Applications

In the curing process for natural rubber and most types of synthetic rubbers, the chemical reactivity of Zinc Oxide is utilized to activate the organic accelerator. Adequate levels of Zinc Oxide contribute markedly to chemical reinforcement, scorch control, and resistance to heat-aging and compression fatigue.

In high-voltage wire and cable insulation, Zinc Oxide improves the resistance to corona effects by its dielectric strength, and at elevated operating temperatures it contributes to maintenance of the physical properties of the rubber compound by neutralization of acidic decomposition products.

Zinc Oxide is useful in the preservation of plantation latex as it reacts with the enzyme responsible for the decomposition. The oxide is also a fungistat, inhibiting the growth of such fungi as mold and mildew. This property makes it invaluable in agricultural fungicide formulations.

Zinc Oxide is mainly used in zinc soap, ointments, dental analysis, food powders etc. It forms an indispensable element of the production process of the pharmaceutical industry. Its antiseptic, soothing, and UV-protective properties make it widely used in dermatological formulations and sunscreens.

The properties imparted by Zinc Oxide to some of the newer applications include electronic glass, low-melting glass for metal-to-glass seals, thermistors for use as lightning arresters, and devitrified glasses of low thermal expansion. It acts as a flux and modifies thermal expansion characteristics.

Zinc Oxide exhibits strong fungistatic properties and is used in the formulation of agricultural fungicides to protect crops from fungal diseases. It is also used in industrial coatings and rubber products to prevent mildew and fungal growth in humid environments.

Zinc Oxide is a key ingredient in paints and protective coatings. It provides whiteness, UV absorption, anti-corrosion protection, and mildew resistance. Its refractive index makes it an effective opacifying pigment. It is also used as a reinforcing and stabilizing agent in various coating systems.

Zinc compounds can provide a variety of properties in the plastics field. Heat resistance and mechanical strength are imparted to acrylic composites by Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide contributes to the formation and cure of epoxide resin, and imparts fire-resistant properties to nylon fibers and moldings.

Zinc Oxide provides reinforcement in natural rubber and in some synthetic elastomers such as polysulfides and chloroprenes. The degree of reinforcement appears to depend upon a combination of particle size of the oxide — the finest size being the most effective — and the reactivity of the oxide with the rubber.