Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

Distributed by Redox, Boric Acid is an often unsung hero in industrial chemistry and has emerged as a versatile and indispensable compound. Its utility ranges from preserving wood to influencing nuclear reactions, and its significance extends to environmental conservation.

Below, we delve into the multi-faceted world of Boric Acid, uncovering its industrial applications, pricing determinants, ecological advantages, and emerging innovations.

A Versatile Workhorse

Boric Acid, a naturally occurring compound of boron, hydrogen, and oxygen, possesses a remarkable versatility. Due to its unique properties, it has secured its place in various industries. Here are some of the notable applications:

1. Wood Preservation: Boric Acid is crucial in preserving wood, safeguarding timber against rot and decay. Its ability to prevent the growth of fungi and insects has made it a sustainable alternative to more toxic wood treatments.

2. Nuclear Energy: Boric Acid is essential for reactor cooling in the nuclear industry. It controls nuclear reactions by absorbing excess neutrons, ensuring safety and efficiency in power plants.

3. Flame Retardants: Boric Acid is a fire retardant in products like mattresses, upholstery, and textiles. It hinders combustion and slows down the spread of flames, improving safety.

4. Eyewash Solutions:  In the healthcare sector, it is a crucial component of eyewash solutions used to treat eye irritation or chemical exposure.

5. Lubricants and Corrosion Inhibitors: It is employed as a lubricant additive and corrosion inhibitor, extending the life of machinery and equipment.

Pricing Factors and Market Dynamics

Cost are influenced by several factors. Primarily, the availability of boron-rich minerals, from which it is derived, plays a significant role. Global supply and demand trends, influenced by agriculture, ceramics, and electronics industries, also impact pricing. Geopolitical factors and production regulations in major producing countries, including Turkey and the United States, contribute to market volatility.

In recent years, an increase in demand, particularly from electronics and renewable energy sectors, has placed upward pressure on prices. As industries strive to reduce their environmental footprint, the demand for boric acid’s applications in sustainable practices has risen, further influencing its cost.

Growing demand for the below applications around the world has had a direct impact on the growth of the Boric Acid

Future Market Insights recently published its findings, concluding the global boric acid market size is anticipated to increase from US$ 840.7 million in 2022 to US$ 1,409 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

Environmental Benefits and Sustainability

Boric Acid is not only prized for its industrial utility but also for its environmental advantages. Its non-toxic and low-impact properties make it an environmentally responsible choice in various applications, particularly wood preservation and flame retardants. 

The chemical’s ability to enhance the longevity of products and reduce the need for toxic alternatives aligns with modern sustainability goals. As industries become more eco-conscious, Boric Acid has emerged as a green alternative to conventional, more harmful chemicals.

Innovations on the Horizon

The chemical industry, always pursuing safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions, is exploring innovative uses for Boric Acid. Researchers are investigating its potential in advanced battery technologies to improve lithium-ion batteries’ energy storage and sustainability. 

Moreover, Boric Acid’s role in improving crop yields and pest resistance in agriculture is an exciting avenue for future exploration.

How Can We Help?

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial chemistry, Boric Acid has transformed from a hidden gem to a prized asset across various industries. 

Its unique properties and eco-friendly advantages make it the go-to choice as sustainability and efficiency become paramount. The journey from an industrial staple to an environmentally responsible option underscores its indispensable role in shaping a cleaner and safer world.

Redox offers Boric Acid in various specs: from 25kg film bags to 1mt bulk bags. Contact us today to explore how our Boric Acid solutions can contribute to your success. 

 

We at Redox are excited to share that we have renewed our Chemical Educational Foundation’s Presidents Club membership. This is our way of supporting the CEF team’s efforts to promote chemistry education and raise awareness among students in grades K-8.

CEF’s You Be The Chemist programs uniquely connect business and education in local communities to reach students early in life and ignite a passion for chemistry and science-related careers.

Companies and individuals in the science and chemistry industries have invested in You Be The Chemist since 1989, to inspire young students into a lifelong passion for these fields. Programs are implemented in partnership with schools and education programs so activities align with local workforce and learning needs.

Nick Osmo, General Manager, North America, said, “I believe fostering curiosity into STEM at an early age is essential. We want our youth’s innate curiosity to overcome any intimidating aspects that otherwise might deter them so that these powerful subjects become enduring areas of interest, study and eventually a career and passion.”

In today’s world, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are crucial for the future workforce, high school and post-secondary students often receive the most attention in terms of preparation.

However, it is essential to realise that igniting a passion for science at a young age, even as early as five years old, significantly enhances the likelihood of engaging students in learning and ultimately pursuing careers in STEM fields.

CEF’s outstanding program, You Be the Chemist, is dedicated to this cause. It offers educators many educational resources, including activity guides and workshops. Additionally, the program hosts an annual academic competition at the local, state, and national levels, inviting students in grades 5-8 to compete for scholarships and prizes.

The impact of CEF’s You Be the Chemist program is evident in the remarkable outcomes it has achieved.

The You Be the Chemist program continues to serve as a bridge between businesses, educational institutions, and young students, demonstrating the immense potential of chemistry to create a better world.

Epoxy resins are incredibly versatile and functional, making them essential in various industries. They are used in adhesives, coatings and are critical in many applications. Let’s quickly look into the world of epoxy resins and explore their significant impact on diverse sectors.

Epoxy resins, commonly used in various applications, are typically produced through a chemical reaction between epichlorohydrin (ECH) and bisphenol-A (BPA). This reaction results in speciality resins in either liquid or solid form. The production processes for liquid and solid epoxy resins are similar. Initially, ECH and BPA are combined in a reactor, and a solution containing 20-40% caustic soda is added as the mixture is heated to its boiling point. 

After the unreacted ECH evaporates, the resulting mixture is separated into two phases by introducing an inert solvent like Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Subsequently, the resin is washed with water, and the solvent is removed through vacuum distillation. 

Producers incorporate certain additives tailored to the intended application to impart specific properties such as flexibility, viscosity, colour, adhesiveness, and faster curing to the resin.

To transform epoxy resins into a hard, infusible, and rigid material, they must be cured with a hardener. The curing process can occur at a wide range of temperatures, typically between 5 and 150 degrees Celsius, depending on the choice of curing agent. Primary and secondary amines are commonly utilised as curing agents for epoxy resins.

How is it used

Epoxy resins are incredibly versatile and find extensive use across many industries. 

space ship in space with earth and sun in the background

The aerospace industry uses epoxy resin in many innovative ways, including spacecraft hardware fabrication, space suit reinforcement, and improving flame retardancy. This thermosetting polymer’s combined adaptivity and flexibility make it ideal for use in many space travel solutions. They are also used in spacecraft for staking, sealing, coating, encapsulating, potting, and bonding various structural, electronic, and mechanical components.

They also play a vital role in water resistance and structural integrity in the marine industry. At the same time, the automotive and aerospace sectors rely on them for lightweight composites, adhesives, and coatings that enhance performance and safety. 

These are just a few examples of how it contribute to various industries, showcasing their versatility and exceptional properties.

How can Redox help

Redox sells and stores epoxy resin products in various countries, including Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Malaysia. 

Discover how Redox can empower your organisation and unlock the full potential of your sourcing capabilities. Contact us now and experience the advantage that Redox brings.

Redox are proud distributors of a range of products from United Initiators including CAROAT®.

CAROAT® is the preferred option to solve problems which are caused by super chlorination when using common pool & spa sanitizers, such as chlorine, bromine and other non-halogenated alternatives.

CAROAT® is characterized by the following:

CAROAT® is a non-chlorine oxidizer used for shock treatment applications. It has all the positive functionality of a chlorine oxidizer while avoiding the negative side effects.

CAROAT®

CAROAT® is the preferred option to solve problems which are caused by super chlorination when using common pool & spa sanitizers

Download the United Initiators Pool & Spa technical bulletin here and if you have any questions you may refer them to our dedicated Watercare Technical Manager.

This versatile material can also be used in a range of other applications such as –

Denture cleaners: Effective main ingredient in cleaning tablets for dentures.

About United Initiators

United Initiators is a global and leading producer of peroxide-based initiators, Hydrogen Peroxide and specialty chemicals. The company offers a broad range of organic peroxides, persulfates, Hydrogen Peroxide and selected specialty chemicals. Organic peroxides are used in a large variety of polymerization processes and polymer processing applications.

The use of persulfates ranges from aqueous polymerization processes, over electronics, disinfection, cosmetics, metal etching, paper treatment, Oil & Gas exploration to a broad field of bleaching processes. Hydrogen Peroxide is used in consumer goods, disinfection applications and is an enable for the world’s digital economy.

United initiators has several production facilities in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Turkey and India. UI’s mission is to be the best serving peroxide producer for a growing world.

How Can Redox Help?

With Redox, rest assured that our unwavering commitment to excellence will empower your business.

Contact us today to discover how we can be an essential partner in your sourcing strategy, or click here to view the product page.

 

ICIS Chemical Business Magazine has released their annual Top 100 Chemical Distributors for 2023 and Redox has been ranked as the largest Australian distributor, 12th largest in APAC and the 34th globally.

This list includes 340 of the world’s leading chemical distributors with rankings based upon revenue achieved during Calendar Year 2022.

Of note Redox has climbed 30 places in North America as the company grows it’s presence in the US and Mexican markets, with new locations opened recently in Houston, Dallas and Seattle.

This result is an endorsement of the value that Redox has been able to deliver for clients and our suppliers through the good work of our dedicated team.

Click here to read the full report.

A surfactant, also known as a surface-active agent, is a substance that lowers the surface tension between two substances. It is a molecule that contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) parts, allowing it to interact with water and oil.

Surfactants are a wide spectrum of products but are broadly classified as Anionic, Nonionic, Cationic or Amphoteric depending on whether the electrical charge is positive, negative or neutral on the hydrophilic head.

Surfactants

Surfactants are commonly used in cleaning products such as detergents, soaps, and shampoos. They can break down oils and dirt and help them mix with water for easier removal. They are also used in industrial processes such as oil recovery and in medical applications such as lung surfactants, which help maintain the structure of the lungs and prevent collapse.

Examples of surfactants include sodium lauryl sulphate, commonly found in household cleaning products and personal care items, and polysorbate 80, used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Surfactants are used in a wide variety of products, including:

Surfactants have several unique qualities that make them useful in a wide range of applications:

Overall, these unique properties make surfactants extraordinarily versatile and valuable in a wide range of applications, from cleaning products and personal care items to industrial processes and medical applications.

Did you know that Hydrochloric Acid is also known as HCL, muriatic acid, or spirits of salt? It’s utilised in a variety of industrial and commercial settings. For those who work in industries that use this chemical, it’s vital to understand the most common applications, what they accomplish, and what you need to know to handle them safely and responsibly.

What Is Hydrochloric Acid?

Hydrochloric Acid is an odourless, colourless solution of hydrogen chloride in water with a pungent smell. But behind this almost invisible veneer lies a powerful punch. For instance, Hydrochloric Acid can react with metals to form an explosive gas. Yet, it can also be found in many home cleaning products.

Hydrochloric acid

1150 kg IBCs housed in our warehouse, classified Hazard Class 8, are for corrosive materials, defined as substances that can cause significant harm to living tissue and/or corrode steel and aluminium if they leak.

Hydrochloric Acid is classified as a class 8 hazardous product, i.e. it’s a corrosive substance and can cause burns and irritation to the skin. Due to its corrosive properties, extreme care must be taken when handling this product. Make sure to wear appropriate safety equipment when handling hydrochloric acid. Ensure to avoid direct eye contact; if this occurs, seek immediate medical advice. 

We recommend you consult the safety data sheet when using, storing or handling the product.

Hydrochloric Acid in the market and its many uses

This potent acid is found in many industries and has a wide range of uses.

What is Hydrochloric Acid used for?

The most significant end uses for Hydrochloric Acid are cleaning, the productions of fertilisers and dyes, steel pickling, oil well acidising, food manufacturing, producing calcium chloride, and ore processing.

How it’s used also varies significantly. For instance, in water treatment, it’s used to control pH levels, or in swimming pools, it can help remove any stubborn algae from the floors and walls of your pool.  In acidising oil wells, it helps remove carbonate reservoirs, or limestones and dolomites, from the rock. It’s used in laboratories for acid-base titrations and for producing organic and inorganic compounds like PVC.

We also find substantial use of Hydrochloric Acid across many other industries like:

 

Hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid is manufactured predominantly in industrial chlor-alkali plants around the world. The process involves the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt) solution . This produces chlorine gas , sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen is then used to produce hydrochloric acid and ammonia.

In 2020 the global Hydrochloric Acid market size was US $7.8 billion and was expected to record a revenue CAGR of 1.5% over the forecast period through 2028. 

Hydrochloric acid

HCL prices are usually fairly stable and tend to increase yearly as a result of CPI increases, usually as a result of the cost of production (labour /electricity costs etc). However, the imported cost of the product is highly dependent on exchange rate variations, packaging and sea freight costs. Finally the overall economics of supply and demand would also play a role in the change in the price of HCL, which is also dependent on Chlorine and liquid Caustic Soda demand, which are all part of the chlo-alkali process.

Hydrochloric Acid In The Home

In the home, you’re most likely to find it used in cleaning agents like toilet and tile cleaners, as it removes grime without reacting to many bathroom surfaces.

Is Hydrochloric Acid Corrosive?

In short, yes. Hydrochloric Acid is corrosive to organic tissues and will corrode mucous membranes, eyes, skin. It can also be corrosive to almost all metals.

How can we help you?

Redox’s Hydrochloric Acid is available in various pack sizes, including 20-litre carboys, 240 kg drums, 1150 kg IBCs and bulk tanker/Isotainers loads. The product comes in a range of strengths ranging from 6% to 33%, with 32% hydrochloric acid being the main commonly used strength.

Contact one of our experts to discover how Redox can be essential to your sourcing strategy.

Lactic Acid is a versatile material found in a variety of innovative products that was first discovered by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1780 and produced commercially by Charles E. Avery in 1881. 

It’s Applications in Industry?

Lactic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid utilised in various industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and, most recently, medical industries.

In the food industry, which accounts for a large portion of the demand (35%), it has several uses:

However, it is also used as an antimicrobial in cleaning products, has applications in the leather tanning industry, in descaling processes, in the textile industry as a mordant (fixative) for dyeing, and can be converted to ethanol, propylene glycol, and acrylic polymers in the chemical industry.

Graph showing use of lactic acid across industries

Fig. 1. Uses and demand of lactic acid (The Essential Chemical Industry Online 2013)

Although it’s been commercially available for a long time, it is only in recent decades that new uses have resulted in a tremendous increase in demand.

For example, its an essential building block in producing a range of new and innovative bioplastics, PLA or Polylactic Acid – the new generation of biodegradable polymers.

The use of Lactic Acid in manufacturing environmentally friendly, green solvents is another area for significant potential growth. Using it as a green solvent enriches the diversity and versatility of bio-based green solvents and could offer an effective means for designing environmentally benign synthetic systems.

Its application and innovative usefulness seem ever-growing, and in 2010, it was included in a report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy on chemicals that are considered potential building blocks for the future.

Lactic Acid from Redox

Redox is proud to work with leading manufacturers of Lactic Acid and Lactates globally and can create solutions for all customer requirements.

Redox supplies Lactic Acid in the Australian, New Zealand, Malaysian, and North American markets and is available in various packing sizes. These include 25kg carboys, 250kg steel drums and 1200kg IBCs.

We offer it in a range of varied strengths, with a powder form also available for specific applications. Our Lactic Acid conforms to the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), ensuring our product’s overall safety and integrity.

Contact one of our experts to discover how Redox can be an essential element of your sourcing strategy.

The rise of the industrial phosphates industry has gone hand in hand with technologies to purify phosphoric acid. During the 1960s and 70s, chemical producers raced to develop an adequately pure phosphoric acid for manufacture.

Two processes prevailed in the manufacturing of purified Phosphoric acid:

The thermal process typically produces a more concentrated and purer product. Still, it is energy-intensive, whereas the wet process undergoes a ten-step purified process of Ag grade phosphoric acid (involves sulphuric acid & rock phosphate).

Both methods meet FCC standards for food use.

How is Phosphoric acid being used?

It’s a highly versatile and economical product where users are generally chasing its medium-strong strength acidic nature, Phosphorus (P) content or both.

Main uses include – 

The latest and most exciting use is in Lithium batteries for electric cars. 

lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery

The future: Tesla, among other manufactures announce intentions to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry in its smaller vehicles.

Announced as part of the third-quarter earnings report, Tesla reported that all entry-level Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles would be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, an excellent stimulus for the iron phosphate industry.

Our commitment to our customers

We deal in Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA – white or clean), white being the most commercially important, accounting for 99% of demand worldwide. 

We have established a substantial Australian & New Zealand market share due to our long term partnerships with some of the worlds most prominent and most reliable PPA producers.

Whilst PPA is predominately produced in China, we have sources in Europe, Vietnam, the USA and some other smaller regions, ensuring continuity of supply to our many customers across Australia, New Zealand, and now into the USA and Malaysia.

This year, in particular, had demonstrated our capacity to continue to supply when the market fluctuations were at their highest, due primarily to China’s energy and environmental constraints as well as world shipping difficulties linked with the COVID pandemic.

How we can help

We supply 1000L IBC’s in Australia, bringing drums, carboys, and Isotainers. Strengths are 85%, 81% and 75%, and generally, in lower temp climates, users will use lower strength to avoid a slight chance of crystallisation. 

Our massive stock levels across our warehouses allow us to fulfil orders at short notice regardless of the required quantity and deliver them to any location across our customer base.

Working with a supplier that can guarantee consistent quality is critical; Redox is in a great position to meet and exceed your expectations. Contact one of our industry specialists today.

Chinese producers of downstream phosphorus products have recently called Force Majeure, announced large price increases or have cancelled/delayed shipments.

Phosphate production is impacted by energy outages

Aerial view of small hydroelectric station; power restrictions are causing issues for production.

1. Electricity supply problems

China’s yellow phosphorus output is concentrated in the Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Hubei provinces’ south-western region.

Hydroelectric power generation is the main source of electricity in the south-west area and with this year’s dry period in Yunnan being longer than in previous years (December to May) generation was impacted.

It was only in May of this year that power restrictions began to escalate again in Yunnan, affecting a large proportion of the yellow phosphorus market who were forced to reduce or stagger their production.

With this as a backdrop, we can see how yellow phosphorus prices began to rise noticeably from mid-May onwards and as a result the market supply tension has continued to intensify as the market essentially has not enough inventory to meet demand.

It is predicted that the price and supply of yellow phosphorus will continue to trend upwards, at least in the short term.

2. Environmental protection and production restrictions

China produced 130 million tons of phosphate ore each year until 2015, when it was at its peak.

However, environmental concerns were being raised and the potential issues that could impact the phosphate market if left unchecked for too long. Things such as uncontrolled mining and primarily small and medium-sized business practices and the impacts these have on the environment.

As a result, improving the governance and adaptation of phosphate mines has been one of China’s most significant environmental governance triumphs in recent years.

However, and as a result, under the policy of environmental protection and production restrictions China’s phosphate ore production has decreased drastically, with negative growth in production from 2016 and a negative growth rate of -27.9% in 2018.

For the first time in recent memory, production fell below 100 million tons for the first time in history and ongoing production continues to drop under the policy of environmental protection and industrial limitations.

3. Popularity of Lithium iron phosphate batteries

Power batteries are classified as being either lithium iron phosphate or ternary lithium, depending on their composition. Ternary lithium batteries have gained popularity in recent years because of their high energy density, whereas lithium iron phosphate batteries are recognized for being less expensive and safer.

The contemporary downstream application market has also increased yellow phosphorus demand this year. In 2021, the yellow phosphorus market has benefited from the surge in downstream applications. When compared to the more traditional market, the battery industry C lithium iron phosphate is a more powerful ally of the yellow phosphorus market than it was even this time last year.

As of May, the cumulative production of lithium iron phosphate was 50.3%, more than 49.6% of ternary lithium batteries, and is predicted to see year on year growth up to 80%.

Phosphorus Yellow June 19th 2021 - September 17th 2021(Unit: RMB/ton)

Phosphorus Yellow June 19th 2021 – September 17th 2021 (Unit: RMB/ton)

Affected products

Some of the affected products that may be impacted by the issues surrounding the phosphorus market have been listed below.

Please contact your Redox representative to discuss any concerns or supply strategy.