Zinc Oxide (99.7%) - China

Brief Overview

Zinc oxide, represented by the chemical formula ZnO, is an inorganic compound appearing as a white, water-insoluble powder. Its versatile applications span various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, antiseptics, soaps, ointments, animal feed, zinc-derived chemicals, matches, paints, pigments, ceramics, adhesives, plastics, and rubber tire additives. Despite its natural occurrence as zincite in the earth's crust, commercially utilized zinc oxide is predominantly synthetic.

Manufacturing Process

Different grades of zinc oxide are obtainable through the electrolytic zinc process from approved suppliers. In the French Process for zinc oxide production, zinc undergoes controlled melting, vaporization, and oxidation to achieve particle sizes specific to distinct grades. After the cooling process, the zinc oxide is collected, sampled, and analyzed to ensure adherence to grade specifications. The incorporation of statistical process control and quality assurance techniques ensures purity, consistency, and uniform particle size, establishing a link between the quality assurance laboratory, production, and sales departments through an information system.

Rubber and Plastic Compounds

Zinc oxide plays a pivotal role in rubber and latex compounds, functioning as an activator during curing and vulcanization, imparting durability, and enhancing abrasion resistance. It serves as a reinforcing agent and protects rubber and plastics, especially outdoor weathering polypropylenes, from harmful UV rays. Additionally, it improves heat resistance in various rubber and plastics compounds.

Specialty Chemicals

Zinc dispersions are crucial in rubber vulcanization, and zinc salts contribute to plastics production. Zinc borate and zinc chlorides act as flame-retardants, while zinc diacrylate is vital in manufacturing golf balls. In anti-corrosion materials like zinc chromate and anti-wear additives such as zinc dithiophosphates for the lubricant industry, zinc oxide plays a contributing role. Dissolving zinc oxide in phosphoric acid is utilized in the coating and metal priming industry, and in sulfuric acid for electroplating.

Paints and Coatings

Zinc oxide finds application in both water and solvent-based formulations, acting as a pigment and brightener. It absorbs UV rays, prolonging color retention, and effectively inhibits fungi, mildew, and mold.

Ceramics and Glass

In glaze production, zinc oxide serves as an opacifier or whitener, enhancing resistance to thermal and mechanical shock, particularly in glass due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion. In the frit industry, zinc oxide enhances color and clarity, and its high refractive index makes it an ideal raw material for optical glass manufacturing. Industries producing varistors and ferrites use zinc oxide to create ceramic components offering protection against lightning and voltage surges.

Pharmaceutical and Food

USP Zinc Oxide plays a role in formulating lotions, sunscreens, and creams for diaper rash prevention. Cosmetic manufacturers utilize zinc oxide as a UV absorber, and it is a crucial component in dietary supplements and the production of zinc gluconate, commonly found in cold prevention lozenges.

Micro Nutrients

Zinc oxide functions as an essential micronutrient in feed mixes, promoting proper animal growth. It is employed in soil fertilizer manufacturing, where zinc supplements have demonstrated an increase in crop yields and contribute to enzyme systems regulating plant growth.