Browsing: Boron

Boron is a chemical element with the symbol B and atomic number 5. Positioned in Group 13 of the periodic table, it is a metalloid with properties intermediate between metals and non-metals. Boron is not found free in nature but occurs in compounds such as borax and boric acid. It has several unique characteristics, including high hardness in its crystalline form and the ability to absorb neutrons, making it valuable in nuclear reactors as a control material. Industrially, boron is used in glass and ceramics to improve thermal and chemical resistance. Additionally, compounds of boron are used in detergents, as mild antiseptics, and in the manufacture of composite materials and semiconductors, showcasing its versatility and importance in both daily life and advanced technological applications.