Borax Powder

Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate, Na2B4O7·10H2O, CAS 1303-96-4) is a white crystalline powder supplied by Global Chemicals LLC with 11.3% boron, solubility of 5 g per 100 mL of water at 20 °C and pH 9.0–9.5 in 1% solution, in 25 kg and 50 kg bags and bulk from stock in Muscat, for oilfield service companies, glass and ceramic makers, metalworkers and formulators across Oman and the GCC.

In the oilfield, borax is the classic crosslinker of guar-based fracturing fluids. Added to a hydrated guar or hydroxypropyl-guar gel at around 0.5–2 lb per 1,000 gallons, with the pH raised to 9–10, borate ions link the polymer chains into a strong, elastic gel that carries proppant into the fracture; the link is reversible with temperature and shear, so the gel heals after pumping through perforations and breaks cleanly when the pH falls or a breaker acts. Delayed and high-temperature systems control the release of borate to time the crosslink. Borax also buffers the pH of drilling muds and acts as a corrosion inhibitor in some completion and packer fluids. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the gel, breaker and buffer products used alongside it.

Industrial uses: a flux in glass, glass fibre, enamels and ceramic glazes, where boron lowers the melting point and raises chemical and thermal resistance; a flux for brazing, soldering and forge welding, dissolving oxides from the joint; a buffer and mild alkali in detergents, cleaners and cosmetics; a fire retardant for cellulose insulation, wood and textiles; a micronutrient boron source for crops that show boron deficiency; and the starting material for boric acid and other boron compounds.

Handling and storage: borax is low in acute toxicity but is classified as toxic for reproduction in the European Union, so avoid ingestion and dust, wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask, and keep it out of food and children's products. Store bags closed and dry; the decahydrate loses water in hot, dry storage and cakes in humid air. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis giving assay, boron content and insolubles, and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior fields by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the quantity, pack size and intended use.