Boron Minerals Research Articles

Addressing potential resource scarcity for boron mineral: A system dynamics perspective

Unlike some critical minerals that are expected to have imminent shortages of supply such as indium, for a relatively high number of minerals, there is great uncertainty regarding their remaining years of supply. Boron mineral is one of these minerals with controversial reserve and years of supply estimates in the literature. Recent development and pursuit of new boron-consuming technologies and alternative products to existing boron-consuming products introduce additional uncertainty to sustainability of boron mineral. There is a need to explore how boron mineral can meet future demand given its diffusion and use in primary boron-consuming sectors, determine how diffusion may change its price and intensity of exploration activities along with key growth parameters GDP and population, and explore whether it may become a critical resource at the global level or not. For this purpose, a model was constructed to determine how diffusion of products containing boron can change at the global scale and how long boron reserves can be used to meet the respective demand by capturing dynamics of the system and partial treatment of complexity. It was determined that boron mineral may move from its current class of no criticality to high criticality when fast diffusion scenario is realized. In the slow diffusion scenario, boron mineral meets the demand for the next one hundered years and its annual consumption increases from 1,800 kilotons of borate in 2017 to 12,200 kilotons in 2117. The price of boron mineral gradually decreases to the one third of its current price of 1,620 dollars per ton of borate as the reserve of boron has an increasing trend up to the year 2078. In the fast diffusion scenario, boron mineral is can not meet the demand as the reserve is depleted in 2061 and the boron price rises to 17,400 dollars per ton of borate with a decreasing trend after this threshold point.

Optical, structural and nuclear radiation shielding properties of Li2B4O7 glasses: effect of boron mineral additive

The glass samples with Li2B4O7 (100 − x) Tincalx (x = 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%) composition were synthesized by melt-quenching technique (Tincal = Na2B4O7·10H2O). The elemental analysis of Tincal with different compositions is tested using energy-dispersive X-ray technique. Moreover, the surface morphology of fabricated glasses was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. Further, optical properties of fabricated Tincal glasses were evaluated along the wavelength ranged from 200 to 900 nm. Finally, nuclear radiation shielding properties of Tincal glasses were determined for gamma rays, neutrons and charged particles. It is observed from the optical absorption spectra that Tincal 20% and 40% indicated good optical transparency in the visible range of light (400–700 nm). The results showed that Tincal additive improves the gamma protecting capacity of glasses. It was also noticed that the addition of Tincal was also enhanced the neutron absorption of the glasses by increasing the cross section of the neutron and reducing the coherent scattering length.

Role of boron mineral size on thermal, microstructural and mechanical characteristic of IPP

This study paves to way to investigate the fundamental characteristics including the crystalline melting temperature, percent crystallinity, crystal structure, unit cell parameters, crystal size, mechanical behaviour, ultimate strength, Modulus and impact strength in the IPP based composites formed by blending of IPP with the varying content levels (5, 10, 15, 20 and 30%) of ulexites having different particle sizes (45 and 75µm). The characterizations of the prepared IPP based composites containing ulexite were performed by means of conventional measurement methods such as Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffractions and several mechanical tests. The obtained results depicted that the content and particle size of boron mineral presenting in IPP based composites had significant effects on the crucial properties of IPP. Namely, the crystalline melting temperature of IPP increased initially (165.46°C to 168.54°C) when adding 5% of 45µm ulexite into IPP and then, dramatic decrease was observed with the content increment. The addition of 75µm ulexite into to IPP matrix led to consistent decreasing of crystalline melting temperatures of IPP domains. Furthermore, a and b unit cell dimensions of monoclinic structures initially showed the expansions, but then contracted consistently with the increasing of ulexite content. The serious decrement in c unit cell parameter was observed with the increasing of ulexite content for the both particle sizes.Moreover, the remarkable reinforcements were achieved in the ultimate strengths, Young's Modulus and impact strength of the IPP based composites. The maximum improvements in mechanical properties were obtained with the composites containing 5% of 45µm ulexite and mainly 15% of 75µm ulexite. These developments presumably were caused from advance in the alignments and orientations of the IPP chains in the matrix due to presence of ulexite particles.

Compressibility behavior of Boron (Tincal) added to sand-bentonite mixtures under different temperatures

The importance of thermal behaviour of soils has increased significantly with increasing number of energy structures. There is a need for soils, which show design criteria (strength, permeability, etc.) performance during their life under high temperature or thermal cycles. In the literature studies, it was observed that the volumetric deformation of the soil changes with increasing temperature. Sand-bentonite mixtures generally act as impervious barrier in areas such as nuclear waste repositories, landfill liners etc. These mixtures will be exposed to high temperature; therefore, their engineering performance should not alter under high temperature. Boron is used in the industry for high temperature resistance, flexibility, lightness, power and ease of production. Boron minerals have very low thermal expansion and they are also resistant to thermal shocks. For that reason, the properties of sand-bentonite mixtures can be improved by boron additives at high temperatures. In this study, volume deformation behavior of sand-bentonite mixtures was determined in the presence of tincal. The oedometer tests were performed under room temperature and 80°C.

A Review of Boron-Bearing Minerals (Excluding Tourmaline) in the Adirondack Region of New York State

Boron is a biologically important element, but its distribution in the natural environment and its behavior during many geological processes is not fully understood. In most metamorphic and igneous environments, boron is incorporated into minerals of the tourmaline supergroup. In high-grade metamorphic terranes like that of the Adirondack region of northern New York State, uncommon rock compositions combined with unusual and variable geologic conditions resulted in the formation of many additional boron-bearing minerals. This paper reviews the occurrences and geological settings of twelve relatively uncommon boron-bearing minerals in the southern Grenville Province of upstate New York and provides new chemical and Raman spectral data for seven of these minerals. The boron minerals range from relatively simple metal borates (e.g., vonsenite), to chemically complex borosilicates (e.g., prismatine), to a relatively rare borosilicate-carbonate (e.g., harkerite). Some are of primary igneous origin, while others are formed by a variety of prograde and retrograde metamorphic processes or by metasomatic/hydrothermal processes. Most of the boron minerals are formed within, or adjacent to, metasedimentary lithologies that surround the anorthositic massifs of the central Adirondacks. The metasedimentary rocks are thought to be the source of most of the boron, although additional boron isotope studies are needed to confirm this and to constrain the mechanisms of the formation of these unusual minerals.

The first discovery of oxyborates in the rocks of the Norilsk-1 intrusion (northwest of the Siberian platform)

We found five boron minerals in the taxitic gabbrodolerites near the upper contact of the Norilsk-1 ore-bearing intrusion. These are kotoite Mg3(BO3)2, suanite Mg2B2O5, warwickite (Mg,Ti,Fe,Cr,Al)2O(BO3), ludwigite (Mg)2Fe3+O2(BO3), and azoproite (Mg,Fe2+)2(Fe3+,Ti,Mg)O2(BO3). This is the first discovery of oxyborate minerals in the Norilsk province. They form monomineral and polymineral inclusions in olivine grains from the recrystallized areas of the taxitic intrusive rocks. Boron minerals arose at the late stage of the magma crystallization or just after that as a result of the interaction of the rock with the boron-bearing fluid containing in the ore-bearing magma. Presence of the micro inclusions of the oxyborates as well as higher boron content in rocks can be used as a criterion for searching of the Pt-Cu-Ni-bearing intrusions in the Norilsk province.

Movement of boron from ulexite and colemanite minerals in sapwood and heartwood of Cryptomeria japonica

This study evaluated boron diffusion from raw boron minerals ulexite and colemanite with low water solubility in comparison to disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT). Tests were conducted using sugi (Cryptomeria japonica (L.) f. D. Don) sapwood and heartwood blocks conditioned to 30, 60, and 90% target moisture content. The blocks were filled with the boron compounds through treatment holes and diffusion was observed at three assay zones across the blocks after 7, 30, 60 or 90-day incubation period at room temperatures. For comparison, ethylene glycol was also introduced into the holes to elevate boron diffusion. As expected, diffusion increased with increased moisture content and levels were higher at the 60% and 90% moisture levels compared to the 30% level. With some exceptions, boron levels did not follow consistent gradients with distance away from the treatment hole. Incorporation of ethylene glycol helped increase boron levels, even in heartwood blocks. Boron levels were higher from the ulexite source than from colemanite; however, DOT treatments resulted in the highest boron diffusion rates as a result of greater water solubility compared to both raw boron minerals. The results suggest that ulexite together with ethylene glycol may be useful in both sapwood and heartwood materials when kept at high moisture levels for extended periods.

Comparative evaluation of boron distribution from ulexite, colemanite and DOT rods in Scots pine wood

This study evaluated boron diffusion from rods made of raw boron minerals, ulexite and colemanite with low water solubility, in comparison with di-sodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT). Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood and heartwood blocks were conditioned to target moisture contents of 30%, 60%, and 90%. The rods were inserted into the blocks through treatment holes and boron diffusion was observed at three assay zones across the blocks after 7, 30, 60 and 90-day-incubation at room temperature. Ethylene glycol was also inserted into the holes to improve boron diffusion. Boron levels increased with increased wood moisture content. With some exceptions, boron in the assay zones did not tend to follow consistent amount gradients with distance from the treatment hole. Boron levels from ulexite rods were higher than those from colemanite rods, with DOT rods with the highest diffusion rates as a result of higher water solubility of DOT than ulexite and colemanite. The results suggest that ulexite-based rods may be useful in the presence of ethylene glycol in sapwood when wood is at high moisture content for extended periods.

The First Find of Oxyborates in Rocks of the Norilsk-1 Intrusion (Northwestern Siberian Platform)

In the taxitic gabbro-dolerites of the upper contact zone of the Norilsk-1 intrusion, five boron minerals were found: kotoite Mg3(BO3)2, suanite Mg2B2O5, warwickite (Mg,Ti,Fe,Cr,Al)2O(BO3), ludwigite (Mg)2Fe3+O2(BO3), and azoproite (Mg,Fe2+)2(Fe3+,Ti,Mg)O2(BO3). This is the first find of oxyborates in the rocks of the Norilsk ore-bearing intrusions and in the Norilsk province as a whole. Oxyborates occur as inclusions in olivine in the recrystallization zones of taxitic gabbro-dolerites. This indicates that they formed at the late-magmatic or postmagmatic stage as result of the interaction between rocks and boron-bearing fluids associated with an ore-bearing intrusion. Microinclusions of boron minerals could be the cause of elevated concentrations of boron in the rocks. This is a characteristic feature of Norilsk PGE–Cu–Ni-bearing intrusions that can be used as a prospecting criterion.

Investigation of Dissolution Kinetics of Tincal Mineral in Ammonium Acetate Solution in High Solid / Liquid Ratios

The chemical formula of tincal mineral used in this study is Na20-2B203-10H20. The tincal ore, one of the important boron minerals, is extracted around Eskişehir in Turkey. Herein, we investigated the kinetics of dissolution in different parameters such as concentration, particle size, solid / liquid ratio, mixing speed and reaction temperature in the ammonium acetate solution of tincal mineral. As a result, boric acid production obtained by dissolution of tincal mineral in amunium acetate solution increased with temperature increase. However, in the dissolution process, boric acid production was found to be reduced by the increase in particle size and solid-liquid ratio.

Dumortierite and tourmaline from the Barchi‐Kol diamond‐bearing kyanite gneisses (Kokchetav massif): A Raman spectroscopic study and petrological implications

AbstractTwo minerals of boron, dumortierite and tourmaline, have been studied in a diamondiferous kyanite gneiss (Barchi‐Kol area, Kokchetav massif, Northern Kazakhstan) by Raman spectroscopy and electron microprobe (EMP) analysis. Dumortierite and tourmaline (almost pure schorl end‐member) coexist within the sample, with blue/purple dumortierite inclusions hosted by kyanite porphyroblasts and blue tourmaline crystals occurring as inclusions in garnet. Optically, dumortierite appears almost identical to kyanite host and can be easily overlooked in thin sections during optical and scanning electron microscopic observations. Both boron minerals show a very strong anisotropy, and the most prominent Raman spectra can be obtained if the electric field vector E is parallel to the c axis of the dumortierite and tourmaline crystals. The Raman spectra of the investigated dumortierite are very similar to those of the synthetic dumortierite with a pronounced excess of boron (up to 0.26 [4]B), although the EMP examination revealed only one grain of the natural dumortierite studied here to have a very low boron surplus (up to 0.03 [4]B). Neither Raman spectroscopic study nor EMP analysis detected [4]B in tourmaline. The findings of dumortierite and tourmaline in the diamondiferous gneisses provide important implications for the presence of a boron‐rich fluid or melt during subduction/exhumation processes.

The Effects of Boron Minerals on the Microstructure and Abrasion Resistance of Babbitt Metal (Sn–Sb–Cu) Used as Coating Materials in Hydroelectric Power Plants

In this study, the microstructure of a new alloy is examined which is created by adding boron oxide (B2O3), boric acid (H3BO3) and kolamanit (Ca2B6O11·5H2O) in certain proportions to the white metals (Sn–Sb–Cu) used in the carrier bearing dies of vertical Francis turbines in hydroelectric power plants. The Babbitt materials were coated with electric arc spray coating method before. Also it is examined that whether the coating material produced as a new alloy is appropriate for applying to die surface. Utility of the new white metal material in carrier bearing dies in hydroelectric power plants has been investigated based on the metallographic structure and wear of the new alloy. While some of the boron elements added to the Babbitt metal have positive results in terms of metallographic and abrasion values, some of the boron elements have negative effects.

Alloying metals of Russia. Mineral raw materials resources: state, utilization, perspective of development (Report 2)

A group of metals, including tantalum, rare earth metals, beryllium, titanium, zirconium, rhenium, scandium and boron has a big importance for alloying steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals as well as for production of different alloys. In Russia, the explored resources of tantalum by many times exceed the plants’ demands. Zashikhinskoe and Vishnyakovskoe deposits in Irkutskregion, as well as Katuginskoe in Chitaregion are most promising. The State balance accounts the resources of rare earth metals (REM) oxides by 20 deposits. Russiatakes the second place in the world after Chinaby REM resources. The balance resources of beryllium are accounted in 35 deposits, exceeding the world proved resources in the summarized categories A + B + C1+ C2. Russia takes the third place in the world after China and Australia by zirconium resources. The state balance accounts 36 deposits of titanium and 21 deposit of zirconium. Rhenium is the least provided by deposits and most demanded metal. The state balance of RF accounts resources of rhenium in seven deposits: three of them being copper-molybdenum deposits, two – copperporphyritic deposits, one – tungsten-molybdenum deposit and one – purely rhenium deposit. Resources of scandium as an associated component are accounted in eight deposits of Russia, half of the being within the allocated fund of bowels. However, man-caused formations – red sludge – wastes of alumina production – are most real source of scandium. Big resources of scandium are associated with the wastes of iron ore production at Kachkanar mining and concentration plant, which ate not accounted by the State balance. Resources of three deposits of boron ores are accounted in Russia, two of the being within the allocated fund of bowels – the Dal’negorskoe (Primorsky region) which utilized, and Taezhnoe (Sakha Republic – Yakutiya), which is being prepared for utilization. A wide distribution of boron minerals ascertained in magnetite ores, developed in Korshunovskoe (Irkutsk region) and Kazskoe (Kemerovo region) deposits.

Risk Evaluation of a Boron Mine and Processing Plant with Respect to Dust

The technological developments affect mining sector directly since the machineries and equipment used in this sector changes along with constantly developing technology. So, the risks of occupational accidents and occupational diseases are quite high in this sector. It is necessary to focus on occupational health and safety in the mining sector regarding the machineries and equipment used. This study was carried out in an open pit mine of boron minerals with class of very dangerous in the scope of occupational health and safety. The workplace on scope is evaluated in terms of the health and safety risks of employees. In this context, one of the major types of risk is dust, originated from machineries and equipment. The stages of open pit operation, crushing, screening, grinding and bagging are evaluated regarding dust formation and control. Risks that may arise due to the use of equipment and preventative measures have been determined. Such studies impose great affect in the development of occupational health and safety with the developing mining sector and prevention of accidents that may occur.

Effect of Nano boron on braking performance of composite brake pads

Brake pads are formed by a combination of materials with different contents. Brake pads generally consist of binders, friction modifiers, lubricants and fillers materials. The particle size, chemical and structural properties of the brake pad materials affect the braking performance. In this study, usability of nano borax which is one of boron minerals as brake pad material was investigated. 3%, 6% and 9% nano borax was added to the composition to produce three different pads. The experiments were carried out using a pin-on disc. The tribological and physical characteristics of the pad were investigated. As a result; it is seen that the use of nano borax in brake pad composites has an important and beneficial effect on brake performance.

A critical review on the determination of boron in various matrices

Boron is an element with a wide range of uses. Boron, which is the main component in boron minerals, is present as a minor component or even a trace component in other sources. Depending on the increase in the boron usage areas, the boron concentrations in environmental samples such as water, soil and air is also increasing. Therefore, it is important to determine boron in such samples accurately and precisely. In order to determine boron in various sample matrices, various analytical methods have been developed and used. This review focuses on the analytical methods for the determination of boron in various sample matrices. This review covers approximately the last four years (2015 - August 2018), offering a critical review of the boron determination by various techniques.

Investigation of the Effects on Rheological and Filtration Properties of Water-Based Drilling Mud of Boron Minerals: An Experimental Study

Bu calismanin amaci, bor minerallerinin su bazli sondaj camurunun reolojik ve filtrasyon ozellikleri uzerindeki etkisini incelemektir. Bu amacla, su bazli sondaj camuru hazirlanarak icerisine 45 μm partikul boyutuna sahip boraks (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 75 μm partikul boyutuna sahip uleksit (NaCaB5O9.8H2O) ve 100 μm partikul boyutuna sahip kolemanit (Ca2B6O11.5H2O) farkli oranlarda (1-5% w/v) eklenmistir. Boraks, uleksit ve kolemanitin karekterizasyonu X-isinlari floresans spektrometresi (XRF) ile yapilmistir. Bor turevleri iceren su bazli sondaj camurunun gorunur viskozite, plastik viskozite, kopma noktasi ve jel mukavemeti gibi reolojik ozellikleri FANN viskozimetresi ile belirlenmistir. Filtrasyon ozellikleri, API Filter Presi kullanilarak incelenmistir. Tum olcumler, Amerikan Petrol Enstitusu (API) standartlarina gore gerceklestirilmistir. Boraks, uleksit ve kolemanit minerallerinin ayri ayri eklenmesi (%1-5 w/v) ile hazirlanan sondaj camurlarinin reolojik ve filtrasyon ozellikleri kendi iclerinde, daha sonra birbirleri ile ve son olarak ta katkisiz su bazli sondaj camuru ile karsilastirilmistir. Bor minerallerinin sondaj camurunun reolojik ozelliklerine olumlu yonde katki sagladigi tespit edilmistir. Boraks ve kolemanitin, uleksite oranla daha iyi bir etkiye sahip oldugu gorulmustur. Katkisiz su bazli sondaj camuruna kiyasla, camura bor mineralleri eklenmesinin camurun filtrasyon kaybi ve kek kalinligini attirdigi gorulse de sonuclarin referans deger araliginda oldugu tespit edilmistir.

Effect of chicken feather and boron compounds as filler on mechanical and flame retardancy properties of polymer composite materials.

Sustainable utilisation of solid waste has been influenced by the increasing population of the world. Benefits of using solid waste based on natural fibre in polymer material are biodegradability and cost effectiveness. In poultry farms, chicken poultry, one of the slaughterhouse wastes is confronted with 30 106 kg of waste per year in Turkey. The evaluation of this waste, which is quite rich in keratin, is extremely important both for the solution of the waste problem and for maintaining a clean environment, bringing this valuable material to the economy. These fibres are stable, durable and biodegradable because they have a crystalline structure. However, this valuable waste will have a positive effect when used together with boron minerals, which both increase the mechanical properties, flame retardancy and biodegradation of composite material. In this study, it is the aim to manufacture superior polyester-based composite materials reinforced with three kinds of boron minerals, such as boron oxide, borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate and fibres recycled from waste chicken feathers. The effect of different filling ratios of filling materials on the mechanical and physical properties of composite materials was examined. Flame retardancy properties of the composites with best mechanical results were investigated. After pouring by means of the pre-casting process, the water absorption and swelling thickness of final products, as well as density, bending strength, flexural modulus, limiting oxygen index, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis, was performed. Mixing prescriptions and conditions with the best properties were determined.

THE USAGE OF BORON/ BORON COMPOUNDS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY AND ITS SITUATION IN TURKEY

Commonly found in the earth’s crust, boron happens to be the 51st element of the periodic table and is not found in its elemental state in nature. It is known that there are about 230 different boron minerals in nature. Turkey has the largest boron reserves in the world. In addition to this, Turkey’s boron minerals have the highest quality and production conditions that are more economical than other boron producing countries. For this reason, boron has great importance for Turkey and there is a significant demand for new areas of usage so that Turkey would be able to contribute to the national economy with these resources. The institute of BOREN (National Boron Research Institute) was established for this purpose in Turkey. This institute funds related projects for the extension of boron usage areas. One of the open sectors for innovation is textile technology.This study investigates the history of boron and its current situation in Turkey as well as the studies conducted regarding boron and its compounds especially in the textile field. Taking the available boron reserves in Turkey into consideration, the need for more research and development studies on boron as an environment-friendly element is clear for the textile industry.

The crystal structure of ginorite, Ca2[B14O20(OH)6]·5H2O, and the analysis of dimensional reduction and structural complexity in the CaO–B2O3–H2O system

The crystal structure of ginorite, Ca 2 [B 14 O 20 (OH) 6 ]·5H 2 O, from the Chelkar salt dome, western Kazakhstan, has been refined at 150(2) and 296(2) K. The mineral is monoclinic, P 2 1 / c , unit-cell parameters are (at 150/296 K): a = 12.738(1)/12.728(1), b = 14.240(1)/14.303(1), c = 12.750(1)/12.755(1) A, β = 101.163(2)/101.147(2)°, V = 2268.9(4)/2278.3(4) A 3 , Z = 4. The crystal structure is isotypic to that of strontioginorite and is based upon 2-dimensional anionic layers with the composition [B 14 O 20 (OH) 6 ] 4− . The layers are coplanar to (0 1 0) and are composed of BO 4 tetrahedra and BO 3 triangles. The fundamental building block (FBB) for the crystal structures of ginorite and strontioginorite consists of eight BO 3 triangles and six BO 4 tetrahedra. The adjacent FBBs are linked by sharing O atoms to form layers that possess open nine-membered rings centered by the M 1 and M 2 metal atoms. In the crystal structure of strontioginorite, the M 1 and M 2 sites are occupied by Sr and Ca, respectively, whereas, in ginorite, both sites are occupied by Ca. The Ca ↔ Sr substitution affects the geometry of the M 1O 8 polyhedron significantly, with the difference |Δ| between the Sr–O and Ca–O bond lengths up to 0.157 A. The dimensional reduction, structural and chemical complexity of 45 minerals and inorganic compounds of the CaO–B 2 O 3 –H 2 O system have been analyzed using ternary diagrams. The structures with 0-dimensional structural units (finite clusters) constitute 53.3% (24) of all structures in the system, whereas 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional borate polyanions have been observed in 15.6% (7), 20.0% (9) and 11.1% (5) of all structures in the system, respectively. The average structural complexity for the 42 B-bearing phases in the CaO–B 2 O 3 –H 2 O system is 353 bits/cell agrees well with the average complexity of 340 bits/cell for all boron minerals. Ginorite belongs to the class of very complex structures (1536.000 bits/cell) and is the second in complexity in the system after alfredstelznerite, Ca 4 (H 2 O) 4 [B 4 O 4 (OH) 6 ] 4 ·15H 2 O (4026.707 bits/cell). In general, structural and chemical complexities correlate with each other and indicate the presence of the high-complexity areas in the H 2 O dominant part of the diagram, in a band between ca . 10 and 20 mol% CaO.