PLANET BORON

We have only one planet. Resources are finite, and it is our joint responsibility to take action to make the world a better place for future generations. Planet Boron is an initiative by Borates Today to harness the strengths and benefits of one of the world's most precious resources - BORON - and publish news and events about boron's availability, applications, benefits for  achieving the collective vision and shared goals as we embrace multiple goals related to four key areas:  Decarbonization; Advanced Energy, Food Security and Micronutrients.

DECARBONIZATION

ADVANCED ENERGY

FOOD SECURITY

MICRONUTRIENTS

Turkey And Boron
ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Turkey and Boron

Today, we're going to look at Turkey and Boron. Turkey is the world's largest producer of boron through the government-owned Eti Maden. With enough reserves to cover global demand for the next 500 years, Turkey stands first in market share, manufactures, and markets 62% of the world's boron.

Boron - Low Carbon
DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection

Boron drives the Low Carbon Economy

The push for increased decarbonization is being felt worldwide as investors pressure companies to take this issue seriously. The fossil fuel industry is feeling the heat, too, with some of its well-known members stepping up their efforts to reduce emissions and make a difference. Governments are also taking notice of these changes, and there has been an increase in legislation designed to incentivize investments in clean energy technology. How can Boron help?

Sodium and Boron Batteries
ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Boron in Green Sodium Batteries

Boron inclusive technology shows how we can harness the power from seawater to bring zero-carbon energy worldwide. Decarbonization has been a goal for quite some time, and it seems like this year, governments will finally agree on stricter regulations that would make it possible to achieve this objective by 2050 or sooner.  Boron has been working to bring sustainable energy sources for all, and Boron and Hydropower technology is an excellent example of achieving this goal.

decarbonization rio tinto - boron
DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

Rio Tinto announced a $7.5 billion plan to reduce carbon emissions to 50% by 2030 in October 2021. Rio Tinto stated that it aimed to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2020 as steel and iron ore producers push for compliance with international climate commitments. Rio pushed forward its 2020 target for a 15% reduction of emissions from 2018, five years earlier than it had previously planned.

Boron malnutrition
FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

Managing Malnutrition with Boron

Boron is important in the development of bones, teeth, and other tissues. Boron deficiency can lead to problems like osteoporosis, poor bone density leading to fractures, and malnutrition. Boron is required for strong fetal skeletons in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Agriculture, Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Boron in Agriculture

The use of boron is a crucial component to farming success. Because without adequate levels, crops cannot grow or can harvest successfully. Soil with inadequate amounts of elemental boron does not provide enough nutrients that plants need to survive. Thus, it leads them into an unhealthy state which causes their growth rates to decrease immensely. This happens not just when first planted but also during maturity and harvest periods.

Boron - Micronutrients
FOOD SECURITY, MICRONUTRIENTS

Ensuring Micronutrient Boron Supply

Famine is a natural disaster that occurs in underdeveloped countries, famine areas, and war-torn regions. In these regions, micronutrients such as boron are scarce or unavailable to the local population. The lack of micronutrients leads to malnutrition which can cause poverty and other issues such as disease and death. Here is a discussion on the importance of micronutrients for famine relief efforts. Check out their benefits for mental health, physical health, and economic development.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes
ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Novel Applications in BNNTs

Today, we're going to look at novel applications using boron nitride nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotubes, or BNNTs, are mechanically and structurally identical to carbon nanotubes. BNNTs, however, have unique properties that are electrically insulating as well as transparent because of the polarized boron nitride bond.

Boron Fuel - 80k on 1 gram?
ADVANCED ENERGY, APPLICATIONS, Clean Fuels

Boron Fuel

Boron Fuel - While lithium-ion batteries are powering the road ahead for electric vehicles such as the Tesla S and others, several disruptive scientists and entrepreneurs are paving the way for an entirely new form of fuel – Hydrogen Boron fuel. Analysts claim a single gram of Boron could provide enough fuel to allow a vehicle to travel 80,000 kilometres.

Boron and Chernobyl
ADVANCED ENERGY, Nuclear Energy

Boron and Chernobyl

Boron (B₁₀), which comprises about 20% of elemental boron, is one of the best neutron absorbers. It is dissolved in the cooling water of power plants to control the chain reaction, to absorb enough neutrons to remove excess reactivity in PWR plants. In both BWRs and PWRs, it is used in control rods to control reactivity and change the power shape of the core.

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

Rio Tinto announced a $7.5 billion plan to reduce carbon emissions to 50% by 2030 in October 2021. Rio Tinto stated that it aimed to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2020 as steel and iron ore producers push for compliance with international climate commitments. Rio pushed forward its 2020 target for a 15% reduction of emissions from 2018, five years earlier than it had previously planned.

Boron and Climate Risk

Boron and Climate Risk

Climate change is real. The impact of the physical climate risk is already affecting the living population. Boron is a low-cost and sustainable solution to help control climate change effects. Climate researchers consider boron an essential ingredient in reducing global warming. It is helpful as a catalyst for creating one or more hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is lesser than current HFCs commonly present in air conditioners, refrigerators, and other cooling devices.

Podcast – Solar Cells: The Science of Solar Energy

Podcast – Solar Cells: The Science of Solar Energy

In today's podcast, we're going to look at the science of solar energy with solar cells. A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic cell or PV, is the basic building block of a solar power system. It's made up of semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity. But how does it all work? And what role does boron play in solar cells?

Fluids, Fuel, Lubricants and Additives

Fluids, Fuel, Lubricants and Additives

Fluids, Fuel, Lubricants and Additives - Boron has been proven to be an excellent lubricant for engine components. University of Utah researchers found that parts coated with boron had 50% less friction than others. This may result in significant fuel savings and increased engine durability. Boron should become an essential ingredient in fuels and engine technology once its potential benefits are further clarified.