Infected wound repair remains a global healthcare challenge, primarily due to bacterial infection and a pathological microenvironment characterized by elevated glucose levels and oxidative stress. In this work, a quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan (QCMCS)/oxidized sodium alginate (OSA)/tannic acid (TA)/sodium tetraborate (STB) hydrogel was developed for controlled TA release and diabetic wound repair. The QCMCS/OSA/TA/STB hydrogel exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with inhibition rates exceeding 99% against S. aureus and MRSA and 86% against E. coli, arising from the synergistic action of QCMCS and TA. Meanwhile, the introduction of TA enhanced antioxidant performance (radical scavenging rates of 66.72% and 93.16% against DPPH and ABTS, respectively), and STB reinforced mechanical strength with a compressive resistance of 140.78 kPa through a dual cross-linking network. In vitro biocompatibility evaluations demonstrated that the hemolysis ratios of all hydrogels were below 5%, and the survival rate of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was over 93%. Reversible borate ester linkages between STB and the catechol groups of TA protect TA from oxidative degradation and allow stimulus-responsive release under elevated glucose and oxidative conditions. This responsive hydrogel represents a promising multifunctional platform for diabetic wound management.

Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate; Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) is prohibited for use in processed foods in Indonesia, necessitating analytically defensible surveillance methods for routine monitoring. This study aimed to validate a curcumin-based UV–Vis spectrophotometric assay and to apply rapid qualitative screening to nugget products marketed in Gorontalo, Indonesia. Qualitative screening was performed using the flame test and turmeric paper test on six samples (A1–C2) collected in October 2025. For the UV–Vis method, wavelength optimisation using a 500 µg/mL borax standard identified 427 nm as the operational measurement wavelength. Calibration standards (1–9 µg/mL) were analysed in triplicate, and validation was conducted for linearity, LOD, LOQ, repeatability precision, and spike-recovery accuracy (80%, 100%, and 120% levels). The method exhibited excellent linearity (y = 0.1082x + 0.0147; R² = 0.9995), with LOD and LOQ of 0.25849 µg/mL and 0.86165 µg/mL, respectively. Repeatability showed 1.40% RSD, while spike-recovery testing demonstrated high trueness (mean recovery 99.403%) with low dispersion (%RSD 0.201–0.252%). All nugget samples were negative by both qualitative screening assays. However, UV–Vis quantitative values for the nugget extracts were not available in the recorded dataset; therefore, borax-equivalent concentrations in mg/kg could not be reported for the marketed samples. Overall, the validated curcumin UV–Vis procedure demonstrates strong analytical performance and is suitable for confirmatory monitoring, provided that future surveillance applies the method directly to each sample extract to enable defensible classification as ND (LOD), LOQ, or quantified (≥LOQ).

In this article, the effects of ligatures and modifiers on increasing the fluidity during the production of thin-walled castings from tin–copper alloys, as well as the effect of sodium tetraborate Na₂B₄O₇ in cleaning the alloy from slags, are studied. The advantages of the centrifugal casting method, the influence of additives, and the effect of the gypsum mold temperature on the thinness and thickness of casting walls and on the quality of jewelry products are analyzed. Based on the experimental results, a technology for improving fluidity is proposed.

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are widely used in paints, coatings, and as drug carriers. Surface charge density (SCD) is a key performance parameter of PNPs to ensure PNP stability and adhesion to surfaces, but its detailed assessment is challenging as PNP synthesis yields intrinsically heterogeneous results, exhibiting both SCD and particle-size distributions (PSDs). We present a new method for the determination of PNP SCD distributions using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and chemometric deconvolution. For method development, polystyrene NPs of certified size (50-350 nm) were analyzed using a background electrolyte (BGE) of 3.75 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 9.2). Applying Ohshima's model, the electrophoretic mobilities measured for PS NPs were converted into zeta potentials from which, subsequently, the SCDs were derived. Deconvoluting the effect of NP size on electrophoretic mobility, NP SCD distributions were extracted from the obtained CZE peak widths. This method was applied to industrial PNPs made of polyacrylate- and polyurethane-based copolymers comprising acid-functionalized monomers. PSDs of the PNPs were established using hydrodynamic chromatography and combined with CZE results to create informative heat maps displaying SCD distributions as a function of PNP size. The SCDs appeared to be affected by adsorbed ions, which were displaced by adding a neutral surfactant (Brij-35) to the BGE, allowing determination of intrinsic PNP charges. The final CZE results revealed that the SCDs increased with acidic-monomer content, whereas for all tested industrial PNPs, the mean SCD diminished with growing particle size. These findings demonstrate the unique capability of the new method to provide size-resolved SCD distributions of relevant PNPs.

An innovative technology for the surface hardening of excavator bucket teeth by a composite carburizing method is proposed. The process is based on the application of a multilayer substrate consisting of AISI 321 stainless steel foil, carbon fiber, and borax (sodium tetraborate), followed by heat treatment in a controlled atmosphere. The experimental procedure involved the production of cast specimens in sand–clay molds and the application of various types of composite substrates. Results of microstructural examinations and hardness measurements demonstrated the high efficiency of the developed technology. It was established that the combined use of carbon fiber, metallic foil, and borax leads to the formation of a gradient hardened layer with a fine-grained structure, which ensures enhanced wear resistance and operational durability of the excavator bucket teeth.

ABSTRACT The desalination of seawater has demonstrated significant potential to use solar‐driven interfacial evaporation technologies due to its sustainability, outstanding productivity, and kindness to the environment. In this paper, a hydrogel interfacial evaporator was produced, with PVA and SA as the base materials. The addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was used to enhance the photothermal conversion efficiency, and the cross‐linking procedure was carried out employing sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax). The experimental study researched how evaporation efficiency was affected by varying sodium chloride concentrations, light intensity, and borax cross‐linking levels. The study confirmed that the hydrogel cross‐linked with 4% borax exhibits the best efficiency of evaporation, reaching a 2.709 kg/m 2 · h evaporation rate and 98% evaporation efficiency. Moreover, it demonstrates excellent salt tolerance and stability during the process. This study effectively created an inexpensive, eco‐friendly, nontoxic, and easy‐to‐fabricate hydrogel evaporator, which provides a very important reference value for the development of the novel kind of solar thermal evaporator.

The availability of key precursors of alkali-activated binder (AAB) systems is declining, requiring sources. Calcined clays (CCs) stand out as a promising alternative due to their widespread accessibility. Although the properties of CC and blast furnace slag (BFS)-based two-part AABs have been well reported in the literature, the effect of minor additives on the properties of a one-part AAB system composed of CC and BFS remains unexplored. In this research, calcined magnesia (CM), aerial lime (AL), hydraulic lime (NHL), quicklime (QL), borax (BR), and zeolite (ZP) have been used as minor additives and incorporated into the AAB system at between 2% and 15%. The specimens were activated with sodium–metasilicate, and the fresh, physical, mechanical, durability and microstructural properties of mortars have been investigated. Key findings indicate that all minor additives, except for BR, enhanced the early- and later-age mechanical properties. Notably, 10% QL addition significantly increased compressive strength by up to 55% at 28 days (50.9 MPa), compared to the reference. BR and ZP usage eliminated the efflorescence formation without compromising other properties. Furthermore, incorporating QL, AL, CM, and BR markedly reduced the chloride permeability of the mortars and decreased Dnssm value by as much as 81%, compared to the reference.

Coal is commonly used as both fuel and reducing agent in producing synthetic rutile from ilmenite (FeTiO3) via the Becher process, which upgrades ilmenite to high-purity TiO2 (>88%). However, coal-based reduction generates significant carbon waste. This study investigated the effect of adding 1–5% w/w potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium tetraborate (borax) to coal during ilmenite reduction to improve metallisation and reduce carbon burn-off. Results showed that 1% w/w additives significantly increased metallisation to 96% (KOH), 95% (NaOH), and 93% (borax), compared to 80% without additives, while higher concentrations (3–5% w/w) decreased metallisation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)analysis showed cleaner particle surfaces and optimal metallisation at 1% w/w, whereas higher additive levels caused agglomeration or sintering due to elevated silica and alumina activity. Additive type also influenced TiO2 quality, with KOH enhancing TiO2 at low concentrations but causing negative effects at higher levels, while NaOH and borax reduced TiO2 quality via sodium-based compound formation. All additives reduced carbon burn-off, with KOH producing the greatest reduction. The iodine number of the carbon residue increased with higher additive concentrations, with KOH achieving 710 mg/g at 1% w/w and 900 mg/g at 5% w/w, making the residue suitable for water treatment. Overall, KOH is the most effective additive for producing high-quality synthetic rutile while minimising carbon waste.

Fundamental study on anodizing of aluminum and aluminum alloys in a sodium tetraborate electrolyte solution and evaluating their high-temperature wettability behavior

Due to building safety requirements have been escalating, research fire proof coatings have been under growing attention. The aim of presented work was to indicate the colour changes caused with aqua solutions of selected substances used in production of flame retardants such as trihydridynositide, disodium tetraborate, disodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium carbonate. The research was carried out on the wood of European larch (Larix decidua L.) and Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) - species of great importance in architecture, especially in Europe. Measurements of colour parameters and their changes based on the CIEL*C*h colour space were performed. The tested solutions proved to be colour changing when applied on larch wood tested species and causing increased colour variability. The differences in colour changes were significant due to the solutions used and the wood origin. Siberian larch wood showed a greater range of colour changes than European larch wood. The knowledge in this area is important as a result of the application of individual components, the change in wood colour may occur to a different extent on different boards depending on their origin. As a consequence, the surface created by different boards can be non-uniform in terms of colour.

Rapid advances in communications technology and portable electronics necessitate lightweight, durable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Traditional metallic materials, despite their excellent shielding performance, are limited by high density, susceptibility to damage, and processing difficulties. To address this, we successfully fabricated a self-healing magnetic composite hydrogel with superior EMI shielding performance. This was achieved by incorporating Ni stellate microspheres (SMS) into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel cross-linked with sodium tetraborate. A dense network of reversible hydrogen bonds and dynamic borate ester bonds within the PVA matrix imparted rapid ambient-temperature self-healing (92% efficiency) without external intervention. With 7 wt % Ni SMS loading, the composite hydrogel achieved a total shielding effectiveness (SET) of 61.5 dB in the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz), retaining 56.3 dB posthealing. Remarkably, its SET exceeded 120 dB in the Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz). The Ni SMS synergistically enhanced shielding by optimizing conductive networks, interfacial polarization, and magnetic loss mechanisms. This work provides a new strategy for designing smart EMI shielding materials with significant potential for flexible electronics, aerospace, and wearable devices.

Abstract The choice of doping agents used during electrochemical polymerization is a crucial factor affecting the ultimate performance of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin films. Boron-containing dopants are a versatile group of materials that make it possible to conveniently tune PEDOT film structure and properties. Here, we investigated how several boron-containing dopants affect the structure and properties of electrodeposited PEDOT. The dopants examined were sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4), sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaTFPB), and sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7, Borax). We compared these results to a commonly used non-boron-containing dopant for PEDOT, lithium perchlorate (LiClO4). After electrodeposition, overall rough PEDOT film surfaces with varied morphological features, depending upon the utilized dopants were generated based on SEM. The low-frequency impedances of all PEDOT-coated electrodes were at least one order of magnitude lower than those of bare electrodes. The lowest impedances were observed for PEDOT/ClO4 and PEDOT/BF4, correlated with their doping levels by reaching the maximum threshold of 33%. These two also had similar and higher areal-specific capacitances with the values of 9.4 and 10.3 mF/cm2 than those of PEDOT/TFPB (3.3 mF/cm2) and PEDOT/B4O7 (0.2 mF/cm2) on smooth gold surfaces. Although their areal-specific capacitances were similar, the volumetric-specific capacitance of PEDOT/BF4 was 284 F/cm3 and almost doubled that of PEDOT/ClO4. For screen-printed electrodes, the areal-specific capacitance of PEDOT/TFPB was almost similar to the other two types, with the values of approximately 6.0 mF/cm2. We also demonstrated that PEDOT/TFPB is a particularly promising material with comparable properties and better cyclic stability. Graphical abstract

Veneer-based wood composites are widely used for interior applications, yet their high flammability and smoke emission significantly limit their safe use in buildings. In this study, a multifunctional flame-retardant polyethylene adhesive film was developed via melt blending and hot pressing of a mixture of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HDEP), melamine (MEL), and sodium alginate (SA). This film was laminated onto veneers to fabricate flame-retardant decorative plywood. Simultaneously, wood scrimber units for structural applications were prepared by impregnating wood with a flame-retardant system consisting of sodium silicate (Ss) and sodium tetraborate (St). These treated components were integrated to form a flame-retardant wood scrimber/plywood composite (AHM-S), with the wood scrimber as the core layer and the treated plywood as surface layers. Compared to the control, the AHM-S composite showed a 44.1% reduction in the second peak heat release rate (pk-HRR2), a 22.6% decrease in total heat release (THR), and a 12.7% reduction in maximum flame spread distance (MD300°C). Moreover, the time to reach 275 °C on the unexposed side (T275°C) was extended by 90.2%. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic flame-retardant effects of the surface film and impregnated core, which jointly suppress flame spread and delay thermal degradation. The composite demonstrates promising fire safety and mechanical performance for engineered wood applications.

Synergistic mechanism and performance enhancement of fly ash-slag-based geopolymer with sodium tetraborate and aminopropyltriethoxysilane for retardation

<span lang="EN-US">The integration of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) salts as low-toxicity solutions represents a crucial eco-friendly alternative to fungicides, harnessing their potent antimicrobial effects against various crop pathogens. In this study, the effectiveness of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium tetraborate was investigated against <em>Alternaria alternata</em>, a significant pathogen causing diseases worldwide in citrus. The inhibitory effects of various salt concentrations on this pathogen were evaluated <em>in vitro</em> using modified potato dextrose agar (PDA) and <em>in vivo </em>through artificial inoculation of ‘Maroc Late’ orange fruits, under both curative and preventive treatments. Initial screening of different active ingredients against three <em>A. alternata</em> isolates established imazalil as a commercial reference for comparative analysis. Results showed that potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were the most potent inhibitors, suppressing the fungus <em>in vitro</em> by 71% and 67% at 2,000 ppm, respectively, revealing a very low value of IC<sub>50</sub> (3 ppm). These two salts yielded comparable outcomes to imazalil (100% suppression) in the curative treatment, achieving significant reductions in severity of 80% and 100% at a low concentration of 2% (w/v). Additionally, fruits treated preventively with 4% (w/v) potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate reduced disease symptoms by up to 100%. The current study highlights GRAS salts that are similarly effective to imazalil and could serve as alternatives to conventional fungicides registered for managing Alternaria diseases of citrus.</span>

The use of benzodiazepines like diazepam (DZ) in drug-facilitated crimes necessitates the development of rapid, sensitive and portable detection methods. This study presents a sustainable, paper-derived laser-induced graphene (paper-LIG) electrochemical platform for ultrasensitive DZ detection in forensic investigations. The sensor was fabricated using a cellulose paper substrate treated with sodium tetraborate to enhance thermal stability, enabling efficient graphene conversion via optimized laser scribing. The physicochemical properties of paper-LIG were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, the effects of working and auxiliary electrode sizes on electrochemical performance were evaluated. The resulting paper-LIG electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, enabling direct DZ detection in beverage samples without complex pretreatment. Using an optimized voltammetric technique, the sensor achieved a wide linear range (1-1000 μmol L-1) and a low detection limit (0.4 μmol L-1). This platform demonstrated high selectivity, reproducibility (RSD 2.2%), and recovery (96.4-102.5%), confirming its reliability for forensic applications. Its low cost, scalability, and eco-friendliness make this sensor a promising tool for rapid on-site drug screening.

Tangerine peel tea, a bioactive-rich plant beverage containing hydrophobic flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin, and neohesperidin), faces analytical challenges in quality control due to poor aqueous solubility. In order to determine the hydrophobic flavonoids components in tangerine peel tea and evaluate its quality, this experiment was carried out. An eco-friendly offline-online capillary electrophoresis stacking strategy integrating polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based aqueous biphasic extraction with borate complexation-assisted micelle-to-cyclodextrin stacking was developed. Critical parameters influencing separation, enrichment, and extraction efficiency were systematically optimized. The method was subsequently validated for accuracy, precision and green evaluation. Following single-factor optimization, the online stacking parameters were defined as 90 mmol/L sodium tetraborate and 35% (v/v) methanol in the background solution, with injection times fixed at 40 s (SDS), 20 s (cyclodextrin), and 200 s (sample). Offline pretreatment employed a salt PEG sample aqueous biphasic system (ABS) for extraction. Under optimized conditions, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (r ≥ 0.998) and low detection limits (40-50 ng/mL), achieving a 723-fold sensitivity enhancement over conventional detection. Greenness assessment confirmed superior sustainability, and the method successfully quantified three hydrophobic targets (hesperidin, naringenin, and neohesperidin) in tangerine peel tea and spiked rat urine with high accuracy. The proposed strategy establishes a robust analytical platform for nutraceutical quality control, resolving critical challenges in quantifying poorly soluble bioactive compounds through optimized online stacking and aqueous biphasic extraction.

Thermodynamic properties and thermodynamic modelling for aqueous mixed system containing sodium tetraborate and sodium pentaborate

In selective reduction of nickel laterite process, sulphur-bearing materials as the sole additive have been studied to improve the nickel grade by inhibiting the metallisation of iron. However, the sulphidation reaction lowers the recovery of nickel. Therefore, the selection of proper additives carried out. Combining boric acid and sodium sulphate as additives, in selective reduction of saprolitic nickel ore has been investigated clearly in this work. Nickel saprolite, additives and coal were mixed and pelletised into 10–15 mm of diameter. The pellets were heated in a muffle furnace and before the wet magnetic separation process. The selective reduction process of saprolite with the mixture of boric acid and sodium sulphate at 20 wt% dosages (with 75–25 ratio), reductant amount of 0.4 stoichiometry of carbon, and temperature reduction of 1250°C has produced ferronickel contains nickel grade and recovery of 18.29% and 74.87%, respectively.

Aggregation-Induced Emission Probe for Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of Sodium Tetraborate on Meat Surfaces