Abstract: Alkali metal borates are reacted with fatty acids or oils in the presence of a low HLB value surfactant to give a stable, mineral oil-soluble product. Mineral oil containing the borate can be used as a cutting fluid.

Abstract: A method of preserving timber from decay liable to arise in the presence of moisture, e.g. in railway sleepers, comprises forming cavities in the timber at appropriate points and inserting in each cavity a plug which has been fused into a monolithic element consisting of a water-soluble wood preservative such as boric oxide; the wood preservative diffuses into the timber from the plug, to establish a zone protected from decay, more slowly from a fused than from a compacted plug.

Abstract: a non-halogenated polymer such as polystyrene, polyesters, polymono-olefins or ABS resins is made fire retardant by a low loading combination of a halogenated hydrocarbon fire retardant, zinc borate and a metal soap. The halogenated hydrocarbon preferably contains bromine or a combination thereof with chlorine. Suitable zinc borates are the hydrated zinc borates well known in the art. Metal soaps are preferably those of the metals calcium, zinc, aluminum, barium, cadmium and combinations thereof.Both synergistic fire retardancy and lower smoke emission are exhibited as compared to compositions excluding the metal soap.