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

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Mining Decarbonization

In today's podcast, we're going to look at decarbonization opportunities in the mining industry and how mining can help achieve net zero emissions.

DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection

Biogeochemical Cycle of Boron

The biogeochemical cycle of boron is active in three main areas: the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine (hydrosphere). Boron is present in trace amounts in these reservoirs and plays a vital role in many geochemical processes.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Food Hunger and Boron

Food Hunger and Boron: In 2020, between 720 and 811 million people faced hunger. In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, inequality, and – most recently – the COVID-19 pandemic means one in nine people globally is still going to bed hungry, and famine looms for millions, states the World Food Programme (WFP). Boron can help to dramatically improve food yields and is a vital micronutrient in human health.

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.

Agriculture, Crop Management, Food Availability

Alfalfa Plant Needs A Powerful Dose Of Boron

Alfalfa plant need boron to thrive and reach their full potential. It's a trace element, but even in small amounts, it can make all the difference for this plant.

APPLICATIONS, DECARBONIZATION

Boron: The Essential Element

Boron is a valuable and versatile mineral, with uses ranging from aerospace to automotive. It's critical in pursuing renewable energy, food security, and decarbonization.

FOOD SECURITY

Fluoride Toxicity With Boron

Fluoride is a toxic chemical that can cause severe health problems despite the best efforts of the WHO to provide recommended levels of fluoride intake by source. Fluoride toxicity is seen in both animals and humans but how can boron help to lower toxicity.

Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Nutrients in Rice

In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron nutrients in rice plants. Boron nutrition is essential for rice growth and yield. It improves plant water relations and increases the total chlorophyll content in plants. It also enhances the kernel quality and reduces panicle sterility for rice plants.

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.

Crop Management, Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY

Crop Management – How Boron Promotes Food Availability

Boron in Crop Management: Partner for Plant Health Crop Management is a dedicated branch of agriculture that specializes in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of plant diseases. It also includes weed control, fertilizer use as well as irrigation, and...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron and Hydropower

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

Boron in Bioconversion

Rio Tinto Mine. The Serbian government has finally revoked Rio Tinto's licenses for lithium exploration in Serbia in the latter part of January 2022. The government gave in to the protesters who have been opposed to the Anglo-Australian mining company's project on environmental grounds. Last year, the company committed to the project as global miners push for metals necessary to transition to green energy. This includes lithium which is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries. The project was already suspended in December 2021 due to environmental deterioration and forced displacement concerns.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Neodymium Magnets Coating – Protection Against Corrosion

The neodymium magnet is the strongest permanent magnet available. Some coatings can help prevent corrosion and make these magnets even more powerful.

RESEARCH, Superconductors

Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Boron nitride nanotubes are a new material that has been studied for use in strengthening lightweight materials, such as plastics and polymers. It is also being researched for use in electronics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. The Boron Nitride Nanotubes market has grown steadily over the past few years.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Lithium Battery Pack Prices Set to Soar

Lithium battery packs have skyrocketed in price over the past two years, and this surge looks poised to continue with no signs of subsiding through 2023.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Key Metals Boron Demand Rising EV

Boron is a critical raw material for many sectors such as solar cells, fiber optics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Boron production is also tied to other elements like lithium which are increasingly in demand.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Critical Raw Materials: Decarbonization and Digitalization

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are a group of key materials essential for the EU's economy and society to function. They are used in various strategic technologies and sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, defense, healthcare and consumer electronics.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Boron as an energy carrier to increase efficiency

Boron and its compounds have a vital role to play as energy carriers to increase efficiency. The chemical industry has long been a significant contributor to climate change. Many chemicals are manufactured using fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases when...

Agriculture, Anti Bacteria, Anti-fungal, Biocides, Crop Management, Farming, FOOD SECURITY, Pest Control

Agriculture: The Importance of Boron

The Role of Boron in Agriculture Boron is a chemical element that aids in the growth of crops and agricultural operations. It helps to provide healthy soil and increase crop yields. It also reduces leaching from soils, prevents diseases in plants, as well as many...

Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Every day, oral cancer is on the rise. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the main treatment options for cancer. Although surgical annihilation works well in primary tumours, it is ineffective for smaller and more accessible tumours. As a result, cancer cells may not be entirely eradicated by this method. Chemotherapy uses chemical drugs to combat cancer. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy may play a part in disease reduction.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels

Mining Companies Supporting Clean Energy

The clean energy transition is underway, and miners play a critical role in supporting this global effort. Boron, for example, is a key ingredient in batteries and other storage technologies that will be essential to integrating renewables into the grid.

DECARBONIZATION

Decarbonization – Special Report

What is Decarbonization Decarbonization is akey topic in Climate Change initiatives the process of reducing the amount or concentration of carbon in certain substances. This can be done by removing all traces, forms and quantities from a gas, liquid or solid...

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Steel In Agriculture

Boron steel is a material that modern agricultural and industrial machinery manufacturers rely on to produce devices of the highest quality.

FOOD SECURITY, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron and Food Security

In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron and food security. Boron plays a considerable role in food utilization, principally by improving the nutritional value of fertilizers for plant growth development. It also increases crop yield through increased nitrogen fixation rates in soils deficient in micronutrients.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Boron and Solar Energy

Boron For Storage In Solar Energy
As our population and cities grow, so does our need for safe, sustainable energy. To meet global needs, we must increase the efficiency of our energy consumption and optimize the capacity of existing and emerging energy sources.
Solar and wind energy depend on strong, durable materials. Borax products help to enable these technologies—and we strive to make our operations sustainable, too.

Food Access, Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability

Global Food Dynamics and Boron

Global Food Dynamics and Boron: According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), nearly 1/3 of all fruit & vegetables produced globally are wasted each year. How can Boron Help alleviate this wastage?

DECARBONIZATION

Decarbonization and Boron

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources

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.

BENEFITS, FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

Boron and Daily Diet

Boron is an essential mineral in our daily diet. Boron can be found in foods such as fruits and vegetables. If you are showing signs of Boron deficiency such as brittle fingernails. hair loss, muscle weakness, joint pain, supplements may be required. Boron is typically taken as borax, boric acid, or as a boron citrate supplement for those looking to include Boron in a regular diet.

ADVANCED ENERGY, SCIENCE

The Unforgettable Power Of Carbide

Carbide synthesis usually begins with synthesizing the respective metal hydride, which is then treated with carbonaceous materials to produce the carbides.

Boronate Compounds, Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Decarbonization: The Price of Progress

The world is changing. As the world changes, so do business. Decarbonization is one of those changes that need to be addressed by companies today before it's too late. The customer, employee, and community demand have all shifted in recent years for new ways of...

Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Essential for Plants

Boron Essential for Plants: Boron is a vital nutrient for plants. It plays a crucial role in regulating the development of root and shoot meristem and thus helps complete the life cycles of plants from seed germination to fully-grown plant.

Critical minerals - Sodium borate crystal | boron

ADVANCED ENERGY

USA Critical Minerals Boron

Critical minerals are vital to the future of technology and national security. Governments worldwide are beginning to realize this and have increased budgets to show how serious they are about acquiring access. However, specific challenges arise in securing...

FOOD SECURITY, MICRONUTRIENTS

Micronutrients – Government Aid, and Boron

Governments have taken many initiatives to ensure the availability of micronutrients in our diet and products. Boron is a micronutrient found primarily in the soil and essential nutrient for plant growth and agriculture. Biofortification requires Boron.

Agriculture, Crop Management, Environmental Protection

Sustainable Agriculture: A Greener Way to Grow

Sustainable agriculture uses micronutrients such as boron, zinc, and copper to promote soil health and support healthy plant growth.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

FEAM: A Solution To Global Decarbonization

FEAM focuses on providing secure and reliable supplies of critical materials that empower global decarbonization and creating a better future for generations.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

Boron for Tomato Plants: The Ultimate Guide

Tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum) require boron for proper growth and development. Boron is a micronutrient that helps with cell wall formation, calcium uptake, and meristematic activity.

Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources, Electricity Generation, RESEARCH

How Boron is Beneficial for Heat Conversion

How is Boron Beneficial for Heat Conversion? This is a topic of interest for many scientists, engineers, and chemists due to its unique properties. It is an element that plays a vital role in heat and other energy conversion processes. Additionally, it is important...

ADVANCED ENERGY

Boron Advanced Materials

Boron advanced materials have unique characteristics which make them extremely useful in multiple applications. Boron's many forms include Boron Nitride, a superior heat conductor and insulator, hexagonal boron nitride tubes, a structure with superior tensile strength, stability, and thermal conductivity, and cubic boron nitride, whose hardness characteristics is used for coating cutting tools and as grit for polishing and grinding wheels.

ADVANCED ENERGY, INDUSTRY SECTORS

Boron and U.S. Rare Earths

The U.S. is boosting the stockpile of its rare earth minerals such as cobalt and lithium. Why? Partly to reduce dependence on China and partly to have a strategic policy towards rare earth sourcing and distribution. Rare earths are valuable resources used in E.V. batteries and decarbonization. What is the stance on boron and U.S. rare earths as a critical mineral?

Lithium-ion Battery Market Analysis

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Lithium-ion Battery Market Analysis

The lithium-ion battery market continues to grow in popularity, with electric vehicles and the need for better energy storage solutions driving its demand.

Crop Management – How Boron Promotes Food Availability

By Borates Today | Crop Management, Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY

Crop Management – How Boron Promotes Food Availability

Pomegranate Fruit and Boron

By Borates Today | Agriculture, Crop Management

Pomegranate Fruit and Boron

Pomegranate fruit is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and other minerals. However, the fruit may lose its quality due to fruit cracking. This is due to inadequate water management or lacking essential micronutrients such as boron and calcium.

Double-Layer Borophene Created in Engineering Breakthrough

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

Double-Layer Borophene Created in Engineering Breakthrough

Research has led to a double-layer of borophene for the first time. This is significant because it could lead to faster, more efficient electronics that are also smaller and lighter than current models. Borophene is under study for less than 10 years but already holds potential as an exciting new material in engineering. The research team hopes that this will be the first step towards creating "graphene on steroids."

Boron and Borates Provide Stability for Food Security

By Borates Today | FOOD SECURITY

Boron and Borates Provide Stability for Food Security

Studies show that down-regulation of boron transporters can be readily understood as a natural adaptive mechanism for plants to optimize growth and function at different geographical locations with varying natural boron concentrations.

Advanced Materials Need Boron

By Borates Today | Ceramic and Enamels, Energy Management, Energy Management Systems, Heat Resistant, Nuclear Energy

Advanced Materials Need Boron

How Boron Enhances the Value of Advanced Materials? Boron is an ingredient in advanced materials with a wide range of applications. It is mainly useful as a dopant and part of semiconductors, fiber optics, and other electronics. Boron-containing compounds are also...

Boron and Energy Management Systems

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management Systems

Boron and Energy Management Systems

Advanced energy is a concept that has been around for centuries. It is the idea of using less fuel to do more work. Energy management systems using new minerals such as boron are becoming an integral part of advanced energy. They help minimize power generation...

Podcast – Boron Neodymium Magnets

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are rare earth magnets composed of neodymium, iron boron, and several transition metals. The neodymium elements are classified as rare earth magnets because they lie in the lanthanides section on the periodic table.

Boron Helps Generate Cheap And Clean Electricity

By Borates Today | APPLICATIONS, Batteries and Capacitors, BENEFITS, Clean Fuels, Electricity Generation

Boron Helps Generate Cheap And Clean Electricity

Looking for Clean Electricity? Boron to the Rescue! It's been a while since we've had a blog post about the wonders of Boron's electrical conductivity powers. Boron is used to produce electricity, which is great for those who are looking to save on their electric...

Boron Nitride Nanotubes

By Borates Today | RESEARCH, Superconductors