Corrosion inhibitors

The alkalinity and strong buffering action of boron compounds makes it useful as part of solutions for preventing corrosion of ferrous metals. The principal use of borates in this field is probably in anti-freeze formulations. The value of borax in this application is enhanced by its high solubility in ethylene glycol, the major constituent for commercial antifreeze. Break fluids and hydraulic systems in the motor industry also used boron compounds as a corrosion inhibitor, and it is also used as a corrosion inhibitor and a lubricant carrier in wire drawing.