Boron

Sodium borate is used in biochemical and chemical laboratories to prepare buffers.
Boric acid is produced primarily by the reaction of borate minerals with sulfuric acid. Boric acid is an important compound used in textiles. The most economically important compound of boron is sodium tetraborate decahydrate or borax, which is used in insulating fiberglass and sodium perborate bleach.
Boron compounds are used in organic synthesis, in the manufacture of certain types of glass, and as a wood preservative.
Boron silk is used in advanced aerospace structures because of its high strength and low weight.