Rubber Industry

The major application of zinc oxide is in the Rubber industry. Zinc oxide along with stearic acid activates the sulfur cross-linking of rubber. In addition it provides pigmentary properties which enhance the ability to absorb frictional heat an important property in tire performance. Essentially all rubber goods contain zinc oxide.

French process zinc oxide, made from metallic zinc, is preferred for rubber uses. The major reason for this is that the purity and physical characteristics can be controlled within close limits.

The important properties of zinc oxide that are relevant to rubber are:

  • Low oversize – to prevent point defects in the compound.
  • Particle size – to provide the required level of reactivity. Note particle size is usually expressed as the inverse measurement, surface area.
  • Purity – Some elements, for example manganese, are detrimental to rubber curing at very low levels.
  • Soluble salts – Soluble salts would be expected to reduce the resistance of rubber to degradation.

Latex rubber products are often formulated with very fine zinc oxide known as Active grades which have low levels of opacity.

Ceramic and Glass Compositions

In ceramic glazes, Zinc oxide is the standard ingredient. It is the part of frit formulation from which the glaze is derived. Zinc oxide reduces the melt temperature of the glaze, thereby reducing the energy and equipment requirements. It also allows other pigments to develop stronger intrinsic colors.

Zinc oxide is also required for heat resistant glass and cookware as well as specialty glass applications such as photochromic lenses.

Sulfur / Hydrogen Sulfide Absorbent

Zinc oxide used to desulfurize liquid and gas streams. Zinc oxide is able to absorb SOx and H2S.

Micronutrient in Animal Feed & Crop fertilizers

Zinc compounds form major pathways in the body’s metabolism of all living organisms. Given that animals are either farmed or cared for by humans, the intake of vital ingredients, including zinc is controlled. The product requirements for animal feed applications are significantly different to most other uses. As the zinc oxide is formulated with many other ingredients into custom mixes, it is essential that it can be accurately metered. The zinc oxide grades used in this application are of separate process and of very high bulk density and flow very readily.

Zinc oxide is used along with sulfur as fertilizer for getting controlled release zinc and sulfur to the soil. Sulfur will be converted to sulfuric acid slowly by the bacterial activity in soil; and the acid thus formed will react with zinc oxide to form soluble zinc sulfate.

Polymer

In polymer formulations, zinc oxide is used to neutralize the acid contents in the resins.

Paint

Zinc oxide is used different paint formulations as ‘Ant-Fungal agent’ and also in ship’s antifouling paint compositions.

Pharmaceutical

Zinc oxide is mildly antiseptic. It is sufficiently active to protect skin from infections without inducing an adverse reaction. Consequently it is used in powders, creams and ointments, particularly for babies. This application of zinc oxide is one of the more well known uses of zinc.

Zinc oxide is also a very effective sunscreen due to its ability to strongly absorb ultra violet light. Ultra violet light is responsible for sunburn and skin disorders.

Catalysts

Zinc oxide is used to catalyze organic reactions such as dehydrogenation.

Varistors

Varistors are a zinc oxide composition that has the ability to change its electrical resistance depending on the applied voltage. Commercially this is of great value because it is the basis of protection devices for electrical components. It consists of ceramic blocks of zinc oxide that have been sintered along with small quantities of other metals such that there are defined grain boundaries between crystals. Depending on the formulation, the varistor’s electrical characteristics can be controlled for certain applications. The varistor is connected from the circuit to an earth connection. If a voltage spike occurs, the varistor conducts the excess voltage to earth. This device has an extremely rapid response time. Small varistors are used extensively in electrical circuitry, much larger ones are used to protect the high power grid systems from both terrestrial and solar storms.

Ferrites

Although zinc oxide is not magnetic, it is an integral part of iron oxide/nickel oxide ferrite compositions. A range of ferrite materials for different applications can be made, depending on the formulation.

Lubricating Oil Additive

Engine lubricating oils contain a package of ingredients that are essential in providing the performance, protection and serviceability. One of these additives is zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate, ZDDP. This group of additives were developed with the growth of the Automobile Industry. These products are formed by the reaction of zinc oxide with the dialkyl dithio phosphoric acid intermediate.

Fire Retardants

Zinc oxide is an ingredient of fire retardant compounds. Zinc borate, formed by the reaction of zinc oxide and boric acid, is used extensively in plastics.

Phosphate Coatings & Pigments

Zinc phosphate coatings, formed by reaction of zinc oxide and phosphoric acid, are an essential component of anti corrosive paint systems. Zinc phosphate pre-paint coatings are applied to bare metal or galvanized surfaces, prior to paint application. Zinc phosphate pigment is also used in anticorrosive paints.

Organic Zinc Salts

Zinc salts of fatty acids are usually made by direct reaction of zinc oxide with the acid. Zinc stearate is used in the Rubber, PVC and Pharmaceutical Industries. Zinc naphthenate is used as a wood preservative. Acrylate compounds are also used in elastomers, for example the diacrylate is used in golf balls. Zinc monomethacrylate also activates rubber curing. Zinc oxide is also used in pharmaceutical care products such as zinc bacitracin and zinc pyrithione. It is also used medicines such as zinc gluconate.

To ensure the various customer requirements, we produce Zinc oxide in different grades based on the parameters like ZnO percentage, Impurity level, Surface area, etc. Details of various grades are mentioned below. Also other grades of zinc oxide could be offered based on specific request for customers.

Product / Grades Offered: