The influence of B2O3 on ceramic glazes is discussed. The main properties of borate compounds and minerals used for introducing B2O3 into ceramic glazes: boric acid, borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate), sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, ulexite, pandermite, colemanite, datholite, hydroboracite, etc. are discussed. The borate glazes are classified into four groups: lead borate, alkaliborate, alkaline earth borate and zinc borate glazes. Information is presented concerning the main properties of the glazes and Seger formulae and compositions of the first and glaze blends for some typical glazes are given. Possibilities for the application of borate glazes in the manufacture of different ceramic articles (heavy clay, majolica, earthenware, vitreous china, bone china, etc.) are discussed. Borate glazes for the production of pottery, wall and floor tiles, stove tiles, bricks, roofing tiles, tableware, sanitary ceramics, decorative articles, etc. are proposed. Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate is recommended as a most effective and cheaper raw material for introducing B2O3 into ceramic glazes. The advantages of the pentahydrate are discussed.
