Borax

Borax (CAS 1303-96-4), also marketed as E285 in food contact and preservation applications, is an inorganic sodium borate salt used across industrial and consumer formulations. It serves as a pH buffer, corrosion inhibitor, and multifunctional processing aid. Its buffering capacity and biocidal activity make it a practical choice for formulators working across cleaning and surface treatment.

In metalworking and industrial lubricants, it functions as a corrosion inhibitor and anti-wear additive in cutting fluids. Coatings and adhesive manufacturers incorporate it as a crosslinking agent for polyvinyl alcohol-based systems. This directly influences gel strength and cure behavior in various industrial applications. Textile and leather processors use it as a flame retardant treatment and pH regulator during fiber preparation and tanning.

In personal care and cleaning formulations, it acts as a buffering agent and mild preservative booster. This supports product stability across a range of pH-sensitive systems and enhances overall formulation shelf life. The material is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, with size varying by requirement. Standard commercial grades include technical grade and food-grade specifications for preservation and contact uses.

Pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP or BP standards is available for healthcare and cosmetic formulation use. These high-purity options ensure compliance with strict regulatory and safety requirements.