A novel approach for the production of zinc borate (4ZnO·B2O3·H2O) using a single-step hydrothermal method

Zinc borate having the formula of 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O has been used as a fire retardant for polymers requiring high processing temperatures since it has a high dehydration temperature (around 415°C). The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature were investigated on the heterogeneous reaction between solid zinc oxide and boric acid solution. A stoichiometric amount of zinc oxide and 5.0% excess boric acid were used in experiments and the other parameters, mixing speed (1700 rpm), the solid-liquid ratio of 20%, and the amount of seed crystal (3.9% wt) were kept constant for all experiments. A 91.1% conversion was obtained at 120°C for 5 h of reaction time. Precipitated product was filtered and washed by hot water to remove the excess boric acid. Finally it was dried until reaching to a constant mass in an air circulating oven at 105°C. Powder products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern of powders are consistent with data of the zinc borate given in the literature. According to SEM analysis, whiskers are less than 1 μm in diameter and their lengths are in the range of 1–10 μm.