most demanded metal. The state balance of RF accounts resources of rhenium in seven deposits: three of them being copper-molybdenum deposits, two – copperporphyritic deposits, one – tungsten-molybdenum deposit and one – purely rhenium deposit. Resources of scandium as an associated component are accounted in eight deposits of Russia, half of the being within the allocated fund of bowels. However, man-caused formations – red sludge – wastes of alumina production – are most real source of scandium. Big resources of scandium are associated with the wastes of iron ore production at Kachkanar mining and concentration plant, which ate not accounted by the State balance. Resources of three deposits of boron ores are accounted in Russia, two of the being within the allocated fund of bowels – the Dal’negorskoe (Primorsky region) which utilized, and Taezhnoe (Sakha Republic – Yakutiya), which is being prepared for utilization. A wide distribution of boron minerals ascertained in magnetite ores, developed in Korshunovskoe (Irkutsk region) and Kazskoe (Kemerovo region) deposits.

Effect of chicken feather and boron compounds as filler on mechanical and flame retardancy properties of polymer composite materials

Sustainable utilisation of solid waste has been influenced by the increasing population of the world. Benefits of using solid waste based on natural fibre in polymer material are biodegradability and cost effectiveness. In poultry farms, chicken poultry, one of the slaughterhouse wastes is confronted with 30 106 kg of waste per year in Turkey. The evaluation of this waste, which is quite rich in keratin, is extremely important both for the solution of the waste problem and for maintaining a clean environment, bringing this valuable material to the economy. These fibres are stable, durable and biodegradable because they have a crystalline structure. However, this valuable waste will have a positive effect when used together with boron minerals, which both increase the mechanical properties, flame retardancy and biodegradation of composite material. In this study, it is the aim to manufacture superior polyester-based composite materials reinforced with three kinds of boron minerals, such as boron oxide, borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate and fibres recycled from waste chicken feathers. The effect of different filling ratios of filling materials on the mechanical and physical properties of composite materials was examined. Flame retardancy properties of the composites with best mechanical results were investigated. After pouring by means of the pre-casting process, the water absorption and swelling thickness of final products, as well as density, bending strength, flexural modulus, limiting oxygen index, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis, was performed. Mixing prescriptions and conditions with the best properties were determined.