Boron's principal use is in the production of borosilicate glasses, which can be subjected to rapid heating and cooling without cracking. Pyrex glassware contains boron, and is widely used in kitchens and laboratories. An excellent absorber of neutrons, boron-10 is used in nuclear reactor control rods, which regulate the neutrons needed for chain reactions. Strong, lightweight boron-containing materials are used in tennis racquets and golf club shafts.
Aluminium alloys, being strong, light and resistant to corrosion, are used extensively. They are employed in aeroplanes and motor vehicles, road signs and cooking utensils, kitchen foils and drinks cans. Aluminium is also used as a building material (window frames, roofs) and its electrical conductivity allows the metal's deployment in overhead power cables.
None of the other members of group 13 are produced on such a scale as is aluminium. Both gallium and indium possess semiconductor properties, and are used in the electronics industry, and the low melting points of these two metals also makes them of use in solders. Indium, like boron, is a good absorber of neutrons, and is used in control rods for nuclear reactors.
Thallium has very few uses. Its toxic sulphate is sometimes used as a rat poison and insecticide, but is generally considered to be extremely dangerous, and is now widely banned.
