7. Uses and substitutions

Boron and its compounds are used in hundreds of industrial sectors, including :

• the glass and fiber industry (temperature-resistant Pyrex borosilicate glass, glass fibers for insulation, textile reinforcement fibers for plastics, etc.);

• the soap, detergent and bleach industry;

• ceramics (glazes, frites) ;

• agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.);

• flame retardants (fireproofing of cellulose fibers and plastics, etc.);

• automotive industry (airbag triggering, coolants, etc.);

• steelmaking and metallurgy (welding, brazing, slag fluxes, etc.);

• nuclear power plants (neutron absorption, control...