Production of boron and sodium perborate
Boron

Elemental boron is obtained by hot reduction of B₂O₃ obtained :

• from boric acid by a highly reducing metal (Mg, Ca, alkali, Al);

• by igneous electrolysis at 1,100°C of B₂O₃ and/or borates in a molten bath composed of various magnesium salts (MgCl₂ , MgSO₄ , MgCO₃). There is in fact a reduction of the anhydride B₂O₃ or borates by the magnesium released by electrolysis. The resulting elemental boron contains metal salts and borides, which are removed by boiling in acidic media (HCl, H₂SO₄) and then optionally by melting with B₂O₃ and heating under vacuum. The result is elemental boron...